Spotlight Operator - Duties

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:

    One of the duties which devolve upon women in the present interesting crisis, is to prepare themselves for more extensive usefulness, by making use of those religious and literary privileges and advantages that are within their reach, if they will only stretch out their hands and possess them.
    Sarah M. Grimke (1792–1873)

    The deadly monotony of Christian country life where there are no beggars to feed, no drunkards to credit, which are among the moral duties of Christians in cities, leads as naturally to the outvent of what Methodists call “revivals” as did the backslidings of the people in those days.
    Corra May Harris (1869–1935)

    The application requisite to the duties of the office I hold [governor of Virginia] is so excessive, and the execution of them after all so imperfect, that I have determined to retire from it at the close of the present campaign.
    Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)