Introduction

Welcome to the comprehensive Theatre Tech Guide for Circus Performers. Whether you're an aerial artist, acrobat, juggler, or any other type of circus performer, this guide aims to empower you with the technical knowledge to enhance your performances and collaborate effectively with venue staff.

Purpose of this Guide

This guide bridges the gap between circus artistry and theatre technology. It provides you with:

• Essential technical knowledge for various performance environments
• Tools to communicate effectively with theatre technicians
• Strategies to adapt your act to different venues
• Practical tips for smooth and safe performances

How to Use This Guide

Each section balances quick-reference information with deeper technical insights. You'll find:

• Concise summaries for quick consultation
• Detailed explanations of key concepts
• Practical tips and checklists
• Visual aids and diagrams
• Interactive tools (like our Load-In Time Calculator)

While we provide technical information and suggestions, we respect your artistic vision. Our goal is to offer options and considerations, not to prescribe creative choices.

Understanding Venue Types

As a circus performer, you'll encounter a variety of venues throughout your career. Understanding these different spaces will help you adapt your act and communicate effectively with venue staff.

Common Venue Types

1. Small Venues (Capacity: 50-200)

Examples: Cafes, small clubs, fringe theaters

Characteristics:

• Limited tech equipment
• Often multi-purpose spaces
• Intimate audience proximity

2. Mid-Size Theaters (Capacity: 200-500)

Characteristics:

• Basic to moderate tech capabilities
• Dedicated tech staff (often limited)
• Fixed stage and seating

3. Large Theaters (Capacity: 500+)

Characteristics:

• Advanced tech systems
• Specialized tech crews
• Formal procedures and union regulations

4. Outdoor/Festival Spaces

Characteristics:

• Weather-dependent
• Varied tech setups (from basic to advanced)
• Diverse audience configurations

Venue Comparison Chart

Note: These are general guidelines. Always communicate directly with each venue to confirm specific capabilities and limitations.

Key Considerations for Different Venues

1. Rigging and Safety:
   • Always prioritize safety, especially in venues not designed for aerial acts.
   • Question to ask: "What is the weight capacity of your rigging points?"
2. Lighting Adaptability:
   • Be prepared to perform under various lighting conditions.
   • Consideration: How can your act work with a basic wash if complex lighting isn't available?
3. Sound Requirements:
   • Have multiple versions of your audio (full quality and compressed).
   • Question to ask: "What audio playback formats does your system support?"
4. Space Utilization:
   • Know the minimum space requirements for your act.
   • Consideration: Can you modify your choreography for smaller or irregularly shaped stages?
5. Technical Support:
   • Understand the level of technical support available at each venue.
   • Question to ask: "Will there be a dedicated lighting/sound operator for our show?"

Conclusion

Remember: Every venue presents unique challenges and opportunities. The key is to remain flexible and communicate clearly with venue staff about your needs and their capabilities. By understanding different venue types and considering how to adapt, you'll be better prepared to showcase your art in any space.

Effective Communication in Theatre Tech

Clear communication is crucial for a successful performance, especially when working with venue staff who may be unfamiliar with circus arts. This section will help you and your team interact effectively with technical crews across various venues.

Key Players in Theatre Tech

1. Technical Director (TD): Oversees all technical aspects
2. Stage Manager (SM): Coordinates between performers and crew
3. Lighting Designer/Operator: Manages lighting
4. Sound Engineer: Handles audio needs
5. Rigger: Responsible for aerial equipment setup

Communication Best Practices

1. Use Clear, Non-Technical Language
   • Describe effects rather than using unfamiliar terms
   • Example: "I need a bright light when I reach the top of my climb" instead of "I need a special at the apex"
2. Be Specific But Flexible
   • Clearly state your needs
   • Be open to alternative solutions
   • Example: "I need a way to see my landing spot. What options do we have?"
3. Prioritize Your Requests
   • Differentiate between 'must-haves' and 'nice-to-haves'
   • Example: "Safety lighting is essential, but color changes are a bonus"
4. Respect the Chain of Command
   • Direct questions to the stage manager or technical director
   • Avoid approaching individual technicians unless instructed
5. Be Time-Conscious
   • Arrive prepared for tech rehearsals
   • Communicate issues promptly

