HAYESFIELD SIXTH FORM

HAYESFIELD SIXTH FORM Name..

Dear Student and Parent/Guardian I would like to take this time to welcome you to the CTEC Technical Performing Arts Course at Hayesfield Sixth Form. I am excited about this course and look forward to working with each of you. The course isn t just about gaining a qualification; it s about being able to work safety in a theatre and finishing the course with a strong foundation of skills and contacts. Only your selfdrive and extra commitment to outside events will provide this. There is an expectation that all the students, taking this course, work on various outside productions and events each year. Just turning up to class will not be sufficient and students will also be expected to complete coursework, reading and research outside of lessons and meet the deadlines set by the teacher. I will be publishing a list of productions and events that I m either involved in or know of others involved in on google calendar, where students can sign up and help in the various areas required for their assignments. Throughout the year the Technical Performing Arts students will be expected to support and run the technical aspects of the various productions and events the school puts on in the Roper Theatre, and this is an ideal way of building up skills in a more familiar environment. The last page of this booklet is the individual student contract, which must be returned to me, signed by both the parent, and student. This gives me a written confirmation that both the parent and student have read this handbook and understand the procedures and rules, and will abide by them. So please read each page of the handbook carefully before signing the contract. Once again let me welcome you to the exciting world of Technical Theatre, it s going to be an exciting year! Adrian Cottle Technical Performing Arts 1 P a g e

Objective: Students focus on developing the basic tools and procedures for creating elements of technical theatre as listed below. Technical knowledge of safety procedures and demonstrated safe operation of theatre equipment are central to success in this course. Students will be required to attend or participate in technical work, rehearsals, and/or performances beyond the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. Course Description: Technical Theatre class will introduce the first year technician to the areas of stagecraft and theatrical production. You will climb ladders and other access equipment, lift scenery and technical equipment, build, paint, work online, research, and handle very expensive equipment in and outside of the class. The theatre elements to which you will be introduced will include, but are not limited to: Rules: Stage elements Stage properties (props) Crews/Assignments Theatre appreciation Costumes/Makeup Sound Engineering/Recording Lights and Lighting Design Fly System/Safety Box Office/Ticket Sales Stage Management Scene Design Publicity Be Prepared Be polite and helpful Be committed Be punctual and smart Be Safe Be Clean Requirements: Class Participation (Classwork can be hands on, design work or written) After School productions and other theatre events Purchase and maintain a ring binder with 5 tab dividers and bring it to your lessons each week. Containing: A print out of the handbook and other course information. Tab 1: Your personal calendar and diary of events you have worked on. Tab 2: Skills audit. Including photos and detailed notes as evidence. Tab 3: Classroom notes and handouts. Tab 4: Assignments. Tab 5: Anything else you need to keep notes on. 2 P a g e

During all lessons: You must have a pair of closed toe shoes available at all times! Ladies it is not wise to wear skirts in the theatre. All equipment and personnel are to be treated with respect. Negative and indifferent attitudes will not be allowed to touch ANYTHING in the theatre!!! Events and Productions You will need to be professional in all the events that you take part in which will also help you build up trust and contacts for future work. The last thing you need is a director worrying there their lighting person is! 1. Arrive at least 60 minutes before showtime, wearing appropriate clothing. 2. Introduce yourself to the person for whom you are working. 3. Finalize setup for the event. 4. Be helpful and courteous during the event. 5. Cleanup after the event. The Technical team can often be the first in and last out of the theatre and will have spent the most amount of hours during a show in the actual theatre. How to do well during lessons. Attend all lessons and on time and be willing to get involved. If you attend class but are habitually ill prepared to participate in the discussions or are lethargic and lazy towards your work, it will adversely affect your grade and your relationship with the rest of the class. This class is all about being a team and being a family. If you are missing (whether physically or mentally) your team cannot function properly. Do well on any tests and attend the events and productions you sign up for. If you are having trouble, please talk with me. Theatre is a discipline that holds promptness as a virtue. Don t be late with anything! Theatre talks so positive and negative feedback gets around and you are representing the school at all these events. Show off. It s not enough that the light goes on in your brain; you have to demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and ideas. Demand perfection from yourself and don t settle for less. Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing. I would recommend black jeans or hardwearing trousers for theatre work, and these can then be worn on productions and events. There will also be an opportunity to purchase a black crew T-Shirt. 3 P a g e

