Arts & EntertainmentISCO 3435
Theatre technician
Theatre technicians execute all technical tasks to support live performances. They build and break down stages and decors, install and operate sound, light, recording and video equipment and organise the transport of decors and technical equipment for performances on displacement.
Check yourself in a minute: theatre technician
Rate 5 of the 25 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
draw up artistic production
operate follow spots
follow time cues
set up technical stage equipment
draw up lighting plan
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (25)
draw up artistic productiondraw up artistic productionFile and document a production in all its phases right after the performance period so that it can be reproduced and all relevant information remains accessible.operate follow spotsoperate follow spotsOperate follow spots during a live performance based on visual cues or documentation.follow time cuesfollow time cuesObserve the conductor, orchestra or director and follow text and vocal score to time cues accurately.set up technical stage equipmentset up technical stage equipmentInstall mechanical and technical stage equipment. Test the installation to make sure everything is in working order.draw up lighting plandraw up lighting planCreate technical drawings and documentation within the lighting department.distribute control signalsdistribute control signalsDistribute control signals between light boards, dimmers and other lighting equipment. Control systems can be either DMX or network based.prepare sound equipment on stageprepare sound equipment on stageSet up, rig, connect, test and tune audio equipment on stage.operate stage movement control systemoperate stage movement control systemOperate control systems for stage movement, e.g. flying mechanisms. Use manual or electric systems.coordinate audio system programmescoordinate audio system programmesCoordinate the requirements, integration, and installation of audio control system programs.de-rig electronic equipmentde-rig electronic equipmentRemove and store various types of electronic equipment safely after use.identify technical resources for performancesidentify technical resources for performancesIdentify the technical equipment required for rehearsals and performances and the necessary production elements such as sets, props and costumes.install lightinginstall lightingSet up, connect and test lighting equipment in a live performance environment.operate an audio mixing consoleoperate an audio mixing consoleOperate an audio mixing system during rehearsals or during live performances.assemble performance equipmentassemble performance equipmentSet up sound, light and video equipment on stage before performance event according to specifications.assemble the rehearsal setassemble the rehearsal setPut together all prepared scenic elements to prepare the rehearsal set.operate dimmer equipmentoperate dimmer equipmentSet up, connect and operate dimmer equipment (with plug and socket) in a live performance environment.adjust projectoradjust projectorAdjust the controls of projection equipment to obtain a clear and well-positioned image.assemble scenic elements on stageassemble scenic elements on stageAssemble scenic elements, dance and stage floors and stage cloths, based on written documents.dismantle the rehearsal setdismantle the rehearsal setTake apart all prepared scenic elements after the rehearsal.handle scenic elements during rehearsalhandle scenic elements during rehearsalHandle and assemble equipment and scenery material during rehearsal or on stage.modify scenic elements during performancemodify scenic elements during performanceChange-over of scenic elements during performance, and follow the relevant documentation during performance.set up follow spotsset up follow spotsSet up and test follow spots in different types of locations.assemble truss constructionsassemble truss constructionsUse trusses, metal structures that derive strength from their construction involving triangular shapes, to construct stages for performances.set up equipment in a timely mannerset up equipment in a timely mannerMake sure to set up equipment according to deadlines and time schedules.focus lighting equipmentfocus lighting equipmentFocus already installed conventional lighting equipment, based on directions and information from somebody on the floor.
