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Operate follow spot for theatre and live productions

URN: SKSTTL23
Business Sectors (Suites): Theatre and Live Productions – Technical
Developed by: ScreenSkills
Approved on: 2025

Overview

This standard is about operating a follow spot to meet production requirements. This could be during rehearsal or during a live performance. 
This standard covers operating follow spot according to cue and plot, in smooth continuous motions and dealing with any problems.
 
This standard is for anyone who operates a follow spot during rehearsal or productions for theatre and live productions.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. operate follow spot according to cue and plot in a way that supports artistic performance
  2. operate follow spot to required quality standards during performances
  3. operate follow spot in smooth, continuous motions in line with plot requirements
  4. use back up procedures to deal with problems during performance without causing disruption
  5. report problems and make suggestions for future performances
  6. replace faulty light sources in line with health and safety and handling requirements
  7. keep records of problems and actions

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. the importance of operating follow spots in a way that supports the artistic performance and how to do so
  2. the importance of consistency and how to achieve it
  3. follow spot operation and how to achieve the quality requirements specified
  4. likely problems that may occur during performance and how to deal with these whilst minimising disruption
  5. who to report problems to and when
  6. the importance of noting problems that have occurred and finding ways of avoiding these in future performances
  7. how to replace faulty light sources and the health and safety and handling requirements that must be followed, including the safe isolation of follow spots
  8. the importance of record keeping

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

CCSTTL45

Relevant Occupations

Technician, Assistant Technician , Technical Supervisor , Technical Manager, Head Technician, Theatre Technician, Stage Technician, Production Technician, Technician Crew , Lighting Technician

SOC Code

Keywords

operate follow spot; follow spot; theatre and live productions;