Prepare and install stage electricals and effects for theatre and live productions
URN: SKSTTL16
Business Sectors (Suites): Theatre and Live Productions – Technical
Developed by: ScreenSkills
Approved on:
2025
Overview
This standard is about working with others to prepare and safely set up or install stage electricals and effects equipment and accessories in the correct position according to plans and instructions.
The effects equipment will need to be checked to ensure it works correctly and problems that need to be addressed will be identified. Effects to be used can include stage pyrotechnics.
This standard is for anyone involved with preparing stage electricals and effects for theatre and live productions.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- prepare working areas, tools and resources for effects set-up and installation
- set up effects to meet production requirements in line with legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice
- check effects are safe and secure in line with legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice during and after set up and installation
- conduct tests on protective and safety devices to confirm they operate as expected
- check and confirm there are sufficient circuits providing protection for electrical devices
- place stage electricals and effects according to plots
- connect effects to the correct supply, ensuring cables are tidy and discreet
- test special effects in line with approved procedures, adjusting them when required
- report problems in the safety or achievement of plots, suggesting solutions that are feasible and in keeping with design intentions
- put in place backup arrangements that will address likely problems during operation, following them when required
- make required alterations to stage electricals and effects without delay
- record clear and accurate alterations to existing plot records as agreed
- identify and deal with any faults or hazards in line with legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice
- explain safety devices and operation of effects to those involved
- check that positions and plots are correct for performances
- check that effects are ready for performances and secure from accidental operation
- confirm the readiness of equipment for performance with relevant people
- power equipment up and down in the correct order
- operate stage electricals and effects in line with safety requirements, cue and plot, aborting any cues where agreed safety criteria are not met
- check equipment and consumables are safe and secure after use and any debris is cleared away
- follow organisational procedures to label, replace and repair any equipment that is unsafe or not working as it should
- replace consumables in line with organisational procedures
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- the range of effects, including stage pyrotechnics that may be used
- stage terminology and its meanings including upstage, downstage, stage left and stage right
- how to interpret information about stage positioning and plot requirements
- the importance of placing effects, including pyrotechnics according to plot and how to do so
- risks associated with discharge light sources, strobes and UV light sources
- problems that may occur with the setting up and installing of effects and how to deal with them
- legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice regarding effects material and equipment, including use, handling, storage and disposal
- safe and secure methods to connect equipment
- the procedures to follow for testing special effects equipment
- the importance of backup procedures and how to set these up
- legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice concerning the use, installation and testing of effects equipment
- safe electrical bonding
- the importance of installing cables to minimise mechanical damage
- the importance of making sure temporary cables are of the correct size and type
- the correct protective devices to minimise the risk of shock or fire
- fault identification and the correct procedures to follow safe fault identification and correction
- the importance of making equipment and consumables safe and secure following installation
- legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice relating to all aspects of working with electricity and electrical equipment
- the importance of rehearsals and pre and post-performance checks
- the importance of backup procedures and how to set these up
- how to record alterations to existing plot records
- procedures for use, handling, storage and disposal of materials used in effects
- how to carry out repairs and replace consumables safely and sustainably in line with organisational procedures
- the importance of powering up and powering down in the correct order and how to do so
- situations in which you would abort cues
- how to label, replace and repair equipment in line with organisational procedures
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
CCSTTL21
Relevant Occupations
Technician, Assistant Technician , Technical Supervisor , Technical Manager, Head Technician, Theatre Technician, Stage Technician, Production Technician, Technician Crew
SOC Code
Keywords
prepare; install; stage electricals; effects; theatre and live productions;