A day in the life of a THEATRE TECHNICIAN // ep.1

[@ChrisRichmond]

Am about to embark on my own journey as a casual tech in my local theatre, so I look forward to seeing more of these!

[@limes_pls]

That's great news Chris, I think you're going to love it! Best of luck!

[@blhplays5107]

Love audio, love lights, love theatre, but I especially loved that ending. "And we're done. Cheers."

[@angusmacd9903]

As someone who is in a small scale theatre my self this was really nice to see the internal running's on a larger theatre.

[@Johnsouthshore]

Fascinating.. as a former tech director in an Equity summer theatre.. 8 shows in 10 weeks for 4 years burned me out. I still love it. Lovebthe counterweight fly system. Used to run a three pulley dead weight system. That was body building heaven

[@AlsleumMusic]

This was so peaceful and vibey, I really enjoyed it. Go Theater Technicians!!

[@KryoX2]

This is an amazing video, as someone who has only just started in this profession it is really nice to see other technician's perspectives of their theatre. Amazing work!

[@AnichM2nd]

It's great to see work at a theatre across the pond! I plan to show my high school students. Cheers!

[@BAL-AVTeam]

I have about 40 years of production experience and I found this wonderful in its flow and informativeness. I will be presenting this to my high school students where I teach theater/performance production in the South Bronx, New York City. FYI - This came to me through a KZbin recommendation. Bots can work for our advantage. LOL!!!

[@mxcale3592]

Absolutely amazing video, so chill, so beautiful, only makes we wanna work at a theater more. Glad to see a fellow theater tech though, and hope to see more from you.

[@TurtleGaming2021]

As a current theatre tech, I appreciate this. This video helps people and tells people a little bit of what goes on to put these types of things together.

[@TokigeVicken]

So cool! There is so much complicated things you have to know, looking forward to seeing more🥳🥳🥳👌

[@edmoore4431]

Oh man this took me back. Worked for years in the Hall for Cornwall, similar space. I miss all the little weird backstage corridors and ladders and sneaky shortcuts. Our fly system was double purchase though so twice the loading for same load 😢

[@limes_pls]

Aahhhhhh double purchase makes me sad!!

[@anangelita]

Would love to see more of these! It was so interesting, thank you :)

[@ItsPhillip]

Wonderful video! I learned quite a bit here from you! It's great to see behind the scenes of these things. Also I spotted a Magic Goes Wrong poster at the side of the building which was cool to see because I really love Mischief Theatre and it was a coincidence that I saw it in this video lol.

[@danielurzika1369]

Fun video! Fragments of Time is my go to sound check song as well!

[@theaudioforge356]

Nice video mate. Can relate! Show must go on!

[@kamra702]

This was extremely well shot and well edited. Exceptionally meditative for some reason!!♥♥

[@limes_pls]

That is so kind of you to say, thank you!

[@JeremyWestAU]

This was great, I worked as a theatre tech (lx) in a similar sized venue for about 12 years. I’ve been out for about 10 years, videos like this make me miss the work but not the terrible hours 😂

[@limes_pls]

Haha yuuup, the hours are not very nice!

[@wertyghjkl-fc3dx]

@@limes_pls What's wrong with the hours? did you not pursue the position already more than accepting or come to accept them. Hope you don't mind I ask.

[@trav_lane9131]

Love this! more please.... Im an LD in Aust but started at a house tech.... love the memories

[@chriskiddgamez]

Wow that was really enjoyable didn’t think it would be so difficult. My favourite bit was the sexy man in the lift

[@sufelok]

As a student that is doing tech theater class right now, I am happy to see this video and would like to see more of content like this. Thank you for the video!

[@JebediahKerb]

Good to see this video. Im thinking about starting exactly the same thing, to show people what we do. That there are real people there doing stuff, and its great fun. Well done 😊

[@MarkiusFox]

That sound check tho, great choice. I love that album.

[@limes_pls]

haha agreed, so good!