Software. We will be using a range of software during the year which may be beneficial for you to you install on your own laptops. Please ensure that all equipment you use in the theatre is insured against breakages, theft etc. QLAB Mac Basic version is free. Used to cue sound effects, music and backing tracks for productions. http://figure53.com/qlab/ CSC Show Control Basic version is free. Similar to QLAB but for windows. http://www.orbitalsound.com/sales-show-control-csc.asp Capture Atlas Free student licence available which is just limited to certain light and other fixtures. http://www.capturesweden.com/download/studentedition.aspx JANDS Vista V2.3 Software used with the Vista lighting desk. Free to download and programme and can be used in the theatre with a USB dongle. http://jands.com/support-vista-v2/download/ Yamaha LS9 Studio Free and will allow programming and easier setting up of the digital sound desk in the control room. http://www.yamahaproaudio.com/global/en/downloads/ Yamaha LS9 Stagemix IPAD software which will allow control of the LS9 sound desk direct from the sound desk via wifi. 4 P a g e

Mini Assignments. Each of you will be required to produce a mini assignment, which will act as introductions to the main topics. These should all be about 500 words and should include photos, diagrams etc as well as written pieces. There could also demonstrate your personal understanding from previous productions combined with your own independent research. There are a few books available as reference books and of course lots of information on the internet. It s important to demonstrate your own knowledge and learning so copying and pasting is not permitted. The deadline for the 2 mini assignments is October half term. Failure to meet this deadline may mean you are unable to continue on the course. You can choose which order to do these but your teacher will ask to see progress on these during the coming weeks. Mini Assignment 1 The Role of the Stage Management team in theatre. The role of the Stage Manager, Assistant Stage Manager and Deputy Stage Manager in productions. You should be comparing the different roles and responsibilities the various levels of Stage Manager do in a production. This is often different to what is seen in smaller amateur productions. Mini Assignment 2 Lighting and basic rigging. You should include pictures and notes to cover at least the following: Lighting Desks Manual, Programmable and Computer controlled. DMX and Dimmer Racks. The main types of lights Par, Fresnel, Profile, Flood and LED lighting. You will have to record the skills you will learn in the first few weeks which will include some basic rigging, de-rigging and changing of lamps. 5 P a g e

Main Assignments The course is made up of 6 assignments, 3 each year. Each assignment will have its own brief and paperwork. The 3 assignments you will be covering in year 12 are as follows: Assignment 1: Professional Practice in Performing Arts. DEADLINE: Christmas 2016 The task is for learners to produce and maintain a Professional Development Portfolio (PDP). This portfolio will be structured around your chosen vocational area, responding to the specific needs, demands and contexts of the area and will include a report using the following headings: The UK Creative and Performing Arts Industries Working Freelance in the Arts Contracts and Conditions of Service. This will be supported by a presentation and Q&A to the rest of the class. Assignment 2: Community Arts Project, DEADLINE: TBC but around February 2017. Carry out a community arts project at the Roper Theatre involving a local primary school. You will meet with the client as a team and discuss their requirements for their production. You will then decide on roles and deliver the project covering all technical aspects of the show from lighting, sound and backstage. The project will cover: 1. Understanding community arts projects 2. Know how to develop a community arts project 3. Be able to take part in a community arts project 4. Evaluate a community arts project. 6 P a g e

Assignment 3: Skills Audit. DEADLINE: July 1 st 2017 You should use the skills audit below as a guide for this, adding to and keeping this up to date. assignments and will need to be updated on a termly or even weekly basis. You should be taking photos and documenting every new skill you learn in the theatre so this can form your skills audit portfolio, from wiring plugs, lighting, sound, set design etc. Skills Date Date Date Date Date Date Coiling Rope and Cable Changing Lamps Maintenance of Fixtures DMX Programming Lighting Desks Dimmer Racks, including Hot Power Load Bearing on bars Wattage / Power Calculations Ladder and Telescope useage Different lighting techniques Using the sound desk Setting up radio and other mics Using QLAB Professionalism in theatre Using the Yamaha software Intelligent fixtures Rigging lighting Measuring and modelling the Roper Theatre Measuring and modelling the Drama Studio Budgeting a production Event Management Plotting Lighting First Aid Calling a show Setting up stage foldback 7 P a g e

Theatre Key Words: Above Amp AMP ASM Auditorium Backcloth Backlight Backstage Band Call Bar Barn Door Below Blocking Build Cans Control Room Decibel Dimmer Downstage DSM Fader Feedback Fit up Flash up Flies Floods To move upstage Shortened version of Amplifier for sound Measure of current in electricity Assistant Stage Manager Where the audience sit in a theatre. A cloth flown behind scenery Light which illuminates from behind Part of the theatre which is behind the stage Call for the orchestra or band Metal bar used for hanging lanterns or scenery Used to shutter light from a lantern To move downstage Recording or teaching of movement on stage To increase light or sound levels Theatre communication devices Where the lighting and sound is controlled from db the measurement of sound The device that normally receives DMX and controls the brightness of the lanterns Area of the stage nearest the audience Deputy Stage Manager Means of controlling the level of sound or lighting. Noise the sound system makes when the mic picks up its own signal from the speaker Installation of Scenery / lighting / sound etc Means of testing the rig and lanterns. Area above stage where scenery is flown in Lanterns with no lens 8 P a g e

