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 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 any problems during the performance using backup procedures where possible
  8. note any problems and suggest how these could be avoided in future performances
  9. carry out all operations without disrupting the performance
  10. power all equipment down in the correct order
  11. make all equipment and consumables safe and secure
  12. identify any equipment that is unsafe or not working correctly and follow the approved procedures for labelling, replacement and repair
  13. identify and follow correct procedures for any consumables in need of replacement


Knowledge and Understanding

You must 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 according to 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 by others giving 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. the relevant Health and Safety regulations relating to all aspects of working with electricity and electrical equipment
  9. the operation of 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 and how to achieve it
  14. likely problems that may occur during performance and how to deal with these whilst minimising disruption
  15. the importance of noting problems that have occurred 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
  20. fault identification and the correct procedures to follow
  21. how to identify consumables in need of replacement and the correct procedures to follow