Adapt to artists’ creative demands

Work with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.

meet demands by creative artists
adapt to demands by creative artists
adapt to creative demands of artists
adapt to artists’ creative vision

skill/competence

sector-specific

Adapt to artists’ creative demands is an essential skill of the following occupations:

Technical director: Technical directors realise the artistic visions of the creators within technical constraints. They coordinate the operations of various production units, such as scene, wardrobe, sound and lighting, and make-up. They adapt the prototype and study the feasibility, implementation, operation and technical monitoring of the artistic project. They are also responsible for the stage equipment and technical equipment.
Performance production manager: Performance production managers take care of a range of practical issues concerning the production. They deal with matters ranging from the recruitment of staff, procurement of materials and services, to freight, customs coordination, telecommunications, labor relations, logistics, information technology, government liaison, venue booking, scheduling, operations management, mending delay problems and workplace safety.
Video operator: Video operators control the (projected) images of a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Their work is influenced by and influences the results of other operators. Therefore, the operators work closely together with the designers, operators and performers. Video operators prepare media fragments, supervise the setup, steer the technical crew, program the equipment and operate the video system. Their work is based on plans, instructions and other documentation.
 
Lighting designer: Lighting designers develop a lighting design concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Lighting designers develop lighting plots, cue lists and other documentation to support the operators and production crew. Lighting designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating light art outside a performance context.
Puppet designer: Puppet designers design and create puppets and manipulable objects for performers. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Puppet designers make puppets and manipulable objects out of a variety of materials, and may build robotic elements into them. Puppet designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating outside a performance context.
 
Automated fly bar operator: Automated fly bar operators control the movements of sets and other elements in a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Their work is influenced by and influences the results of other operators. Therefore, the operators work closely together with the designers, operators and performers. Automated fly bar operators prepare and supervise the setup, program the equipment and operate automated fly bar systems, rigging systems or systems for horizontal movement. Their work is based on plans, instructions and calculations. The manipulation of heavy loads close to or above performers and audience makes this a high risk occupation.

 
Sound operator: Sound operators control the sound of a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Their work is influenced by and influences the results of other operators. Therefore, the operators work closely together with the designers and performers. They prepare audio fragments, supervise the setup, steer the technical crew, program the equipment and operate the sound system. Their work is based on plans, instructions and other documentation.
 
Intelligent lighting engineer: Intelligent lighting engineers set up, prepare, check and maintain digital and automated lighting equipment in order to provide optimal lighting quality for a live performance. They cooperate with road crew to unload, set up and operate lighting equipment and instruments.
Stage manager: Stage managers coordinate and supervise the preparation and execution of the show to ensure the scenic image and the actions on stage comply with the artistic vision of the director and the artistic team.
Identify needs, monitor the technical and artistic processes during rehearsals and performances of live shows and events, according to the artistic project, the characteristics of the stage and technical, economic, human and security terms.

 
Promoter: Promoters work with artists (or their agents) and venues on to arrange a show. They liaise with bands and agents to agree on a date for a performance and negotiate a deal. They book a venue and promote the upcoming gig. They make sure everything the band needs is in place and set up soundcheck times and the running order of the show. Some promoters work freelance, but they may also be tied to a single venue or festival.
 
Mastering engineer: Mastering engineers convert finished recordings to the desired format such as CD, vinyl and digital. They ensure the quality of the sound on all formats.
Dresser: Dressers assist and support artists before, during and after the performance to ensure the performers costumes are in line with the artistic vision of the director and the artistic team. They ensure the costume quality, maintain, check and repair costumes and assist with quick costume changes.

 
Audio production technician: Audio production technicians set up, prepare, check and maintain equipment in order to provide optimal sound quality for a live performance. They cooperate with road crew to unload, set up and operate sound equipment and instruments.
Set builder: Set builders construct, build, prepare, adapt and maintain scenic elements used on stage and for filming movies or television programs. They use a wide variety of materials like wood, steel, aluminium and plastics. Their work is based on artistic vision, scale models, sketches and plans. They work in close cooperation with the designers and may build exibition stands for fairs, carnavals and other events.
Make-up artist: Make-up artists assist and support artists before, during and after the performance and filming of movies or television programs to ensure the make-up is in line with the artistic vision of the director and the artistic team. They create images and characters through make-up and prosthetics. They maintain, check and repair prosthetics and assist with quick changes.
 