[@amfwelsh]

Really interesting! I have never seen that weight system before

[@derhardware-junkie9067]

It's funny to see that I'm pretty much doing the same things as you, just on a smaller scale. I am a sound technician in a small theatre in Germany (we have a little over 300 seats), and everything you show in your video applies to our venue as well, just on a smaller scale. Our counterweights are each 8.5 kilograms, and we have a total of twelve rigs, including one panorama rig. Our iron curtain is foldable and is irrigated in case of a fire. We have just over 80 effectively usable dimmer channels and 20 moving heads. It's all just a bit smaller, but the workflow is the same. Anyways, thank you for showing others what we do day by day :) Greetings from Germany, Georg

[@limes_pls]

Awesome, I love comparing my job to others doing similar things! Thanks for your comment mate.

[@b0nkerzz]

Great video :) very informative and fun

[@alyssaharrison9200]

This was great! I would love to see a day in the life when you do some lighting stuff! I show this video to my students to show them what a real working theatre is like!

[@limes_pls]

Thanks very much Alyssa! I'm on tour at the moment and unfortunately (well, fortunately for me haha) won't be doing a single bit of lighting I'm afraid. Perhaps I can convince some of my lighting colleagues to make a video for me!!

[@briangarrick9693]

Love it! Keep up the good work my guy 👍

[@andreavigano6070]

so interesting! thanks a lot! you’re job is what i want to do❤

[@oliviadxvey]

Loved this video! I'm hoping to start a technical theatre degree this September so it was really interesting to see more about how everything works :)

[@limes_pls]

Amazing, good luck!

[@oliviadxvey]

@@limes_pls thank you so much!

[@greeneyesv2]

one of my favorite venues! Always love coming here. Last visit was with Greatest Days - Take That musical.

[@limes_pls]

Ahhh amazing! I love it there too. Lewis from Greatest Days was my sound 3 recently!

[@Rhys_Official]

I've been a LX op for years now. I miss working in a theatre, I do more concert style events now. But, I've had a recent opportunity to work on a cruise ship as a LX op which I've accepted, just doing all the paperwork, hopefully it comes back all good. But for the people wondering what a "Safety curtain" is used for, its only purpose is to stop a fire spreading from stage to auditorium, or, the other way round.

[@limes_pls]

Good luck on the cruise matey!

[@williamfoss6115]

This is super cool. Would love to see some more as you do other shows!

[@fragreddit-de]

Please! I need more of this!Pleeeeease!

[@waynethompson7460]

This was awesome. I would love to see more.

[@danyasvet]

Крутая работа! Спасибо за видео! Привет из России :)

[@bogdan.ivan.]

Good job bro,i love your video.

[@terrencebanks4971]

I loved this I’m a theater tech as well at my college and I’ve never related to a video more 😂🤣😂

[@joshuaord1330]

Interesting flying technique

[@SvartAdamSolander]

Nice! Would like to see more videos like this! :)

[@xtraceex]

My favourite time (for me) is when the audience is loaded-in and performance time approaches. Guess I appreciate the tension in the air. I do small one-off events, so setup and knockdown is up to me alone. Appreciate the walkthrough of your venue!!!

[@limes_pls]

Yesss, I love that feeling too!

[@graphics3377]

We need another one!!!

[@ajaydavis3555]

Lucky you with an elevator all the way up to the grid lol. The college I work at has only got a segmented ladder…

[@limes_pls]

Haha that's the worst! Yeah we're very lucky here, 2 trucks on the door, level load-in straight to the stage, an elevator to every floor - very nice!

[@lunasimpson6090]

wait thats my local theatre i did not expect to see it here when i clicked on this video

[@katebirch1207]

This was such a fun video to watch! And informative too :)

[@limes_pls]

Thanks Kate!

[@groovusmaximus3626]

Very interesting

[@dumped_garbage]

wow""" we need episode 2 in landscape best would be for a music event

[@limes_pls]

I'll see what I can do!

[@danielnunn6534]

Hello! Can I just start off by saying I love this video. I am currently doing an event production course at Confetti in Nottingham and I don't know what I want to do afterwards. This has given me a really good insight to a potential future for me, so thank you!

