16 Theatre Technician Skills for Your Career and Resume

Theatre technicians are responsible for the behind-the-scenes work that goes into putting on a play or musical. They have a wide range of skills that are necessary to set up and operate the technical equipment used in theatre productions. If you’re interested in a career as a theatre technician, learning about the skills you need can help you get started.

Stage Lighting

Stage lighting is the process of controlling and manipulating light sources to create a desired effect on stage. This can include creating mood, highlighting props or scenery elements, providing visibility for performers and other effects. The ability to understand how different types of lighting equipment work and how they affect the stage environment is an important skill for a theatre technician to have.

Communication

Communication is the ability to convey information clearly and concisely. This skill is important for any job, but it’s especially useful in a technical theatre position because you often work with other people who need to understand what you’re saying. You also use communication skills when speaking with patrons about technical issues or explaining how something works.

Flexibility

Flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. As a theatre technician, you may need to shift your duties or change your schedule at short notice. Flexibility can also help you adjust to new challenges and overcome obstacles in your work. Being flexible can allow you to maintain a positive attitude even when unexpected changes occur.

Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is a skill that can help you perform your job well. As a theatre technician, you may need to follow detailed instructions from the director or other staff members when setting up equipment and props for performances. This skill can also be important when troubleshooting technical issues with lighting, sound or video equipment. You might need to examine each component of an electrical system or computer program to find the source of a problem.

Playwriting

Playwriting is the process of creating scripts for theatrical performances. Theatre technicians often work with playwrights to develop and write new plays, which requires strong writing skills. Playwriting also involves developing characters and storylines that are engaging enough to keep audiences interested throughout a performance.

Leadership

Leadership skills are important for theatre technicians because they can help you to supervise and motivate your team. Strong leadership skills allow you to delegate tasks, encourage your employees and provide guidance when needed. You can also use your leadership skills to train new members of your crew so that everyone is on the same page.

Cueing

Cueing is the ability to provide instructions that help others understand what they should do next. For example, if you’re operating a lighting board and someone else needs to adjust the lights, you might say something like “The red light means it’s on, so turn the knob to the right to make it brighter.” This helps them know how to operate the equipment correctly. You also use cueing when instructing actors about their stage directions or actions.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of your tools, materials and other resources. As a theatre technician, you may need to store these items in different locations, so it’s important to be able to remember where everything is. You also might have several projects going at once, so being organized can help you stay on top of all your responsibilities.

Sound Engineering

Sound engineering is the process of controlling and modifying sound to ensure it’s clear, understandable and audible. This skill can be useful in a theatre technician role because you may need to adjust audio levels for microphones or speakers during performances. You may also use sound engineering skills when setting up equipment to ensure that all sounds are being picked up by microphones.

Set Construction

Theatre technicians often build the sets for productions, so it’s important to have construction skills. You may need to know how to use tools and materials like wood, metal and paint to create scenery that can be used on stage. Having knowledge of basic construction techniques can help you build sets quickly and efficiently.

Choreography

Choreography is the process of creating dance routines. Theatre technicians often use their choreographic skills to create dances for musicals and plays. They may also be responsible for teaching these dances to performers, ensuring that everyone understands how to perform each routine.

Choreographers typically work with a team of dancers who are learning new movements. The technician’s ability to teach others how to move can help them become a successful choreographer.

Creativity

Creativity is the ability to think of new ideas and solutions. Theatre technicians often use their creativity when devising lighting or sound effects for a production. They may also need to be creative in finding ways to solve technical issues, such as how to make a prop work properly or how to fix an electrical problem.

Directing

Theatre technicians often work with directors and other crew members to create a successful production. They use their directing skills to communicate the vision of the director, while also ensuring that all aspects of the production are completed on time. Directing requires strong organizational skills so that everyone involved in the production has what they need to do their job well.

Musical Direction

A theatre technician needs to be able to direct actors and stagehands during a performance. This requires the ability to communicate clearly with others, as well as an understanding of how each aspect of a production contributes to the overall effect. For example, if an actor is standing in the wrong place on stage, the technician may need to instruct them where to stand so that they can best contribute to the scene’s mood or message.

Costume Design

The ability to design costumes is an important skill for a theatre technician. This job requires working with fabrics and sewing machines, so having knowledge of how to create different types of clothing can help you in your career. You may also be responsible for creating the costume props that actors use on stage, which means you need to know how to sew and build these items as well.

Props Management

Props management is the ability to handle props for a production. This includes knowing what props are needed, where they should be stored and how they should be handled during performances. It’s important that technicians have this skill because it ensures productions run smoothly and safely.

To develop your prop management skills, you can volunteer as an assistant in a theatre program or take classes on stage management.

How Can I Learn These Theatre Technician Skills?

There are many ways that you can learn the skills needed to be a theatre technician. One way is to take classes offered by community colleges or universities. Many theatre programs offer courses in stage lighting, set construction, and sound engineering. You can also join a local community theatre group and volunteer to work behind the scenes on their productions. This is a great way to get hands-on experience and learn from more experienced technicians. You can also read books or online articles about theatre technology to learn more about the subject.