Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:43 AM AWST

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Construct mechanical props

Construct mechanical props

Unit of competency
National Code
CUEPRP06B
State Code
D1568
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
11/11/2010
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
07/03/2011
Field of Education
100103 - Drama And Theatre Studies
Original Release Date
07/03/2011
Nominal Hours
100
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to construct props that include the use of mechanical devices. It covers assessment of mechanical prop requirements and the selection and use of construction techniques.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Assess the need for mechanical props
  • 1.1. Liaise with relevant colleagues to confirm props production requirements
  • 1.2. Read and correctly interpret the props production schedule, props specifications, lists and scale drawings when available
  • 1.3. Assess the precise nature of mechanical prop requirements based on review of documentation and in consultation with relevant colleagues
2. Select techniques and equipment for making mechanical props
  • 2.1. Select the most appropriate construction technique and mechanical device based on an analysis of how the prop is to be used
  • 2.2. Correctly identify any budgetary or other constraints when making mechanical prop construction decisions
  • 2.3. Select correct tools, equipment and materials for mechanical props in accordance with construction plan
  • 2.4. Calculate correct quantities of materials, avoiding wastage where possible
3. Make mechanical props
  • 3.1. Use techniques, tools and materials correctly and safely to create mechanical props
  • 3.2. Correctly interpret and follow construction plans
  • 3.3. Check mechanical prop in terms of required durability, quality of finish and suitability for production requirements
  • 3.4. Identify the need for adjustments and action accordingly
  • 3.5. Prepare items in readiness for finishing in accordance with production requirements
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Relevant colleagues may include:
designers
directors
performers
technical colleagues, e.g. costume, lighting
other props personnel
other workshop personnel, e.g. set builder, scenic artist
Mechanical props are those props, which include the use of any mechanical device and may be:
cable-controlled
electrically-controlled
pneumatically-controlled
Nature of mechanical construction may be impacted by:
availability of mechanical devices
how the item will be used
number of times to be used
proximity of audience
safety issues
simplicity of the device
style of rest of the set
the level of movement required
visibility by audience, e.g. only front will be seen
Devices used for the creation of mechanical props may include:
cables
fulcrums
levers








EVIDENCE GUIDE
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:
safe and correct use of techniques to integrate the use of mechanical devices within props
knowledge of specific mechanical devices, their uses and associated safety issues.

Context of and specific resources for assessment
The assessment context must provide for:
practical demonstration of skills through the creation of mechanical props for a production/event
construction of mechanical props within a commercially-realistic timeframe.

Method of assessment
Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:
evaluation of props constructed by the candidate in terms of suitability for production and quality of finish
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of safety issues and particular construction techniques
review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Guidance information for assessment
This unit requires access to:
equipment, tools and materials used to construct mechanical props
work area where mechanical props can be safely constructed.


Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C7207 CUEPRP06A Construct mechanical props Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
WI171 CUAPRP405 Construct mechanical props Unit of competency