Scenic painter: Scenic painters decorate sets for live performances. They employ a broad variety of crafting and painting techniques such as figurative painting, landscape painting and Trompe-l’œil to create convincing scenes. Their work is based on artistic vision, sketches and pictures. They work in close cooperation with the designers.
Stage machinist: Stage machinists manipulate sets and other elements in a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Their work is influenced by and influences the results of other operators. Therefore, the stage machinists work closely together with the designers, operators and performers. Stage machinists prepare and perform the setup, execute changeovers and operate manual fly bar systems. Their work is based on plans, instructions and calculations.
Scenery technician: Scenery technicians setup, prepare, check and maintain pre-assembled sets in order to provide optimal scenery quality for a live performance. They cooperate with road crew to unload, set up and move equipment and sets.
Make-up and hair designer: Make-up and hair designers develop a design concept for make-up and hair of performers and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Make-up and hair designers develop sketches, design drawings or other documentation to support the workshop and performance crew. Make-up designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating make-up art outside a performance context.
 
Instrument technician: Instrument technicians assist and support musicians before, during and after the performance to ensure the instruments and the connected equipment, the backline, are setup properly. They maintain, check, tune and repair instruments and assist with quick changes.
 
Desktop publisher: Desktop publishers are responsible for the layout of publications. They use computer software to arrange texts, photographs and other materials in a pleasing and readable finished product.
Sound designer: Sound designers develop a sound design concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Sound designers prepare audio fragments to be used in a performance, which can involve recording, composing, manipulating and editing. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Sound  designers develop plans, cue lists and other documentation to support the operators and production crew. Sound designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating sound art outside a performance context.
Prop maker: Prop makers construct, build, prepare, adapt and maintain props used on stage and for filming movies or television programs. Props may be simple imitations of real life objects, or may include electronic, pyrotechnical, or other effects. Their work is based on artistic vision, sketches and plans. They work in close cooperation with the designers involved in the production.
Head of workshop: Heads of workshop coordinate specialised workshops that construct, build, prepare, adapt and maintain elements used on stage. Their work is based on artistic vision, schedules and overall production documentation. They liaise with the designers involved in the production, the production team and other services of the organisation.
Set designer: Set designers develop a set concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Set designers develop sketches, design drawings, models, plans or other documentation to support the workshop and performance crew. They may also design exhibition stands for fairs and other events. 
Light board operator: Light board operators control the lighting of a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Their work is influenced by and influences the results of other operators. Therefore, the operators work closely together with the designers, operators and performers. Light board operators prepare and supervise the setup, steer the technical crew, program the equipment and operate the lighting system. They may be responsible for conventional or automated lighting fixtures and, in some instances, controlling video as well. Their work is based on plans, instructions and other documentation.
 
Lighting technician: Lighting technicians setup, prepare, check and maintain equipment in order to provide optimal lighting quality for live performances and motion pictures. They cooperate with road crew to unload, set up and operate lighting equipment and instruments.
Pyrotechnic designer: Pyrotechnic designers develop a pyrotechnical design concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the pyrotechnic designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Pyrotechnic designers develop plans, cue lists and other documentation to support the operators and production crew. Pyrotechnic designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating pyrotechnical art outside a performance context.
Video technician: Video technicians set up, prepare, check and maintain equipment in order to provide optimal projected image quality for a live performance. They cooperate with road crew to unload, set up and operate video equipment and instruments.
Stage technician: Stage technicians control different aspects of a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. They prepare and perform the setup, program the equipment and operate various  systems. Stage technicians take care of lighting, sound, video, sets and/or fly systems. Their work is based on plans, instructions and calculations. They can work in small venues, theatres and other small artistic productions.
Costume maker: Costume makers construct, sew, stitch, dye, adapt and maintain costumes to be used in live performances and in movies or television programs. Their work is based on artistic vision, sketches or finished patterns combined with knowledge of the human body to ensure the wearer maximum range of movement. They work in close cooperation with the designers.
 