[@limes_pls]

Hey Daniel, thanks so much, and best of luck with your course and your future! I also had no idea what I wanted to do and still don't hahaha

[@isaacrangel6067]

You should do more episodes

[@thomasscottwilliams6672]

I think it would be useful if you gave an informed critique of the Olivier nominees and other shows that missed out and why you think they are merited from a technical perspective, or industry insider, I would love to know what a theatre stage manager or technician/vfx etc opinions on nominations

[@RondaldJames8]

It was actually a nice aesthetic in portrait mode! Wishing ya a phenomenal yr!!!! Cheers!

[@Drummimg]

Dream job right here

[@ninjabrickowski4164]

man im trying so hard to apply to a creative venue technician apprenticeship and i cant even get passed the interview stage. ive finished film and media production at the brit school and no matter what i do nothing helps. could a theatre technician or you maybe send me a link to your cv so i can get a solid example on how to tailor myself to this job?

[@limes_pls]

Hey dude! Drop me a dm with your email, I’ll send my CV over with a bit more advice

[@agentdjw]

CL5 is great only thing I came here to see!

[@john-carlosynostroza]

Wish you made more of these

[@ovoono3050]

Boost 200-300hz on a vocal mic? You are trying to emphasize proximity effect and get more mud in? :D

[@limes_pls]

Haha I’m sure I had good reason at the time! There was definitely no proximity effect with him holding the mic 3ft below his mouth ;)

[@thomashorrobin5690]

Nice round up, toured into that space a few times (god knows what with), lovely crew and this video shows that mindset off, sure your colleagues have found suitable piss takes ;) Great industry to be part of, might cost you a few things as it demands much of you but no place better to be imho. Nice work

[@limes_pls]

So great to hear matey, thank you for your comment!

[@colebugiel1050]

What theater is this?

[@Jakkaribik1]

We Work with Electric so not need to do the manual task of curtains up or down

[@Jakkaribik1]

This is good for Workout what you are doing

[@jakevinton2075]

I’ve heard of the iron curtain but not having to show it to the audience. Is that a legal requirement or just a house policy? Thanks!

[@limes_pls]

It's a legal requirement to display it to a certain percentage of the audience, so it can be done when people are coming in, but we tend to do it mostly during intervals. It can be a bit annoying sometimes, as some shows forget that they have to keep the iron line clear! (usually bands etc)

[@theotherone6389]

Your personality is so attractive

[@limes_pls]

you're making me blush you cheeky bugger xo

[@thomasscottwilliams6672]

How did you decide to take this particular aspect of working in theatre, the much forgotten side.

[@limes_pls]

I kind of fell into it really! I used to play in a band, and our sound engineer started teaching me bits. From there I started mixing bands and small festivals, and then ended up in theatre and haven’t left since

[@AlexanderdeJong]

How old is the system with all the weights? cause in the theaters where I have been everything was electrical.

[@limes_pls]

Counterweight or hemp flying systems are the most common types over here in my experience. I've only been to a couple of places that have automated systems, but I definitely prefer it being manual! Each has their benefits and flaws of course

[@ewsclass6679]

Looks like quite a bizzare PA setup with cabinets scattered everywhere?

[@limes_pls]

Yeah it’s not ideal, I’m trying to get something better put in. I guess the original idea was that each cluster serves each level, but they’ve just done it a bit weirdly

[@ewsclass6679]

@@limes_pls yeah line arrays would probs make more sense

[@FFLIVEROBLOX]

@@ewsclass6679 deffo i reckon some k3 would look and sound amazing in there

[@patrickortega6672]

Hey! I wanted to ask a question as I can't seem to find any information on this over the internet. I have a friend who works as a theatre technician and he seems a bit unhappy. And I'll tell you why. They tell him to come in at time X:00. He gets there early. He, and I quote, "I came for the rehearsal time waited for 2hrs until they finally actually needed me and now they're going over when we were supposed to stop". I'm not well educated in the laws that surround his work and was hoping you could give a bit of advice. Sorry for the length, appreciate any advice.

