Stage machinist

Stage machinists manipulate sets and other elements in a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, interacting 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.

Stage machinists typically do the following tasks:

• Collaborate with the production team, including directors, designers, and technical staff, to understand the specific requirements and technical aspects of the production.
• Interpret technical drawings, schematics, and plans to construct and assemble stage machinery, including lifts, platforms, flying systems, and automated set pieces.
• Operate and maintain the stage machinery during rehearsals and performances, ensuring safe and precise movements as directed by the stage manager or automation operator.
• Inspect and test the stage machinery regularly to ensure proper functioning and identify any potential issues or maintenance needs.
• Perform routine maintenance, repairs, and adjustments on stage machinery to maintain optimal performance and safety standards.
• Operate computerized control systems to control and synchronize the movement of stage machinery and automated set elements.
• Collaborate with other technical personnel, such as lighting and sound technicians, to coordinate and integrate the stage machinery movements with the overall production.
• Participate in the load-in and load-out process of stage machinery and equipment, ensuring proper installation and dismantling according to safety guidelines.
• Train and supervise stage crew members in the operation and maintenance of the stage machinery, ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
• Stay updated on industry trends, advancements in stage machinery technology, and safety regulations related to stage operations.

The following job titles also refer to stage machinist:

flying system technician
stage & lighting technician
theater mechanist
set mechanics supervisor
flying system operator
theatre machinist
stage and lighting technician
theatre mechanist
theater machinist
stage mechanist
scene-shifter
lighting & stage technician
flying operator
set technician
lighting and stage technician
flyman
chief stage technician

Stage machinists work in theaters, production studios, or other performance venues, often in close proximity to the stage and backstage areas. They may be exposed to loud noises, moving machinery, and the occasional lifting of heavy equipment. The work environment can be physically demanding, requiring manual labor and sometimes working at heights. Stage machinists often work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to accommodate rehearsal and performance schedules. They must adhere to strict safety protocols and guidelines to ensure the safety of the cast, crew, and audience.

Formal education requirements for stage machinists can vary, but a high school diploma or equivalent is typically expected. Some individuals pursue specialized technical training or certifications in stagecraft, stage machinery, or related fields. Practical experience in theater production, stage operations, or mechanical engineering is highly valued. Knowledge of mechanical systems, rigging techniques, and control systems is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure are crucial in this role. Familiarity with computerized control systems and automation technologies used in stage machinery is also advantageous.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Stage machinist is a Skill level 3 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to stage machinist.

automated fly bar operator
scenery technician
followspot operator
video operator
video technician

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of stage machinist. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of stage machinist with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

mask maker
video designer
puppet designer
programme funding manager
technical director

These skills are necessary for the role of stage machinist.

