Operate visuals for theatre and live productions

URN: SKSTTL28
Business Sectors (Suites): Theatre and Live Productions – Technical
Developed by: ScreenSkills
Approved on: 2025

Overview

This standard is about operating visuals during live productions so that they meet production requirements.  Visuals could be, but are not restricted to, projections, holograms and videos. It covers your ability to carry out pre-performance checks, operate visuals and carry out post performance checks.

This standard is for anyone who operates visuals during theatre and live productions.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. check and confirm that all equipment for the performance is in place and is in safe working order
  2. carry out repairs and replace consumables following approved procedures and schedule
  3. confirm the readiness of equipment with the relevant people
  4. power up the equipment in the correct order and in good time for the performance
  5. provide consistency throughout the performance and with earlier performances
  6. operate visuals according to cue and plot in a way that supports the artistic performance
  7. deal with problems during the performance using backup procedures where possible
  8. note problems and suggest how these could be avoided in future performances
  9. carry out all operations without disrupting the performance
  10. abort cues when you consider the situation demands it
  11. power all equipment down in the correct order
  12. make equipment and consumables safe and secure in line with manufacturer’s instructions
  13. identify any equipment that is unsafe or not working correctly and follow legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice for labelling, replacement and repair

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. the importance of pre-performance checks
  2. how to check equipment for visuals to ensure they are in safe working order
  3. how to carry out repairs and replace consumables safely and following approved procedures
  4. how to annotate and follow a script or score including cue lines and visual cues.
  5. the meaning of common terms used for cues including ‘Standing By’ and ‘Go’ cues
  6. terminology relating to stage positions including upstage, downstage, stage left and stage right
  7. the importance of powering up in the correct order and how to do so
  8. industry standards relating to all aspects of working with electricity and electrical equipment
  9. how to operate different types of console to produce different types of effect
  10. how lighting designs, positioning and activity can affect visuals
  11. the difference between operating equipment during rehearsal and operating equipment during performance
  12. the importance of operating equipment in a way that supports the artistic performance and how to do so
  13. the importance of consistency with earlier performances and how to achieve this
  14. fault and problems that may occur during performance and how to deal with these whilst minimising disruption
  15. the importance of noting problems and how to avoid these in future performances
  16. emergency procedures, especially for power cuts or fires
  17. situations in which cues should be aborted
  18. the correct powering down procedures, taking account of the needs of touring companies
  19. the importance of making all equipment and consumables safe and secure and how to do so

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

CCSTTL49

Relevant Occupations

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

SOC Code


Keywords

operate visuals; visuals; theatre and live productions;