Theatre Technical Staff

Job overview
Theatre technical staff's responsibilities include all the technical aspects of a stage production. This includes decor, sound, make-up, lighting, costume construction and theatre props.

What do people do in these jobs?

• Stage managers are responsible for all aspects of a production and are in charge of the stage staff.

They must ensure that dancers, actors and the orchestra are present and appear on stage as scheduled. They also organise the decor changes during acts.

• Lighting technicians install and operate the lighting apparatus, following the specifications of lighting designers. The skillful handling of lighting equipment can accomplish special effects.

Lighting technicians must have an artistic aptitude to create the perfect lighting effect for every performance.

• Sound technicians install equipment such as microphones, speakers and amplifiers. They must be aware of the acoustics, adjust sound volumes and prevent echoing.

They make recordings of sounds e.g. car engines, horses' hooves, a musical instrument being played, or a mixture of these, which are to be used in performances.

Such recordings must be precise and played back at the right moment during a play.

• Property masters are in charge of all articles used on stage during a production forming part of a set, e.g. eating utensils, weapons, pillows, candles, ornaments and portraits.

Property masters make, purchase or otherwise acquire all the props needed for a production. Research is a very important component of their job, because articles used in a production must be historically correct.

• Mechanics are responsible for operating and moving technical equipment and stage machinery. They must be reliable since the lives of the actors can be endangered if apparatus is not managed carefully.

They must therefore be trained and certified by competent trainers and safety officers.

• Scene-painters paint the decor according to the specifications of the designers. They must be practised in painting techniques and materials and be able to make reliable replicas of items.

• Costumers make all the costumes used during productions. Research about materials and costumes from the different historical periods is essential.

• Make-up artists must be able to apply makeup according to the designs given to them and according to the character each actor represents, for example, a clown or an old man.

They must have a good knowledge of the various make-up techniques, materials and the historical era in which the production is taking place.

Prospective make-up artists also receive training in hairdressing and the different hair-styles.

In general, theatre technical staff of all kinds must be prepared to work long and irregular hours. They must also be willing to travel since a theatre production is often taken on tour.

What kinds of people are suitable for these careers?
Theatre technical staff must all have experience and aptitude in their particular field.
They should be dexterous, hard working and able to function under pressure and adjust to changing circumstances.

As they are part of a team, good interpersonal skills are called for.

What qualifications are needed?
Qualifications will vary, according to the particular job.