Fit wireless equipment to performers for theatre and live productions
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:
- clarify and agree requirements for wireless equipment
- check that wireless equipment is complete, safe, in working order and conforms to specification
- position and connect aerials to optimise radio frequency pick-up and minimise the likelihood of dead spots
- check that the condition of batteries is sufficient for the intended length of use
- identify and deal with any faults, failures and defects in the equipment
- comply with relevant radio frequency licensing requirements at all times
- check that component parts of equipment are present, safe, hygienic and in working order
- explain to performers the arrangements for fitting, drawing their attention to items which may screen or otherwise affect transmission
- 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
- make sure equipment is safe, secure, unobtrusive and comfortable for performers
- position equipment to optimise equipment performance, paying particular attention to microphone, cable and aerial placement
- remove or adjust personal items that may interfere with transmission to minimise their effect
- seek advice from the costume department and wigs, hair and make-up specialists about fitting problems caused by a performer’s clothing or hair
- take immediate action to minimise disruption to performance in the event of equipment malfunction
- remove, clean and leave equipment in a suitable condition for reuse
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- who to contact to identify the requirements to be met
- the factors to consider when positioning aerials for a live show
- the importance of checking equipment to confirm that it complies with legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice
- how to determine the audio input sensitivity needed
- basic principles of RF transmission systems
- common indicators of faults, failures and defects and how to deal with them
- basic principles of in-ear monitoring
- awareness of health and safety concerns regarding RF transmissions
- health and safety concerns regarding the use of in-ear monitors
- statutory and procedural requirements for safety in different venues
- where to fit equipment so that it does not impede performer movement yet provides optimum equipment performance
- the characteristics of RF transmission systems and how to optimise their operation for the performer
- how to hide equipment in hair and clothing
- who to contact when a performer’s clothing makes fitting difficult
- how to treat performers courteously
- how to explain technical issues to a non-technical person
- how to ensure that items of equipment worn by a performer are hygienically clean
- why it is important to leave equipment in good working order after use