Foldback Floatmics Focus Follow Spot Fresnel Gaffer Tape Gauze Gel Get in Get out Green Room Gobo Halogen House House lighting Iron In the round Lamp Lantern Mask Masking Multicore Offstage Overture PA system Pan Par Can Preset The sound sent to the performer on stage Microphones put along the front of the stage Adjustment of lights, including position and sharpness Manually operated light which is used to follow an actor Spotlight with a Fresnel lens Strong tape used in the theatre A type of cloth which can, with correct lighting, can be seen though Colour film used to put in front of lights Setting up and getting ready for a production Clearing away and uninstalling a production Cast and Crew relaxation space Metal or glass slide which is put inside a profile to project an image The gas contained inside a lamp The audience Lighting used to light the audience A metal curtain used in theatres as a fire break Where the audience are seating around the performance space Bulb inside of a lantern Stage light Hiding something form the audience, normally with a curtain Flats or cloths which are used to mask Cable containing lots of smaller cables to normally run sound Anything outside of the performance area Music played at the start of a show Public address system The sound system Moving a lighting from one position to another A type of lantern containing a fixed beam lamp Position of scenery ready for the start of a show 9 P a g e

Profile Spot Pyrotechnics Radio Mic Rake Rigging Run Run Through Shutter SM Spill Strike Tabs Tech Throw Truck Truss Upstage Lantern which can be focused to produce hard or sort light Flashes, bangs and other effects Personal wireless microphone Incline of the stage Fixing lighting, sound and scenery Number of performances in a production A rehearsal which runs through the show A device in a lantern used to shape the beam Stage Manager Unwanted light on stage To remove scenery from the stage Curtains Technical rehearsal The distance between a lantern and an object A platform with wheels Square section metal work used to build stage frames or hang scenery and lanterns from The area furthest from the audience 10 P a g e

Abbreviations used in theatre with regard to H&S. LEEA BS EEA EFTA WLL Appliances Accessories HSAW LOLER SWL FOS MBL PUWER ACOP Lifting Equipment Engineers Association British Standard European Ecconic Area European Free Trade Association Working Load Limit Anything used to lift something Used with appliance but not actually doing the lifting. Health and Safety at Work Lifting Operation and Lifting Equipment Regulcations Safe Working Load Factor of Safety Minimum Breaking Load Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations Approved Code of Practice 11 P a g e

TECHNICAL THEATRE CONTRACT 2016 Entry. STUDENT NAME: Dear Parent/Guardian: Because of the safety risks involved and the trust I will need to put in your son/daughter, I need you both to read the following contract carefully, sign it and return it to me by return. Your child s safety is my NUMBER ONE concern. I hope that you will come and support the events that your child is involved in and you are welcome, by arrangement, to have a look backstage after the event. As a Hayesfield Sixth Form student on the CTEC Technical Performing Arts class, I agree to follow the rules as listed below. 1 Horseplay is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Any behavior that jeopardizes the safety or well being of other students will result in a warning and phone call home. 2 Theft or intentional damage of any property will not be tolerated. Parents are responsible for paying the reasonable replacement value of such items including equipment. 3 Absolutely no food or gum is allowed in the Theatre. 4 I understand that I will have access to the control room and will not allow others access without permission from a teacher. I will treat all the equipment in the control room with and ensure it is tidy after use. respect 5 All set work will be submitted to the teacher before any main or interim deadlines. 6 As the course in a non-exam course I will be expected in lessons during any study leave unless I am in exams. Students will be given a variety of tasks UNDER ADULT SUPERVISION once they ve proven proficiency in these tasks. These are: Climbing the ladder Climbing the Telescope Pulling tabs and ropes, Hanging lights on a lighting bar Setting up staging and scenery Loading/unloading equipment This is the bulk of the curriculum for this class by signing below, you are ALLOWING your son/daughter to participate in the Technical Performing Arts classes. I have read and understood the above and know that I will become part of a skilled team responsible for maintaining the integrity and quality of the Hayesfield Performing Arts. Student Signature Date Parent Signature Date 12 P a g e