Wig and hairpiece maker: Wig and hairpiece makers create adapt and maintain hair prostheses for use in live performance. They work from sketches, pictures and artistic visions combined with knowledge of the human body to ensure the wearer maximum range of movement. They work in close cooperation with the designers.
 
Prop master/prop mistress: Prop masters/mistresses setup, prepare, check and maintain objects used on stage by actors or other small movable objects called props. They cooperate with road crew to unload, set up and prepare the props. During a performance they position props, hand them over or take them back from the actors.
Mask maker: Mask makers construct, adapt and maintain masks for live performances. They work from sketches, pictures and artistic visions combined with knowledge of the human body to ensure the wearer maximum range of movement. They work in close cooperation with the designers.
Video designer: Video designers develop a projected image design concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Video designers prepare media fragments to be used in a performance, which can involve recording, composing, manipulating and editing. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Video  designers develop plans, mapping, cue lists and other documentation to support the operators and production crew. Video designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating video art outside a performance context.
Art model: Art models pose for visual artists as reference or inspiration for their creative work. They stand model for artists that perform figure drawing, paint, make sculptures or create photographic art. Art models are professional models that use their body to become the object of the artist’s creation.
Costume designer: Costume designers develop a costume design concept for a performance, a movie or a television program. They supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Costume designers develop sketches, design drawings, patterns or other documentation to support the workshop and performance crew.
 
Followspot operator: Followspot operators control follow spots based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Follow spots are specialized lighting instruments, designed to follow performers or movements on stage. Movement, size, beam width and color are controlled manually. Therefore, the operators work closely together with the light board operators and performers. Their work is based on instructions and other documentation. Their work can include working on heights, in bridges or above an audience.
Assistant stage director: Assistant stage directors support the needs of the stage director and the production for each assigned stage production, and serve as a liaison between performers, theatre staff and stage directors. They take notes, provide feedback, coordinate the rehearsal schedule, take blocking, rehearse or review scenes, prepare or distribute actor notes, and facilitate communication between designers, production staff, and stage director.
Performance hairdresser: Performance hairdressers assist and support artists before, during and after the performance to ensure the hairdressing is in line with the artistic vision of the stage director and the artistic team. They maintain, check and repair wigs and assist with quick changes.
 

Adapt to artists’ creative demands is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this skill may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Dramaturge: Dramaturges read new plays and works and propose them to the stage director and/or art council of a theatre. They gather documentation on the work, author, problems addressed, times and described environments. They also participate in the analysis of themes, characters, dramatic construction, etc.
Pyrotechnician: Pyrotechnicians control the pyrotechnical elements of a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Their work is influenced by and influences the results of other operators. Therefore, the operators work closely together with the designers, operators and performers. Pyrotechnicians prepare the pyrotechnics, supervise the setup, steer the technical crew, program the equipment and operate the pyro system. The use of explosive and combustible material close to performers and audience makes this a high risk occupation.
 
Copy editor: Copy editors ascertain that a text is agreeable to read. They ensure that a text adheres to the conventions of grammar and spelling. Copy editors read and revise materials for books, journals, magazines and other media.
Flying director: Flying directors design people flying effects for a performance and supervise or perform the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. They train the actors for the flying choreography and manipulate them during the performance. Therefore, the flying directors work closely with artistic directors, operators, performers and the artistic team. Flying directors prepare and supervise the setup, perform security checks and operate the person fly systems. They are trained to react appropriately to emergencies that may occur in connection to performance flying. Their work is based on plans, instructions and calculations. The manipulation of persons on height, close to or above performers and audience makes this a high risk occupation.
Talent agent: Talent agents represent artists, authors, performers and athletes. They promote their clients in order to attract prospective employers. Talent agents set up public appearances, auditions and performances. They take care of contract negotiations.
Lyricist: Lyricists interpret the style of a music piece and write words to accompany the melody. They work together with the music composer.
Theatre technician: Theatre technicians execute all technical tasks to support live performances. They build and break down stages and decors, install and operate sound, light, recording and video equipment and organise the transport of decors and technical equipment for performances on displacement.

References

1. Adapt to artists’ creative demands – ESCO