Level 3 Entertainment Technology AQA

This subject is broken down into 40 topics in 8 modules:

  1. Technical Theatre Roles and Responsibilities 5 topics
  2. Health, Safety, and Risk Management 5 topics
  3. Stage Design and Construction 5 topics
  4. Lighting for Theatre 5 topics
  5. Sound for Theatre 5 topics
  6. Staging, Rigging and Automation 5 topics
  7. Costume and Wardrobe 5 topics
  8. Properties 5 topics
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  • 8
    modules
  • 40
    topics
  • 15,161
    words of revision content
  • 1+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Entertainment Technology

Technical Theatre Roles and Responsibilities

Theatre organization and job roles

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Theatre organization and job roles

Theatre Organization

  • Theatre organization is the structural arrangement of departments, roles, and responsibilities in a theatre production.
  • It involves coordinating the activities of various departments such as costume design, set design, sound, lighting, and stage management.
  • Theatre organizations can vary in size and structure, ranging from small community theatre companies to large professional productions.

Artistic Director

  • The artistic director has the overall responsibility for the choice of plays/musicals that will be produced.
  • They work closely with directors, actors, and other theatre professionals to realize the artistic vision of the production.
  • This role may involve fundraising, promoting the theatre, and building relationships with sponsors.

Director

  • Directors are charged with the task of bringing a play to life for the audience.
  • They break down the script, collaborating with actors to help them understand their characters and motivations.
  • The director also works with the lighting, costume, sound, and set departments to create the desired atmosphere and visual elements of the play.

Production Manager

  • The production manager oversees the technical aspects of a theatre production.
  • This role requires coordinating the technical departments - set, lighting, sound, and costume – ensuring they're within budget and meeting deadlines.
  • The production manager facilitates communication between all departments and is a key player in problem-solving throughout the production process.

Stage Manager

  • Stage Managers are pivotal in coordinating all aspects of a theatre production.
  • They manage rehearsals, keep track of props and costumes, ensure scene changes run smoothly, and deal with unexpected issues during live performances.
  • The stage manager communicates with all departments, making sure everyone is on the same page.

Set Designer

  • A set designer is tasked with creating the physical surroundings in which the action will take place.
  • They collaborate closely with the director to create a visual environment that supports the storyline and characterisation.
  • Set designers produce detailed blueprints, models, or drawings of the set, facilitating the construction crew's work.

Costume Designer

  • Costume designers create the outfits worn by actors, aligning with the characters' personalities, the era of the play, and the director’s vision.
  • They may also have to consider practical elements like the actors' comfort and quick costume changes.
  • Costume designers can be responsible for either sourcing or manufacturing the costumes.

Lighting Designer

  • Lighting designers create the lighting effects for a production, shaping the mood, setting, time of day, and focusing attention.
  • They collaborate with the director and other designers to ensure the lighting complements the overall production.
  • Lighting designers use a lighting plan to communicate their ideas to the technical crew.

Sound Designer

  • Sound designers take charge of all the auditory aspects of a play, including sound effects and music.
  • They work closely with the director to support the mood and atmosphere desired for different scenes.
  • Sound designers prepare a cue sheet which outlines what sound is required, when, and its source.

Course material for Entertainment Technology, module Technical Theatre Roles and Responsibilities, topic Theatre organization and job roles

Entertainment Technology

Sound for Theatre

Types of audio equipment and signal flow

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Types of audio equipment and signal flow

Types of Audio Equipment in Theatre Sound

  • Microphones: Key devices for capturing live sound. Different types include dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones.
  • Mixing desk: Allows you to control the sound levels, tone, and dynamics of multiple audio signals at once.
  • Amplifiers: Boost the sound signal for speakers. Different types include tube, solid-state and digital amplifiers.
  • Speakers: Convert amplified audio signals into sound that an audience can hear. Types range from monitor speakers to subwoofers.
  • Cables and connectors: Critical for transmitting sound signals between equipment. It includes XLR, jack, and midi cables.
  • Headphones: Useful for sound check and monitoring. Closed-back, open-back, and in-ear monitors are the variety available.
  • Recording equipment: Used to record rehearsals or live performances. It may include digital recorders, DAWs (digital audio workstation), or traditional tape recorders.
  • Audio interfaces: Translates analogue audio signals into digital ones and vice versa, allowing sound to be processed and played back.
  • Outboard gear: Additional hardware used to refine the sound, such as equalisers, compressors, and effects processors.
  • Wireless systems: Useful for roaming performers, these include radio mics and in-ear monitors that connect to the audio set-up wirelessly.

Understanding Signal Flow in Theatre Sound

  • The concept of signal flow refers to the path an audio signal takes from the source to the output. Understanding signal flow is crucial to troubleshoot audio problems and to ensure top quality sound.

  • Microphones pick up the audio signal which is then sent via a cable to the mixing desk.

  • Within the mixing desk, levels, tone, and dynamics of the sound are balanced and controlled.

  • The sound signal is then sent through an amplifier, which boosts the signal's strength before it is sent to a speaker.

  • In cases where the signal is being recorded, it may be sent to an audio interface to be converted into a digital signal. Then it can be sent to recording equipment for capture.

  • The processed and boosted sound signal is finally sent to a speaker, where it becomes audible sound for the audience.

  • Outboard gear can be used anywhere along the signal path to enhance or adjust the sound signal.

  • Wireless systems integrate into this chain by replacing some of the cabling and allowing more mobility for performers. Still, they require careful management to prevent interference or loss of signal.

Course material for Entertainment Technology, module Sound for Theatre, topic Types of audio equipment and signal flow

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