[@limes_pls]

Hi Patrick, sadly there's not really a straight answer to this, as it entirely depends on what kind of contract he has, and what it says in the contract. As for him getting in early and sitting around, that's really up to the employer what they use him for, as long as he's being paid for those first 2 hours. If his salary is paid by the hour, they have to pay for any time that goes over his call time. If he's on a buyout contract, for example 48 hours per week, he should log the amount of hours he's at work, calculate how much he should be paid, and make sure he's receiving that amount. If he's a freelancer, he should invoice appropriately based on whatever agreement he has with the theatre. If he doesn't want to work past his call time, he should be clear to the theatre that he isn't available outside that hours for which he's been booked. He should also communicate with the theatre to make sure he is being paid for the time he is working; if he doesn't try talking to them, then he'll never know! Hope this helps.

[@JumpUpJoe]

Ayelsbury waterside nicee

[@ksaugrin]

I have question for you, why you run your master at -40 dBFS peak, you have to much headroom and its not the first time i see this when on a gig, and i absolutely cant comprehend why ?

[@limes_pls]

I’m doing sound for a comedian here - just one person with a microphone. The inputs are gained to give me the control I need with level/compression/EQ etc., and the output is set to give me enough volume based on the level the amps are set at, which does not change. I don’t really understand what you mean by too much headroom in this scenario. I’m not going to open the software to adjust the levels of all the amps for every gig just so I can see some lights go higher on the desk with no audible benefit when I can just move a fader to make the show as loud or quiet as is suitable. Hope that makes sense!

[@djbeat1]

Please Could we have more episodes !!!

[@harrybbetteridge]

Hi Alex! Im applying for a theatre technician job with very little experience. Have you got any advise? And also can you make more of these? There so interesting!

[@limes_pls]

Hey Harry, that's very exciting! I'm pretty terrible when it comes to interview advice etc. I'm afraid, but I can do my best to tell you what I'd look for in a candidate! Having little experience when going for that job isn't always an issue. The main things that I would look for is: - Somebody who is willing to learn. I'd much prefer a lack of experience and a willingness to listen and learn over someone who thinks they know everything and doesn't listen or take advice. - Somebody who works well with people. The people you work with make this industry what it is, so it's important to be kind and friendly and be able to keep a cool head during tough times. A lot of opportunities come from who you know, instead of what you know, so if people like you, they're more likely to think of you when hiring for a job. - Somebody who genuinely has a keen interest in the work. If it's just a job you're looking for, I don't think you'll enjoy it. Theatre is such an exciting industry to work in - it has its ups and downs, but we're lucky to be doing what we're doing, so your interest in the industry and the work itself will naturally show in your behaviour. I know these things don't really offer any practical advice, but if you can make these points come across in your application process, I'm sure you'll have no trouble at all. Remember, everyone has to start somewhere! Good luck mate, hope you smash it.

[@limes_pls]

oh and yes, I'll try to make some more on my current tour!

[@harrybbetteridge]

@@limes_pls Thank you so much for the advise. I've decied not to apply for the job as the company has put a lot in fine print about things that i dissagree with or would find really hard to work with. But thank you for the adivse and i will be sure to take it on with my future applications & Jobs Thanks again! :)

[@limes_pls]

@@harrybbetteridge ah that’s understandable, no worries at all dude

[@andreavigano6070]

what did you study to do this amazing job?

[@limes_pls]

I didn't study for this, I kinda just fell into it! There are technical theatre courses you can do though if it's something you wanted to study. It's quite easy to get into if you have friends in the industry!

[@MaxKappa]

as im writing this i too have a comedian in and need to run their show! really great video. what theatre are you at?

[@limes_pls]

Haha awesome! It's fun getting paid to watch comedy. And thanks mate! I'm on tour at the moment, so this week I'm at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff

[@connorthompson8303]

Did you shut the desk down before the amps 👀

[@limes_pls]

haha I did, but magical dante saves me every time

[@krisb853]

I am an audio engineer around Boston. My buggiest take on this is just how different the nomenclature Is. Plus you have to show off your fire curtin? Why?

[@limes_pls]

Nomenclature, what a great word! I'd love to do a big show in the States just to hear all the different names and see the different processes. A law was passed a long time ago which means we have to display the safety curtain to a certain percentage of the audience. No idea why, but I think it was something to do with giving the audience confidence that it would work in the event of a fire on stage - perhaps there were lots of fires around the time it was introduced!

