Elements and Performance Criteria

Follow spots may include:
incandescent
discharge units

Follow spot accessories may include:
irises
shutters
mechanical blackouts
ballasts
% power selection switches
stands
mechanical dimmers
colour magazines
gobos

Documentation may include:
cue sheets
patch sheets
equipment lists
focus notes
colour lists
emergency procedures

Appropriate personnel may include:
other follow spot operator
supervisor, head of department
designer
director
stage manager
other specialist staff

Faults and problems with follow spots may include:
mis-aligned sights
differences in colour temperature between different units
unexpected changes by performers, eg moving out of range, behind scenery
faulty balance
blown globe
defective colour
incorrect height adjustment
defective iris/sights/dimmer
problems with manual colour changer

Underpinning skills and knowledge

Assessment must include evidence of the following knowledge and skills:

knowledge of the main types of lanterns, including profile, fresnel, pebble/convex, flood, moving lanterns and PAR, their uses and operations (optical and mechanical) and accessories
different types of follow spots and their features, including incandescent and discharge units
the relationship between follow spot operation and other lighting and stage effects
techniques for the operation of follow spots, including how to adjust for colour temperature and beam
hand/eye coordination skills
literacy skills sufficient to interpret a lighting plan

Linkages to other units

This unit has linkages to a range of other lighting units and combined assessment and/or training may be appropriate, eg:

CUFLGT02B Prepare, install and test lighting equipment
CUELGT05B Record and operate standard lighting cues

Critical aspects of evidence

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

application of excellent hand/eye coordination skills to follow spot operation for productions with extensive movement on stage
knowledge of different techniques for effective follow spot operation

Method and context of assessment

The assessment context must provide for:

practical demonstration of skills through the operation of a follow spot for an actual production on more than one occasion and for more than one production
involvement of, and interaction with, a production team to reflect the collaborative nature of the process

Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:

direct observation of the candidate installing or operating follow spots
evaluation of a performance where the candidate is responsible for follow spot operation
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of follow spot equipment, operating techniques or specific OHS issues
review of portfolios of evidence or third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands and the needs of particular groups (eg people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).

Resource requirements

Assessment of this unit requires access to:

follow spots and accessories as identified in the Range Statement
a production and production venue

Communicating ideas and information
Interpreting the lighting plan (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Explaining follow spot issues to performers (2)

Planning and organising activities
Organising materials and equipment for installation (1)

Working with others and in teams
Working as part of an overall lighting team (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Calculating equipment requirements (1)

Solving problems
Responding to problems during performance (2)

Using technology
Using lighting equipment (1)