Essential Theatre Tech Vocabulary for Circus Performers

Understanding basic theatre terminology can significantly improve communication. Here's a starter glossary for your stage manager and team:

1. Legs: Vertical curtains on the sides of the stage
2. Fly System: Rigging system for raising and lowering equipment or scenery
3. Strike: To remove something from the stage or to end a show
4. Cue: A trigger for a technical element (light, sound, etc.) to change
5. Blackout: All stage lights off
6. Spike Mark: Tape used to mark positions on stage
7. FOH (Front of House): The auditorium and audience areas of the theatre
8. Gels: Color filters for lights
9. Gobo: A stencil used to shape light
10. Barn Doors: Flaps on a lighting fixture to shape the beam

Effective Communication Scenarios

Scenario 1: Discussing Rigging Needs

Ineffective: "We need a really strong rigging point for our aerial act."

Effective: "Our aerial silk act requires a rigging point capable of supporting a dynamic load of 2000 lbs. Can you confirm if your venue has appropriate points available?"

Scenario 2: Explaining Lighting Needs

Ineffective: "We want the lights to look cool for our contortion act."

Effective: "For our contortion act, we're aiming for a mysterious atmosphere. Could we explore using side lighting with deep blue tones to create dramatic shadows that highlight the body shapes?"

Scenario 3: Addressing Sound Requirements

Ineffective: "We need our music to be really loud."

Effective: "Our hand-balancing act relies on precise timing with the music. Can we ensure the volume is sufficient for the performer to hear clearly on stage, perhaps with a monitor if necessary?"

Communication Tools

1. Tech Rider: A document outlining your show's technical requirements
   • Keep it clear, concise, and adaptable
   • Include diagrams where helpful
   • Provide both ideal and minimum requirements
2. Cue Sheet: A list of all technical cues in your show
   • Use clear, descriptive language
   • Include timing or specific triggers for each cue
3. Stage Plot: A diagram showing positioning of performers, props, and technical elements
   • Use a simple, clear layout
   • Include measurements where crucial

Conclusion

Remember, effective communication is a two-way street. Be open to questions from the venue staff and don't hesitate to ask for clarification if you don't understand something. Your willingness to engage in clear, respectful dialogue will contribute significantly to a smooth technical process and a successful performance.

Stage Management Basics

Understanding stage management is crucial for a smooth production, especially when transitioning from informal circus settings to more structured theatre environments. This section will focus on essential stage management skills, with particular attention to the needs of circus performances.

Role of the Stage Manager (SM)

The SM is the central coordinator of a production, responsible for:

1. Facilitating communication between all departments
2. Managing rehearsals and performances
3. Calling cues during the show
4. Ensuring safety protocols are followed
5. Maintaining the artistic integrity of the performance

Essential Skills for Circus Stage Managers

1. Organization:
   • Create and maintain a production book
   • Develop a system for tracking props, costume changes, and technical cues
2. Communication:
   • Liaise between performers, technicians, and venue staff
   • Learn to "speak the language" of both circus and theatre
3. Adaptability:
   • Be prepared to adjust plans based on venue limitations or unexpected issues
   • Understand how to scale the show for different types of spaces
4. Technical Understanding:
   • Basic knowledge of lighting, sound, and rigging terminology
   • Ability to read and create simple technical documents
5. Safety Awareness:
   • Understand safety requirements for various circus disciplines
   • Know how to conduct safety checks and communicate concerns

Stage Management Documents

7:00 PM - House Opens
7:25 PM - Pre-show Safety Check
7:30 PM - Show Begins
   - Opening Group Number (5 mins)
   - Aerial Silk Act (8 mins)
   - Transition/Rigging Change (2 mins)
   - Hand Balancing Act (6 mins)
...
9:00 PM - Show Ends

Calling the Show

As SM, Sarah will need to learn how to "call" the show - giving verbal cues to technicians to execute lighting, sound, and other technical elements.

