10 Tasks for Student Technicians During Pre-Show

Before the performers arrive at the performance space, the student technicians are already there and hard at work. For the purposes of this article, “student technicians” refers to the entire performance crew: stage management, sound and lighting operators, costume and props team members, set and backstage crew, box office team members, front of house staff (ushers, concessions, and house managers, and assistants of all kinds. It takes many people to make a show run smoothly, and having a strong, trustworthy crew makes that process much easier.

Here is a list of 10 general tasks that student technicians should complete during their pre-show time. Each technician will have their own responsibilities that are specific to their department, but this is a good overview for the full crew. Print this page out and post it backstage, as well as in the various technical theatre workspaces. Feel free to adjust or omit any tasks as appropriate to your production.

1. Come to the theatre dressed appropriately for work. Technicians should wear black pants, a plain, long-sleeved black shirt, black socks, and comfortable black closed-toe shoes (no sandals, flip flops, or Crocs). These clothes should be easy to move in and close-fitting, so they don’t get caught up in any equipment (especially if you’re moving large set pieces). Depending on your role, you might need to wear protective gloves or steel-toed safety shoes. Front of house team members may also wear black, but a more elevated version, for example, a black dress shirt, dress pants, and smart shoes. Regardless of your role, if you have long hair, keep it tied back away from your face.

2. Arrive on time, which is actually a few minutes before your call time. Different technicians will have different call times for various reasons. SIGN IN on the attendance form, and get to your workspace. Don’t expect the stage manager to chase you down or have to text you to find out where you are.

3. Review any notes or updates that have been sent out or posted from the director and/or stage manager. Make note of them, ask for clarification if necessary, and review and practice any changes or adjustments before the house opens.

4. Tidy your workspace. Make sure the area is clear of debris and garbage. Sweep and/or mop as appropriate.

5. Do a safety check of your workspace and equipment. The specific tasks will vary from position to position; each department should have their own pre-show checklist and technical manual. If any of the equipment is damaged or malfunctioning, report it to the stage manager right away and follow the appropriate protocol for getting the item repaired, whether that is following a list of troubleshooting tasks to fix the equipment yourself, or calling the head technician to do the repair.

6. Make sure small technical items and safety/emergency equipment are readily available and in good condition, such as batteries, flashlights, glow tape, safety pins, and first aid items. Student technicians should also know where the closest fire extinguisher and nearest emergency exits are, just in case.

7. Complete any technical checks or run-throughs, with or without cast members present, as needed for the show. This could include doing microphone checks, adjusting band levels, reviewing lighting cues or set changes that are dependent upon cast members to do or say something, or practicing any special effects that need to be practiced prior to showtime (e.g., during fight call). Again, this will vary from position to position and show to show.

8. If you are on headset for the show, do a sound test to ensure you can hear and be heard by the rest of the crew.

9. Pitch in and help other crew members with their pre-show tasks. Many hands make light work. If you aren’t specifically asked to help, check in anyway and see if you can lend a hand. Otherwise, stay calm, cool, and out of others’ way. Stay out of the backstage area unless your workspace is back there; there’s already enough chaos backstage without additional bodies around.

10. Check in with your fellow technicians and see how they’re doing. If you’re an apprentice technician, check in with your mentor and ask for feedback or tips to improve your work. If you’re mentoring a new technician, give them some positive reinforcement to boost their spirits, or share your best practices and advice to help them grow. Get yourself into the theatre mindset — try to leave any worries or issues at the door and focus on the task at hand, which is putting on an incredible show.