Fit wireless equipment to performers for theatre and live productions

URN: SKSTTL14
Business Sectors (Suites): Theatre and Live Productions – Technical
Developed by: ScreenSkills
Approved on: 2025

Overview

This standard is about fitting wireless equipment to performers. You will need to clarify and agree the requirements for wireless equipment and ensure that the equipment is in safe working order. Compatible frequencies must be used for each item of equipment and transmitters and receivers set up with appropriate input and sensitivity for the anticipated use.

You must always respect performers’ sensitivities to body contact when fitting equipment. You will be required to see advice from the costume department and wigs, hair and make up specialists if any fitting problems arise caused by performer’s hair or clothing.

This standard is for anyone who fits wireless equipment to performers for theatre and live productions.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. clarify and agree requirements for wireless equipment
  2. check that wireless equipment is complete, safe, in working order and conforms to specification
  3. position and connect aerials to optimise radio frequency pick-up and minimise the likelihood of dead spots
  4. check that the condition of batteries is sufficient for the intended length of use
  5. identify and deal with any faults, failures and defects in the equipment
  6. comply with relevant radio frequency licensing requirements at all times
  7. check that component parts of equipment are present, safe, hygienic and in working order
  8. explain to performers the arrangements for fitting, drawing their attention to items which may screen or otherwise affect transmission
  9. fit equipment in a manner that respects performers’ sensitivities to body contact, and to the use of equipment in line with legal and organisational requirements
  10. make sure equipment is safe, secure, unobtrusive and comfortable for performers
  11. position equipment to optimise equipment performance, paying particular attention to microphone, cable and aerial placement
  12. remove or adjust personal items that may interfere with transmission to minimise their effect
  13. seek advice from the costume department and wigs, hair and make-up specialists about fitting problems caused by a performer’s clothing or hair
  14. take immediate action to minimise disruption to performance in the event of equipment malfunction
  15. remove, clean and leave equipment in a suitable condition for reuse

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. who to contact to identify the requirements to be met
  2. the factors to consider when positioning aerials for a live show
  3. the importance of checking equipment to confirm that it complies with legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice
  4. how to determine the audio input sensitivity needed
  5. basic principles of RF transmission systems
  6. common indicators of faults, failures and defects and how to deal with them
  7. basic principles of in-ear monitoring
  8. awareness of health and safety concerns regarding RF transmissions
  9. health and safety concerns regarding the use of in-ear monitors
  10. statutory and procedural requirements for safety in different venues
  11. where to fit equipment so that it does not impede performer movement yet provides optimum equipment performance
  12. the characteristics of RF transmission systems and how to optimise their operation for the performer
  13. how to hide equipment in hair and clothing
  14. who to contact when a performer’s clothing makes fitting difficult
  15. how to treat performers courteously
  16. how to explain technical issues to a non-technical person
  17. how to ensure that items of equipment worn by a performer are hygienically clean
  18. why it is important to leave equipment in good working order after use

Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

2028

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

ScreenSkills

Original URN

CCSTTL31

Relevant Occupations

Technician, Assistant Technician , Technical Supervisor , Technical Manager, Head Technician, Theatre Technician, Stage Technician, Production Technician, Technician Crew , Sound Technician, AV Technician

SOC Code


Keywords

fit; wireless equipment; performers; theatre and live productions;