LEVEL 4 TECHNICAL EVENTS MANAGEMENT
Lighting
I am currently fairly competent with generic lights, with some of the intelligent fixtures and one of the desks. But I do need more training on some of the intelligent fixtures and some of the desks, as well as with WYSIWYG. I would like to be improve those skills as that would allow me to get a job as a lighting technician.
A key skill for a lighting technician is understanding how different lights work and how to identify them. At the beginning of the year, I had a decent understanding of the 5 types of generic light fixtures and some of the moving lights that we use, but I was lacking an understanding of some of the lights. A few weeks in we had a group discussion about the types of generic lights, and I was reminder of a few facts that I had forgotten. In the middle of October, I decided to do some research on the colour blasts and the following week I did research on the 3K’s and the 3.5K’S. At the end of November, we got to use the Magic Panels and was able to learn how they work, how to control the light and started to learn how to control each pixel. My current goal is to get a better understanding of how to control the pixels.
Another skill required is to know how to operate across a multitude of desks. Over previous years I have learnt how to operate a Zero 88 Orb console and a ETC Ion. Out of those two consoles I prefer to work with the Orb because I have had more training and a better understand how to use it. At the beginning of November, I had a chance to use the Ion and got a better understanding of how to use it. Then at the end of November I was given a chance to use a new desk called the Ful Boar 4, also known as the Hog. The next week we got to use the Hog and we found an online tutorial on how to use the Hog by ETC’s YouTube channel because ETC bought the company that make the Hog. I am still not confident in my abilities with the Hog, but I intend to use the tutorials to improve my skills.
A more recent skill that is useful is being able to use software’s like WYSIWYG. WYSIWYG is a visual emulator that allows you to see your lighting design in your venue. In the first week we learnt how to make your venue, then we learnt how to add bars to your venue. The following week I was able to add fixtures to the plan and then I learnt how to use the library to add objects and people. Overall, I am making progress with WYSIWYG, but I still have lots to learn.
To get to the skills required for a lighting technician I will need to do more research on moving lights and desk operating from sources such as Varilite and Martin as they are the people who create the moving lights and desks which means that they have manuals and YouTube channels that teach people about their products. I also need to learn more about WYSIWYG from Youtube channels and by getting experience by using the software more.
Sound
I am confident in my knowledge pertaining to Mics & Speakers as well as how to operate Qlab, but I need more training on desks. If I could Improve my skills on the desks it would help me to be able to get a job as a sound technician.
One of the main skills of a sound technician is understanding how mics and speakers work and how to identify them. In the beginning of October, I did a refresher on speakers which improved my understanding of speakers. Then a couple of weeks I had to set up a variety of speakers around the theatre which allowed me to refamiliarize myself with how they work and how to set them up. At this point in time, I need to become better at telling the condenser and dynamic microphones apart.
Another important skill required for a sound technician is being able to use sound consoles. At the beginning of October, we had to set up a PA system with our analogue desk, which is my weakest desk, once we set up the desk, we had a discussion about how it works. The discussion helped but I am still not confident. Near the end of November, I was able to talk about the digital desk with some students who have learnt more about the desk, and they explained information about the desk that I had been having trouble with. I am still not confident with my skills regarding desks, but I plan on trying to find some tutorials on how to operate them.
Being able to use software like Qlab is also a skill that is often needed. In the second week back, I practiced setting up a Qlab session in a way that would work for our venue. Once I had I decided to upload a few soundtracks and edit them and layer them over each other to create a soundscape.
To improve my skills to the level required of a sound technician I need to go and find tutorials on how to operate desks from companies like Digico who have YouTube tutorials.
Management
In my opinion I am adept at scheduling, but I need more experience at script plotting and calling as well as more experience in a leadership role. If I am able to improve those skills that would make me qualified to be a Deputy Stage Manager (DSM).
An important skill for a DSM is scheduling as they are in charge of moving the progress of the show forward. In the first week of November, we worked on the production schedule for the diversity in diversity show and we discussed the best way to layout the document. During the discussion some ideas were tossed around that made me think of things in a different way.
Another key skill is being able to plot in a script and being able to call from a script. In the past I have plotted and called a show, but I hadn’t had a chance to practise for a while, so I found an old script and I practised plotting in it. In the future I need to do more practise plotting as I don’t feel confident in my abilities to do it at a professional level.
One of the most substantial skills needed is having the ability to lead as it is the DSM’s job to oversee multiple departments and lead them during a show. In the middle of November, during the Diversity in Diversity music show I was put in a leadership role overseeing the progress of the sound tech students, during which I was able to improve my skills, but I still felt myself looking for support. In the future I need to work on an event without someone there for support.
To improve the skills that are needed for the job of DSM I need to put myself in situations without backup and practise plotting scripts to keep my skills up to a better standard as well as find interviews with people who have experience in the job.
Legislation
I would like to learn more about safeguarding legislation because I do work outside of college with children so I have some experience with the legislation because the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (SVGA) 2006 and the Protection of Freedoms act 2012 lead to things such as DBS checks. I would like to learn more about the legislation because it would help me get a Chaperone license which is a good thing to have as theatre groups are always looking for help chaperoning their kids.