Technician: responsibilities within a performance

Techincian Responsibilities Overview

Technicians hold responsibility for the technical aspects of a performance, including management of lighting, sound, and stage mechanics.
Working closely with the director and designers, technicians bring the overall vision for the production to fruition, providing insights on what is technically feasible and making adjustments per guidance.
Technicians shoulder the responsibility of applying their plans during rehearsals and ensuring lighting and sound cues are correctly timed.
A central part of their tasks is upholding health and safety guidelines. This involves checking equipment, minimizing hazards, and taking appropriate actions in the face of technical failures.
Ability to problem-solve under pressure is a critical skill for technicians. In the event of any technical issues during a performance, they have to swiftly find solutions to ensure minimal disruption.
Technicians often have to manage administrative duties too, such as maintaining inventories of technical equipment, and coordinating schedules for equipment use.
At the end of a performance, technicians oversee the ‘strike’ or dismantle of the set, ensuring all borrowed/rented equipment is returned and the venue is restored to its original state.

The Lighting Technician designates lighting cues and ensures that all lights are functioning properly. They control the intensity, color, and angle of lights to set the mood, enhance atmosphere, and highlight actors and set pieces.
The Sound Technician is in charge of managing audio equipment to ensure clear and consistent sound throughout the performance. They are responsible for sound effects, microphones, and any music played during the production.
The Stage Technician prepares the stage for each scene, arrange set pieces, props, and drops as per the director’s instructions and conduct necessary stage changes during the performance.