Stage machinist jobs in Finland
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.
Stage machinist - Which skills are essential?
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.
Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
Interpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.
Manual drawing or sketching of stage layouts.
Install mechanical and technical stage equipment. Test the installation to make sure everything is in working order.
Observe the show, anticipate and react to possible technical problems, ensuring optimal artistic quality.
Control and ensure the quality of design results during a run.
Efficient communication during live performance, anticipate any possible malfunctioning.
Adjust plans to other locations with regards to the artistic concept.
Check and safely operate machines and equipment required for your work according to manuals and instructions.
Anticipate possible problems with mechanical and electromechanical stage equipment.
Operate control systems for stage movement, e.g. flying mechanisms. Use manual or electric systems.
Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
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.
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.
Correct settings or positions for your working instruments and adjust them before starting operations.
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.
Set up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.
Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.
Support designers in the course of the developing process.
Coordinate human, material and capital resources within artistic productions, based on the given documentation e.g. scripts.
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.
Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution for performance and art facility purposes under supervision.
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 the artistic intentions of the author.
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.
Interpret the designs and other scenic drawings to clearly mark the information from the ground plans to the stage area.
Change-over of scenic elements during performance, and follow the relevant documentation during performance.
Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.
Monitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.
Make sure to set up equipment according to deadlines and time schedules.
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.
Stage machinist - Which skills are useful but not essential?
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 and monitor technical resources stock to ensure that production demands and deadlines can be met at all times.
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.
Check, maintain and repair electrical and mechanical elements of stage elevators and stage traps.
Prepare and distribute documentation to ensure all people involved in the production receive relevant and up-to-date information.
Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution independently. Measure and power up an installation.
Updating the design results based on observation of the stage image during the rehearsals, especially where the different designs and the action are integrated.
Execute maintenance activities on electro-mechanical equipment for horizontal movement on stage level.
Draw and design stage settings and layouts using software like CAD.
Plan the working schedule of a group of people in order to meet all time and quality requirements.
Set up sound, light and video equipment on stage before performance event according to specifications.
Recommend technical solutions, including systems, to the client within the framework of a project.
Put together all prepared scenic elements to prepare the rehearsal set.
Give instructions to all team members about how they should run the performance.
File and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.
Market one's own strengths in terms of skills and knowledge.
Anticipate possible technical problems with scenic elements.
Assemble scenic elements, dance and stage floors and stage cloths, based on written documents
Take apart all prepared scenic elements after the rehearsal.
Handle and assemble equipment and scenery material during rehearsal or on stage.
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 an existing design to changed circumstances and ensure that the artistic quality of the original design is reflected in the final result.
Documenting your own work practice for different purposes like assessment, time management, job application etc.
Establish a workable layout for the system you manage and maintain it for the duration of a production.
Safely dismantle sound, light and video equipment after a performance event. Make sure the equipment is correctly stored away.
Inspect and amend the scenery and set-dressing to make sure the visual quality is optimal with in constraints of time, budget and manpower.