• Draw up artistic production: File and document a production in all its phases right after the performance period so that it can be reproduced and all relevant information remains accessible.
• Work ergonomically: Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
• Understand artistic concepts: Interpret an artist’s explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.
• Draw stage layouts: Manual drawing or sketching of stage layouts.
• Set up technical stage equipment: Install mechanical and technical stage equipment. Test the installation to make sure everything is in working order.
• Safeguard artistic quality of performance: Observe the show, anticipate and react to possible technical problems, ensuring optimal artistic quality.
• Perform quality control of design during a run: Control and ensure the quality of design results during a run.
• Communicate during show: Efficient communication during live performance, anticipate any possible malfunctioning.
• Adapt artistic plan to location: Adjust plans to other locations with regards to the artistic concept.
• Work safely with machines: Check and safely operate machines and equipment required for your work according to manuals and instructions.
• Prevent technical problems with stage equipment: Anticipate possible problems with mechanical and electromechanical stage equipment.
• Operate stage movement control system: Operate control systems for stage movement, e.g. flying mechanisms. Use manual or electric systems.
• Use personal protection equipment: Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
• 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.
• Prevent fire in a performance environment: Take steps to prevent fire in a performance environment. Make sure the space complies with fire safety rules, with sprinklers and fire extinguishers installed where necessary. Make sure staff are aware of fire prevention measures.
• Prepare personal work environment: Correct settings or positions for your working instruments and adjust them before starting operations.
• Interact with actions on stage: Take cues from actions on the stage and interact with them. Decide on the exact timing and procedure in a live environment, in order to produce a fluid and consistent performance.
• Use communication equipment: Set up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.
• Translate artistic concepts to technical designs: Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.
• Support a designer in the developing process: Support designers in the course of the developing process.
• Organise resources for artistic production: Coordinate human, material and capital resources within artistic productions, based on the given documentation e.g. scripts.
• Manage personal professional development: Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders.
• Work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervision: Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution for performance and art facility purposes under supervision.
• Work with respect for own safety: Apply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.
• Interpret artistic intentions: Interpret the artistic intentions of the author.
• Consult with stakeholders on implementation of a production: Consult with different people and groups who hold a stake in the production. Be on the same page on the practical side of the production, and keep them up to date.
• Mark the information from the ground plans on the stage area: Interpret the designs and other scenic drawings to clearly mark the information from the ground plans to the stage area.
• Modify scenic elements during performance: Change-over of scenic elements during performance, and follow the relevant documentation during performance.
• Use technical documentation: Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.
• Keep up with trends: Monitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.
• Set up equipment in a timely manner: Make sure to set up equipment according to deadlines and time schedules.
• Follow safety procedures when working at heights: Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures and avoid falls from ladders, mobile scaffolding, fixed working bridges, single person lifts etc. since they may cause fatalities or major injuries.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of stage machinist. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Monitor developments in technology used for design: Identify and explore recent developments in technology and materials used in the live performance industry, in order to create an up-to-date technical background for one’s personal design work.
• Manage technical resources stock: Manage and monitor technical resources stock to ensure that production demands and deadlines can be met at all times.
• Lead a team: Lead, supervise and motivate a group of people, in order to meet the expected results within a given timeline and with the foreseen resources in mind.
• Maintain moving constructions on stage: Check, maintain and repair electrical and mechanical elements of stage elevators and stage traps.
• Provide documentation: Prepare and distribute documentation to ensure all people involved in the production receive relevant and up-to-date information.
• Ensure safety of mobile electrical systems: Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution independently. Measure and power up an installation.
• Update design results during rehearsals: Updating the design results based on observation of the stage image during the rehearsals, especially where the different designs and the action are integrated.
• Maintain stage equipment for horizontal movement: Execute maintenance activities on electro-mechanical equipment for horizontal movement on stage level.
• Draw up stage layouts digitally: Draw and design stage settings and layouts using software like CAD.
• Plan teamwork: Plan the working schedule of a group of people in order to meet all time and quality requirements.
• Assemble performance equipment: Set up sound, light and video equipment on stage before performance event according to specifications.
• Advise client on technical possibilities: Recommend technical solutions, including systems, to the client within the framework of a project.
• Assemble the rehearsal set: Put together all prepared scenic elements to prepare the rehearsal set.
• Coach staff for running the performance: Give instructions to all team members about how they should run the performance.
• Keep personal administration: File and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.
• Promote yourself: Market one’s own strengths in terms of skills and knowledge.
• Prevent technical problems with scenic elements: Anticipate possible technical problems with scenic elements.
• Assemble scenic elements on stage: Assemble scenic elements, dance and stage floors and stage cloths, based on written documents
• Dismantle the rehearsal set: Take apart all prepared scenic elements after the rehearsal.
• Handle scenic elements during rehearsal: Handle and assemble equipment and scenery material during rehearsal or on stage.
• Develop professional network: Reach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up to date on their activities.
• Adapt existing designs to changed circumstances: Adapt an existing design to changed circumstances and ensure that the artistic quality of the original design is reflected in the final result.
• Document your own practice: Documenting your own work practice for different purposes like assessment, time management, job application etc.
• Maintain system layout for a production: Establish a workable layout for the system you manage and maintain it for the duration of a production.
• Store performance equipment: Safely dismantle sound, light and video equipment after a performance event. Make sure the equipment is correctly stored away.
• Ensure visual quality of the set: Inspect and amend the scenery and set-dressing to make sure the visual quality is optimal with in constraints of time, budget and manpower.

3435 – Other artistic and cultural associate professionals

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References

1. Stage machinist – ESCO
2. Featured image: Photo by Raúl Nájera on Unsplash