[@abecoulter8550]

What's the iron for, I work on touring events and have never seen one before,

[@limes_pls]

It’s a safety curtain mainly for fires, so it prevents stage fires from spreading to the auditorium and vice-versa. Ours has a soft bottom so we can run cables under it, but it always has to be reasonably clear so it can come in at the interval and at the end of the day!

[@abecoulter8550]

@@limes_pls oh right, sounds pretty reasonable, is it a legal requirement in your area?

[@limes_pls]

@@abecoulter8550 I believe it is in the UK, but not for smaller theatres as far as I know. Some theatres stick advertising on them :)

[@charlotteice5704]

@@abecoulter8550 I think some sort of fire separation between the stage and auditorium in big theatres is mandatory in most places in the world. The reason being is that back when theatre stages were still being lit by candles or later gas lamps, fires would often start in the stage area and then spread to the auditorium, killing many, many people over the years. I think the likelihood of that happening is a lot lower nowadays than it was back then (not only because of electric lighting, but also because everything has to be ignition proof, at least in Germany), but the regulations still exist and the risk does too, of course, so it's better to be safe than sorry. AFAIK, in the US, a deluge curtain or smoke control system can serve the same function legally as an iron safety curtain, but this is not the case everywhere: I'm a theatre technician in Germany and here, every stage with a size of 200m2 or more and/or a fly loft and/or a lower stage (basically any theatre that's not super small) has to have an iron safety curtain.

[@pietropaloschi7450]

More!

[@andrerodrigues7670]

can u share your soundcheck playlist, please?

[@limes_pls]

Sure! open.spotify.com/playlist/3PVLFLyO5DtJrJf7jugAVA?si=eac788aae0ee4742

[@J-Gx]

Congrats on 10 min vertical video! AV professional? Lol

[@CyberCreeper22]

gasp! I could do that

[@rainozz518]

just started my flyman resume in toronto and it was so hard finding content like this idk

[@limes_pls]

@@rainozz518 awesome, good luck!!

[@silverscreensecret]

How to get this job ?. Is there any course for this job ? Can you please explain me

[@limes_pls]

There are definitely technical theatre courses! Another option is to apply for work as a casual technician at a theatre near you. Often they're accepting of people without experience, and in my opinion it's the best way to learn all the different bits of theatre behind the scenes, and from there you can figure out which area you'd like to progress in.

[@hollybollybingbong_]

how did you get into theatre tech?

[@limes_pls]

My friend asked me to come and help out one night, and from there on I started working more and more as a casual!

[@The_Other_Ghost]

about 313 lbs is 142 kg.

[@Blasambla]

what is the tiktok account you spoke of posting this on?

[@limes_pls]

It never happened I’m afraid! Maybe something for the near future though

[@DeLaCoconut]

Why no line array?

[@limes_pls]

It's always a budget thing, sadly

[@DeLaCoconut]

@@limes_pls right, i forgot about that, but the system you have there must be a great one too

[@blackpuppet2382]

not wNice tutorialle quarantine but how r u doing is that hard ?

[@domtb]

Hey im a Photography Student from Coventry University and i'm very interested in doing what you're doing, is it possible for me to get your linkedin so i can ask you some questions about how you got into the industry etc?

[@limes_pls]

Hey Dom, I don't have a linkedin I'm afraid. You're welcome to DM me on insta though if you like - @limespls I basically got into the industry by my friend asking me to come in to help with a load-out. It helped that I played in a band and had done some sound engineering stuff, but I wouldn't say you need that knowledge to get into theatre. If you know someone in the industry, they can often help get you in for a shift, or you can apply to theatres as a casual technician - you can usually pop in to stage door at a theatre, or check their website, for example the ATG careers site: careers.atg.co.uk/opportunities/job-search/?role=Technical%2BTheatre&location=&type= Once you start doing little bits, it's easier to expand your knowledge and experience and start progressing into other fields or going on tours, whatever you want to do really. Feel free to DM me if you have more specific questions!

[@marthag3537]

Got an apprenticeship interview tomorrow aaagh

[@limes_pls]

Let’s goooooo, good luck!

[@OtterB135]

bro i know were that is