Duties
A spotlight operator is expected to be familiar with the followspot with which he or she is working, as well as be able to read through a cue sheet and/or follow directions from the lighting designer, master electrician, light board operator, stage manager, assistant stage manager, and/or any electrician. Spotlight operator positions are usually filled by stagehands or deck electricians from the load in. In these cases, the spotlight operator may have an understanding of theater lighting principles and the technical aspects of lighting. In the case of smaller shows, the light board operator may also have to operate the followspot; but this is rare, as followspot and light board operation both need attention during most parts of a show. When used in a concert, followspot operators are often referred to as being hired 'from the neck down'. Despite the operator's opinion of what looks good, one is to follow his cues as instructed. On most touring shows the followspots will have no rehearsal and only a brief meeting (often only a voice meeting over headsets) to discuss call numbers, home positions and what to do if a problem arises.
Read more about this topic: Spotlight Operator
Famous quotes containing the word duties:
“So didst thou travel on life’s common way,
In cheerful godliness; and yet thy heart
The lowliest duties on herself did lay.”
—William Wordsworth (1770–1850)
“The traditional husband/father has always made choices concerning career, life-styles, values, and directions for the whole family, but he generally had another person on the team—called a wife. And his duties were always clear: Bring home the bacon and take out the garbage.”
—Donna N. Douglass (20th century)
“It is one of the signs of the times. We confess that we have risen from reading this book with enlarged ideas, and grander conceptions of our duties in this world. It did expand us a little.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)