"Standby Lights 10, Sound 4, and Rigging 2...
Lights 10 GO... Sound 4 GO... Rigging 2 GO"

Adapting Stage Management for Different Venues

Sarah will need to adjust her approach based on the venue:

1. Small Venues:
   • May need to take on additional roles (e.g., running sound)
   • Focus on essential cues and safety checks
2. Mid-size Theaters:
   • Coordinate with house technicians
   • Adapt cue sheets to venue's equipment
3. Large Theaters:
   • Work within formal theatre hierarchies
   • Understand and follow union rules if applicable
4. Outdoor/Festival Spaces:
   • Prepare for weather contingencies
   • Coordinate with festival stage managers

Safety Considerations for Circus Stage Management

1. Equipment Checks: Develop a checklist for daily safety inspections
2. Communication Protocol: Establish clear signals for starting/stopping acts
3. Emergency Preparedness: Know venue evacuation procedures and how to pause the show safely if needed

Real-World Advice for New Stage Managers

1. Build Relationships: Get to know each performer's needs and preferences
2. Stay Calm Under Pressure: Your demeanor sets the tone backstage
3. Continual Learning: Attend workshops, observe other shows, ask questions
4. Trust Your Team: Delegate tasks and rely on the expertise of your technicians
5. Prioritize Self-Care: Stage management can be stressful; take care of your physical and mental health

Conclusion

Remember, effective stage management is about facilitating the best possible performance while ensuring safety and smooth operations. As Sarah grows into her role with Cirque Nouveau, she'll develop a unique blend of circus knowledge and theatre management skills, becoming an invaluable asset to the company.

Lighting Essentials for Circus Acts

Effective lighting can dramatically enhance circus performances, creating atmosphere, directing attention, and ensuring visibility for both safety and spectacle. This section will help you understand key lighting concepts and how to communicate your lighting needs effectively.

Key Lighting Concepts

1. Intensity: Brightness of the light (measured in lumens or lux)
2. Color: Emotional impact and visibility
3. Direction: Where the light comes from
4. Focus: Sharpness or softness of the light edge
5. Movement: Static vs. dynamic lighting

Lighting Directions and Their Effects

Color in Lighting

Color Temperature

• Warm light (2700-3200K): Inviting, intimate
• Cool light (5600K+): Energetic, stark
• Neutral light (3200-5600K): Natural appearance

Basic Color Theory for Lighting

• Primary colors of light: Red, Blue, Green
• Secondary colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
• Complementary colors create contrast (e.g., red and cyan)
• Adjacent colors create harmony (e.g., blue and green)

LED vs. Incandescent: Practical Differences

Lighting Plot for Circus Acts

Communicating with Lighting Designers

When discussing your lighting needs:

1. Describe the effect or mood you want to achieve
   Example: "I want the audience to feel a sense of suspense as I climb the silk"
2. Explain key moments in your act that need emphasis
   Example: "There's a big reveal at 2:30 in my music when I unfurl from a wrapped position"
3. Discuss any safety-related lighting needs
   Example: "I need to clearly see my landing mark for the final drop"
4. Be open to suggestions - lighting designers may have ideas to enhance your act in ways you hadn't considered

Visual Cues for Lighting Operators

When timestamps aren't visible:

• Use distinct musical cues (e.g., drum hits, vocal lines)
• Choreograph clear physical cues into the routine
• Use offstage crew to give manual cues if necessary

Quick Tips for Circus Performers

• Consider how your costume and makeup will look under different lighting conditions
• Be prepared to adapt to limited lighting in smaller venues
• Understand basic dimmer concepts (0% is off, 100% is full intensity)
• Familiarize yourself with common gel colors (e.g., R02 for warm wash, R68 for sky blue)

Conclusion

Remember, while you don't need to become a lighting designer, understanding these basics will help you communicate your needs effectively and make informed decisions about how lighting can enhance your performance. Always prioritize safety and visibility, but don't be afraid to experiment with lighting to add drama and atmosphere to your acts.