Optional (38) — show
manage technical resources stockmanage technical resources stockManage and monitor technical resources stock to ensure that production demands and deadlines can be met at all times.understand artistic conceptsunderstand artistic conceptsInterpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.draw stage layoutsdraw stage layoutsManual drawing or sketching of stage layouts.focus stage lightsfocus stage lightsFocus, direct, adjust and tune stage lights, either alone or leading a group. Coordinate with the team to determine the optimal lighting.safeguard artistic quality of performancesafeguard artistic quality of performanceObserve the show, anticipate and react to possible technical problems, ensuring optimal artistic quality.develop drama production processdevelop drama production processHave and develop a thorough understanding of the dramatic production process.write risk assessment on performing arts productionwrite risk assessment on performing arts productionAssess risks, propose improvements and describe measures to be taken on a production level in performing arts.support audio system installationsupport audio system installationSupport the on-site installation efforts of the team. Troubleshoot and debug audio systems.assess power needsassess power needsPrepare and manage the provision of electrical power for different areas.perform quality control of design during a runperform quality control of design during a runControl and ensure the quality of design results during a run.communicate during showcommunicate during showCommunicate efficiently with other professionals during a live performance show, anticipating any possible malfunctioning.adapt artistic plan to locationadapt artistic plan to locationAdjust plans to other locations with regards to the artistic concept.work safely with machineswork safely with machinesCheck and safely operate machines and equipment required for your work according to manuals and instructions.prevent technical problems with stage equipmentprevent technical problems with stage equipmentAnticipate possible problems with mechanical and electromechanical stage equipment.prevent technical problems with lighting equipmentprevent technical problems with lighting equipmentAnticipate possible technical problems with lighting equipment.adapt to artists' creative demandsadapt to artists' creative demandsWork with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.prevent fire in a performance environmentprevent fire in a performance environmentTake steps to prevent fire in a performance environment. Make sure the space complies with fire safety rules, with sprinklers and fire extinguishers installed where necessary. Make sure staff are awar...technically design a sound systemtechnically design a sound systemSet up, test and operate a complex audio system, based on a given sound concept. This could be a permanent as well as a temporary installation.advise client on technical possibilitiesadvise client on technical possibilitiesRecommend technical solutions, including systems, to the client within the framework of a project.coordinate pre-show checkscoordinate pre-show checksCoordinate the final checks before a performance in order to ensure a safe, optimal functioning environment that is fully ready to start the show.translate artistic concepts to technical designstranslate artistic concepts to technical designsCooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.adapt designers’ work to the performance venueadapt designers’ work to the performance venueReorient the work of performance collaborators, such as musicians, dancers, actors as well as artistic and technical collaborators, such as set designers, lighting operators and stage managers.support a designer in the developing processsupport a designer in the developing processSupport designers in the course of the developing process.coach staff for running the performancecoach staff for running the performanceGive instructions to all team members about how they should run the performance.organise resources for artistic productionorganise resources for artistic productionCoordinate human, material and capital resources within artistic productions, based on the given documentation e.g. scripts.manage personal professional developmentmanage personal professional developmentTake responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional developmen...prevent technical problems with scenic elementsprevent technical problems with scenic elementsAnticipate possible technical problems with scenic elements.operate a chain hoist control system for entertainmentoperate a chain hoist control system for entertainmentOperate a chain hoist control system for live stage performances.prepare the floor for performanceprepare the floor for performanceCheck the state of the floor, making sure that its absorption of impact, restitution of energy and adherence properties are adequate. Check the surface for cleanliness, any sharp edges, level differen...develop professional networkdevelop professional networkReach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up ...plan act lightingplan act lightingLay out the lighting of your act. Work together with technicians to make sure the lighting of your act conforms with the artistic vision.consult with stakeholders on implementation of a productionconsult with stakeholders on implementation of a productionConsult with different people and groups who hold a stake in the production. Be on the same page on the practical side of the production, and keep them up to date.mark the stage areamark the stage areaInterpret the designs and other scenic drawings to clearly mark the information from the ground plans to the stage area.maintain system layout for a productionmaintain system layout for a productionEstablish a workable layout for the system you manage and maintain it for the duration of a production.store performance equipmentstore performance equipmentDismantle sound, light and video equipment after a performance event and store in a safe place.ensure visual quality of the setensure visual quality of the setInspect and amend the scenery and set-dressing to make sure the visual quality is optimal with in constraints of time, budget and manpower.provide power distributionprovide power distributionProvide power distribution for light, stage, sound, video and recording purposes.follow safety procedures when working at heightsfollow safety procedures when working at heightsTake necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures...
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Frequently asked questions
What does a theatre technician do?
Theatre technicians execute all technical tasks to support live performances. They build and break down stages and decors, install and operate sound, light, recording and video equipment and organise the transport of decors and technical equipment for performances on displacement.
What skills does a theatre technician need?
A theatre technician needs 25 essential skills, including draw up artistic production, operate follow spots, follow time cues, set up technical stage equipment, draw up lighting plan.
Will AI replace theatre technician jobs?
The AI disruption score for theatre technician is 16/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: provide power distribution, manage technical resources stock, write risk assessment on performing arts production. Most resilient: dismantle the rehearsal set, follow time cues, assemble truss constructions.
AI Replacement Risk
16/ 100
Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
SectorArts & Entertainment
ISCO GroupLegal, social, cultural and related associate professionals
Essential Skills25
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