Unit of competency details

Version 

Comments 

CUASTA301A

This version first released with CUA11 Live Performance Training Package version 1.0

Element 

Performance Criteria 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Develop an understanding of the production staging process

1.1. Discuss with relevant personnel  the role of a production assistant and content found in event staging plans 

1.2. Develop understanding of resources and equipment used in productions

1.3. Clarify OHS and regulatory requirements that apply to live productions

1.4. Become familiar with the roles and responsibilities of key production personnel

2. Prepare for live performances

2.1. Clarify key aspects of staging information  with relevant personnel

2.2. Check the condition of materials, equipment and accessories to determine whether repairs or modifications are required

2.3. Organise repairs or modifications according to enterprise procedures and in a timely manner

2.4. Use appropriate equipment and tools  to assist with repairs and modifications as required

2.5. Assist with setting up  venues in line with production requirements

3. Assist with production operations during and after performances

3.1. Within own level of responsibility anticipate potential operational problems  and take appropriate action to mitigate 

3.2. Ensure OHS procedures  are integrated into work activities and risk-management issues  are addressed

3.3. Undertake work activities in ways that minimise the environmental impact  of operations

3.4. Complete workplace documentation  as required

3.5. Participate in bump-out operations

4. Participate in production debriefs

4.1. Contribute to reviews of production operations aimed at identifying factors affecting the efficiency of processes and procedures

4.2. Provide input into discussions on ways to improve productions operations

4.3. Seek feedback on own performance and note areas for future improvement

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the ability to:

• use correct and safe techniques to make simple alterations to staging elements
• work effectively in a performance production team
• solve production operation problems within scope of responsibilities
• provide efficient and safe assistance with production operations within scope of responsibilities
• contribute to analysis of productions
• suggest ways of improving production operations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• access to work on live performance productions
• interaction with others in a work team
• presence of realistic time constraints for completion of work activities
• access to required tools and equipment
• access to a range of staging machinery and equipment
• access to a range of lighting and audio equipment
• access to workplace documentation.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence
• third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance
• evaluation of tasks completed during bump-in and bump-out
• verbal or written questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit
• direct observation or video recording of candidate assisting with production operations.

Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. 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).

Guidance information for assessment 

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

• CUSOHS301A Follow occupational health and safety procedures.

Relevant personnel  may include:

• floor manager
• head of department
• manager
• mechanist
• producer
• production manager
• props and sets personnel
• stage hand
• stage manager
• supervisor
• technical director
• other technical or specialist staff.

Event staging plans  may include:

• choreography or performance plans
• lighting plans
• list of resources required, such as:

• props
• scenery
• sets
• lighting
• audio

• OHS requirements
• roles and responsibilities of personnel
• time-line scripts
• sound plans
• stage plans
• technical specifications, such as:

• budget records
• costing sheets
• equipment
• lighting
• performance standards
• regulatory requirements
• sound equipment
• theme-related requirements
• venues.

Resources and equipment  may include:

• framed scenery, such as:

• doors
• flats
• profiles
• windows

• furniture and other set items
• lighting equipment, such as:

• architectural fixtures, such as wall lights
• cables
• cyclorama lights
• ellipsoidal profile
• floods
• fresnels
• lighting desk
• parabolic aluminised reflector (PAR) lamps
• pebbled convex (PC) lamps
• profile
• snoots

• non-weight bearing scenery, such as:

• columns
• trees

• staging, such as:

• revolves
• fly tower
• traps

• sets, props and scenic art
• soft scenery, such as:

• borders
• canvas legs
• cloths
• cycloramas
• backdrops

• sound equipment, such as:

• audio mixing consoles
• cables
• input source equipment
• loudspeakers

• trucks
• visual display equipment
• weight-bearing scenery, such as:

• ramps
• rostrums
• steps

• flats
• flown pieces
• models
• props, such as:

• cable controlled props
• costume props
• electronically controlled props
• hand props
• mechanised props
• pneumatically controlled props.

Staging information  may relate to:

• attendance numbers
• costumes
• event or production time lines
• props
• sets
• technical production, such as:

• lighting
• sound
• audiovisual

• venue or stage set-up.

Appropriate equipment and tools  may include:

• materials relevant to the tasks of repair, alteration or development of:

• lighting
• props
• scenery
• sets
• sound
• staging

• personal safety equipment
• plant equipment
• power sources
• power tools
• spray rooms
• work benches.

Setting up  may involve:

• working with technicians
• working with venue staff
• running cables
• moving equipment
• assisting with stage or equipment set-up.

Operational problems  may include:

• client dissatisfaction
• delays
• equipment breakdown
• inadequate supplies
• non-arrival of key talent
• running repairs.

Action to mitigate  may include:

• explanations to client
• notification to supplier
• referral to producer or director
• referral to supervisor or technician
• repairs.

OHS procedures  may relate to:

• electrical safety
• ensuring clear access routes
• food safety
• identifying potential hazards
• personal hygiene
• restricting access.

Risk-management issues  may relate to:

• audience behaviour
• crowd control
• security
• service quality.

Environmental impact  may relate to:

• managing waste
• recycling
• reducing:

• dust
• energy consumption
• noise
• water usage.

Documentation  may include:

• attendance lists
• checklists
• equipment labelling
• fault reports
• running sheets.