A theatrical technician is a skilled professional in multiple areas of expertise. Rarely are we a one trick pony. We have developed many skill sets over time with on-the-job training and/or formal education. As a professional, it's part of our job to keep up with the latest techniques and practices. These are some of the tools that will help.

Designers in theatre and related fields employ a number of specialized skills. Skills in model making, computer aided drawing, construction techniques and light plots drawing and color rendering to name a few. Lighting design is probably the most rapid growth area with all the LED, moving lights and sophisticated consoles. But in scenic design there are new construction techniques and materials to deal with. These areas are changing in the techniques and tools to accomplish the dream you can devise. Some of the current tools you can use are…

Great production managers are themselves skilled technicians with the added ability to see how a production needs to flow and build schedules that move the production along. All along the way they adjust and make changes to keep that schedule. They must have knowledge and experience in all the technical aspects of production. To do so means they often are recruited from the ranks of the technicians on the production. Which means they are used to the materials of the technician to arrive at a schedule. However, the great production manager also need the ability to handle people. People skills is a much desirable added factor. Therefore, the list of many of the technicians and designer’s resources must add people management skills.

A master communicator is the definition of a good stage manager. The ability to keep firm control of the show while being under stress. Along with the people skills to keep the actors and technicians focused on the proper running of the show are traits at the top of any good stage manager’s list of skills. There are books on stage management and books of the forms and paperwork needed to keep track of the cues for running the production.

When you are not ankle deep in a production meeting, pre-production construction or show run, you need some creature comforts. A time to relax. How and when these off-hours come are somewhat unique to our business. Things like a custom road case to keep your drawings, spare parts, color media and personal items. Maybe a chair and portable desk to lay out plans. A hammock might be a good idea! How about some power snacks? Whatever keep you energized for the job ahead.