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Process Forms and Philosophies for Successful Technical Direction

George Hayes

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Published in The Technical Director S Toolkit: Process Forms And Philosophies For Successful Technical Direction (The Focal Press Toolkit Series)

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Technical direction plays a pivotal role in the success of any theatrical production. As the technical director, you are responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and execution of all technical aspects of a show. This includes lighting, sound, scenery, costumes, props, and more.

The Technical Director's Toolkit: Process, Forms, and Philosophies for Successful Technical Direction (The Focal Press Toolkit Series)

by Barbara Isenberg

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Language	:	English
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To be successful in your role, it is essential to have a solid understanding of process forms and philosophies. These tools will help you to plan, organize, and execute your work efficiently and effectively. In this article, we will discuss the key process forms and philosophies that every technical director should know.

Process Forms

Process forms are documents that help you to track your progress and ensure that all aspects of your work are completed on time and to the required standards. The most common process forms used in technical direction include:

Project plan
Production schedule
Design documents
Technical rider
Cue sheet
Lighting plot
Sound plot
Scenery plot
Costume plot
Props plot
Inspection report

Each of these process forms serves a specific purpose and is essential for the successful execution of a technical production.

It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to process forms. The specific forms that you use will vary depending on the size and complexity of your production. However, all process forms should be designed to help you to:

Plan your work
Organize your resources
Track your progress
Communicate with other members of the production team
Ensure that all aspects of your work are completed on time and to the required standards

Philosophies

In addition to process forms, it is also important to have a solid understanding of the philosophies that underpin successful technical direction. These philosophies will guide your decision-making and help you to create a cohesive and effective technical production.

Some of the key philosophies that every technical director should know include:

Safety first
Attention to detail
Collaboration
Flexibility
Problem-solving

These philosophies are essential for creating a safe, efficient, and successful technical production. Let's take a closer look at each one:

Safety first

Safety should always be your top priority. This means taking all necessary precautions to ensure that you and your crew are safe while working on a technical production. This includes following all safety regulations, wearing appropriate safety gear, and being aware of potential hazards.

Attention to detail

Technical direction is all about the details. From the smallest prop to the most complex lighting cue, every element of a technical production must be executed with precision. This requires close attention to detail and a willingness to go the extra mile to get things right.

Collaboration

Technical direction is a team effort. You will be working with a variety of people, including designers, stage managers, actors, and crew members. It is important to be able to collaborate effectively with others and to create a positive and productive working environment.

Flexibility

Things don't always go according to plan, especially in the world of theater. It is important to be flexible and to be able to adapt to changes as they arise. This includes being able to troubleshoot problems quickly and efficiently.

Problem-solving

Technical direction is all about solving problems. From the initial design phase to the final performance, you will be constantly faced with challenges. It is important to be able to think creatively and to find solutions that work.

Process forms and philosophies are essential for successful technical direction. By understanding and applying these tools, you can plan, organize, and execute your work efficiently and effectively. This will help you to create a cohesive and successful technical production that will leave a lasting impact on your audience.

If you are interested in learning more about process forms and philosophies for technical direction, I encourage you to check out the following resources: