Maintain scenic components, flying systems and props for theatre and live productions
URN: SKSTTL31
Business Sectors (Suites): Theatre and Live Productions – Technical
Developed by: ScreenSkills
Approved on:
2025
Overview
This standard is about carrying out basic in-house maintenance, repairs and cleaning to scenic components, flying systems or props.
This includes making sure props are available in sufficient numbers for productions and that working props will function throughout the production period. It involves carrying out regular checks, carrying out basic repairs and replacing items that cannot be repaired.
This standard is for anyone who maintains scenic components, flying systems or props for theatre and live productions.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- carry out checks in line with agreed schedules and manufacturer's instructions
- record information about checks and maintenance
- remove items that cannot be cleaned or repaired without delay, replacing them with suitable alternatives
- follow procedures for any items or components that need immediate attention
- carry out maintenance and repairs within your remit in line with legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice
- report maintenance or repair needs outside of your remit in line with organisational procedures that must be dealt with by someone else to appropriate people without delay
- organise a safe work space to carry out your work
- select tools, equipment, materials and work methods for the component you are working on and the maintenance or repair needed
- report any problems in line with legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice
- use equipment and materials according to manufacturers' instructions and in line with health and safety requirements
- carry out work in line with instructions so that completed work is safe, serviceable and meets performance requirements
- check that items are clean and free of blemishes after maintenance or repair
- return items to their correct location and set them in time for performance
- store materials and equipment in the correct locations and in line with safety requirements
- return props and other materials to suppliers, hirers or storage in a clean and appropriate condition and accompanied by required documentation
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- inspection schedules
- the importance of checking scenic components and flying systems
- how to obtain and interpret manufacturer's instructions and why you must follow them
- the range of maintenance or repair needs you are likely to find in scenic components, flown components and flying equipment and how to identify them
- how to identify items in need of repair, cleaning or replacement
- which props can be recycled, and relevant recycling methods
- procedures for protecting props including higher value props
- own level of responsibility and competence for maintenance, cleaning or repairs
- who to report to if damage is beyond your level of responsibility or competence
- types of maintenance or repair that must be attended to immediately and the procedures to follow
- legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice that apply to the maintenance of flying systems and components
- legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice applicable to the use of materials, processes and technology
- how to organise your work so that you can do it safely
- how to identify when work cannot be carried out on set and procedures to follow to deal with it
- the range of tools, equipment and materials for the types of maintenance carried out and how to use them
- different visual characteristics of materials to repair
- problems you may encounter when carrying out maintenance, repairs or touching up and why and to whom you should report them
- the final checks o carry out to make sure completed work is safe, serviceable and of the correct appearance
- how to maintain maintenance records
- storage, recycling and disposal requirements for materials, equipment and props
- specific hygiene requirements for dealing with and storing consumable items and peripherals
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
CCSTTL23
Relevant Occupations
Technician, Assistant Technician , Technical Supervisor , Technical Manager, Head Technician, Theatre Technician, Stage Technician, Production Technician, Technician Crew
SOC Code
Keywords
maintain; scenic components; flying systems; props; theatre and live productions;