Apprenticeship training course
Creative venue technician (level 3)
Providing technical support for the construction, rehearsal, presentation and removal of a live performance.
- Qualification level
-
3
Equivalent to A level. - Typical duration
- 24 months
- Apprenticeship category
- Creative and design
- Maximum funding
-
£9,000
Maximum amount government will fund
for apprenticeship training. - Also known as
-
- Automation technician
- Lighting technician
- Sound technician
- Stage technician
- Theatre technician
- Venue technician
- Video technician
- Skills
-
Skills an apprentice will learn
- Be computer literate – in word processing, spreadsheets and digital control systems to thereby assist in communication, planning, monitoring and operation of production processes, building services and creative venue technologies e.g. email, drafting reports, supplying technical information and programming production control consoles.
- Comply with creative venue budgetary and financial management protocols.
- Communicate effectively with co-workers and manage work groups.
- Deal politely and respectfully with stakeholders, ranging from freelance, touring and venue staff to performers, community groups and the public.
- Diligently manage their own punctuality and working time as required by venue activities.
- Prepare risk assessments and method statements to help ensure safe planning and delivery of work processes in the venue.
- Prepare and interpret system specifications e.g. ground plans, lighting plans and design drawings.
- Prepare written information and reports e.g. cue sheets, post-performance reports, handover notes.
- Competently use safety and access equipment e.g. personal and fall protection equipment, ladders, access towers and tallescopes.
- Assemble and configure structures and systems from component parts to production specification - such as scenic and rigging structures, lighting, sound, power, dimming, amplification and control systems.
- Undertake fault-finding of components and systems e.g. eliminating feedback in a live audio system.
- Under direction – deploy, operate and maintain technical equipment e.g. lighting: select appropriate luminaires and accessories, test, rig, connect and focus to plan.
- Operate hand and power tools safely e.g. podger, adjustable spanner, drill driver and jigsaw.
- Programme and operate computerised control equipment e.g. lighting, sound and automation control desks.
- Set and change scenes in live performance – setting and striking scenic elements under ‘show conditions’.
- Undertake cueing and live operation e.g. operating a followspot to a show plot.
- Operate suspension systems e.g. manual hemp, single and double purchase counterweight and automated theatrical flying systems.
- As directed – inspect, maintain and monitor venue and production systems e.g. emergency lighting, re-lamping, first line repairs, rig-check.
- Diligently undertake stage crafts such as scenic construction, carpentry, metalwork, stage machinery, props, scene changes, knots and terminations.
Full information on Creative venue technician (level 3) is available from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.