Sound Considerations for Circus Performances

Effective audio can dramatically enhance your circus act, creating atmosphere, supporting rhythm, and engaging the audience. This section will help you understand key audio concepts and how to prepare and communicate your sound needs effectively.

Audio Basics for Performers

1. Playback: Recorded music or sound effects for acts
2. Live Sound: Microphones for voice or acoustic instruments
3. Monitors: Speakers for performers to hear themselves/playback
4. Front of House (FOH): Main speakers for the audience

Audio File Preparation

Basic Audio Setup for Circus Acts

This diagram illustrates the typical path of audio signals in a performance setup:

1. Audio Sources: Playback devices, microphones, instruments
2. Mixing Console: Combines and balances multiple audio sources
3. Processing: Equalizers, compressors, effects units
4. Amplifiers: Boost the audio signal
5. Speakers: Convert electrical signals to sound waves

Understanding this flow can help you communicate more effectively with sound technicians and troubleshoot basic audio issues.

Communicating with Sound Engineers

When discussing your audio needs:

1. Describe the overall sound atmosphere you want
   Example: "We're aiming for a mysterious, ethereal feel for the aerial act"
2. Explain key moments that need audio emphasis
   Example: "There's a big drop at 2:15 in the track that should hit hard"
3. Discuss monitor needs for your performance
   Example: "The hand balancer needs to clearly hear the beat, but not so loud it's distracting"
4. Be prepared to adjust volumes during tech rehearsal

Preparing Your Audio

Live Microphone Considerations

For acts involving speech or live music:

Troubleshooting Common Audio Issues

Conclusion

Remember, while you don't need to become a sound engineer, understanding these basics will help you prepare your audio effectively and communicate your needs clearly to venue staff. Always be prepared to adapt your audio setup based on venue capabilities and acoustics. With good preparation and clear communication, you can ensure that your circus performance sounds as spectacular as it looks.

Load-In and Tech Rehearsal Planning

Effective planning for load-in and tech rehearsals is crucial for a smooth and safe performance. This section will guide you through the process, adaptable to various venue types and show complexities.

Key Phases

1. Pre-Planning
2. Load-In
3. Tech Rehearsal
4. Final Checks

Pre-Planning Checklist

Load-In Process

Tech Rehearsal Framework

Adapting to Different Venues

Load-In and Tech Rehearsal Schedule Calculator

Stage Plot Best Practices

Interactive Technical Documentation Builder

Creating an Effective Cue Sheet

Risk Assessment

Document Management Tips

Communication with Venues

Conclusion

Remember, well-prepared technical documentation demonstrates professionalism and makes you more likely to be rebooked. It also ensures that venues can adequately prepare for your performance, leading to smoother setup and a better show. Always be ready to explain or adjust your requirements based on venue feedback, and keep your documentation updated as your show evolves.

Quick Tips and Troubleshooting

This section provides rapid solutions for common technical issues and last-minute tips to enhance your performance. We'll use Cirque Nouveau's experiences to illustrate real-world scenarios and solutions.

Pre-Show Checklist

Common Issues and Quick Fixes

Emergency Signals

Adapting to Last-Minute Changes

Troubleshooting by Discipline

Quick Tips for a Smooth Show

Venue-Specific Troubleshooting

Interactive Troubleshooting Scenario Tool

Conclusion

Remember: Stay calm and professional when issues arise. Your ability to handle unexpected situations gracefully is as important as your performance skills. Regular practice of troubleshooting scenarios will help you stay cool under pressure and deliver outstanding performances, no matter what challenges arise.