Advanced Tech Challenge Guide 2015
The Advanced Tech Challenge is a series of events that are designed to test your knowledge of skills that every technician
should have. The combination of team and individual events underline the principle that theatre technicians do not work
alone and an ensemble that works together to accomplish the given tasks makes the production successful. In technical
theatre both time and accuracy are critical to a successful outcome. As artists we demand excellence in the tasks we are given,
but as technicians we also have to perform the tasks quickly and efficiently so as not to disrupt the production process.
The Advanced Tech Challenge consists of five events, individual and team (or pair) events. These events represent the basic
skills that every technician should possess to be well rounded theatre professionals. Your overall team can have up to six
members but “team events” have a specific number. See event descriptions for details. Each team will carry a team score
sheet for their results from the judges.
The 2015 Advanced Tech challenge events will be:
1. Lighting: Hanging and focusing a Source 4 (Individual Event): Two people per team and each gets one try.
2. Rigging: Knot tying (Individual Event): Two people per team can participate in this event, and each gets one try.
3. Costumes: Sew a button (Individual Event): Two people per team can participate in this event, and each gets one try.
4. Scenery: Leg a platform (Pair Event): One pair per team and they get one try.
5. Stage Management: Tape a ground plan (Team Event): The team gets one try (because of time constraints).
We acknowledge that there are many ways to accomplish these tasks and that various professionals, vendors, and educators
may have different methods and materials. The following Tech Challenge event requirements were designed by professionals,
educators, and the Educational Theatre Association to communicate the standards upon which the event will be judged. The
study materials will provide criteria for your team preparation for each event.
Throughout this manual you will find specific words that are capitalized and in boldface type. For your reference, the
definitions of these words can be found in the vocabulary section of this manual.
There is a penalty to each event for “Blatant disregard for the rules”. This penalty is to ensure that no team will do an event as
quickly as possible, take all penalties, and still win. We view this practice as a form of cheating, and teams will now be
penalized for attempting to just rush through each event.
Explanation of scoring
Each year as we update events and guidelines, we attempt to make this Tech Challenge an educational experience as well as a
fun competitive outlet for young technicians. It has been determined that some events should focus more on accuracy than
speed.
Each student will be given their own scoring sheet to use throughout the competition. Please be sure each student has written
their name legibly on their sheet for award purposes. In addition to the individual sheet, each team will be given a team total
sheet. Several events allow for any student on the team to participate. After completing the cycle of events, the team is
responsible for filling out the team score sheet with the best times and points awarded to your team, and turning it in with the
individual sheets. This will help speed up the overall scoring process.
Each team will receive a rank (1-30) based on their time/points in each event. Then the rankings will be added up across all
events to determine the overall team.
Advanced Tech Challenge Guide 2015
Lighting: Hanging and Focusing an Instrument (Individual Event)
Lighting provides a tool for setting moods and tones of scenes on stage. Having knowledge of how to use the equipment
allows one to act as the master electrician or on the hang crew for a production. The responsibility of hanging and focusing
the lights for a show falls on the hang crew overseen by the MASTER ELECTRICIAN (M.E.).
There are many different types of lighting instruments that the M.E will use in the theatre. Each type of instrument plays an
important role in the overall lighting scheme. It is important that the M.E. has a broad understanding of all of these
instruments, how they are installed and how they are focused. One of the instruments that you will use the most is the
ELLIPSOIDAL REFLECTOR SPOTLIGHT. There are many types of ellipsoidals from different manufacturers and different eras;
one of the most common is the ETC SOURCE 4 Ellipsoidal Spotlight.
In this challenge, individuals will be asked to successfully hang and focus an ETC Source 4. All equipment and tools will be
provided. You may bring and use your own gloves and wrench if you would like. (Note: no speed wrenches are permitted.)
Successful completion of this challenge is achieved when the unit is secured properly to the pipe, powered on, and correctly
focused to the shape marked out on the wall. Two people per team can try this event, and each gets one try. The maximum
time allotted is 5 minutes. For a video demonstration, visit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Psv-jvXzc8.
(ETC Source 4)
How to hang a lighting fixture (ellipsoidal) (Steps in order required for this event)
1. Place C-CLAMP over the pipe at the designated hanging location.
The opening of the C-clamp should be facing downstage of the electric pipe that the unit is hung on.
2. Finger tight the pipe bolt
3. Attach the SAFETY CABLE through the YOKE and around the electric pipe.
4. Tighten the pipe bolt and adjust the C-clamp as necessary so that it is secure on the electric pipe.
Pipe bolt should be no tighter than ¼ turn past finger tight.
5. Pull all of the shutters in the fixture to open.
6. Plug the TAIL of the lighting instrument into the designated CIRCUIT.
How to focus an ellipsoidal
1. Adjust the PAN of the unit so that it is set in the desired location. .
2. Adjust the TILT of the unit so that it is set in the desired location.
3. FOCUS the BEAM to the desired beam edge.
4. Using the SHUTTERS and the rotation knob as necessary, shape the beam of light to the desired shape and angle.
5. Make sure all nuts, handles and knobs are tightened so the instrument does not DROP FOCUS.
6. Drop COLOR in to the color slot of the instrument.
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Advanced Tech Challenge Guide 2015
How to set the angle within the yoke
1. Loosen the yoke locking knobs. (Do not remove them.)
2. Tilt the fixture to the desired position.
3. Tighten the yoke locking knobs to secure the fixture in position.
How to focus the beam
1. Loosen the beam focus knob located under the barrel.
2. Slide the lens tube forward or backward to achieve the desired beam edge.
3. Once the fixture is focused, tighten the beam focus knob.
How to rotate the angle within the fixture
1. Loosen the rotation locking knob. (Do not remove it.)
2. Rotate the barrel of the fixture left or right to the desired position.
3. Recheck the focus of the beam for sharp or soft focus and then tighten the rotation locking knob to secure the fixture in
position.
Hang and Focus: Required sequence
Note: Participant can ask questions prior to start.
1. Leave the starting line on the judges’ call and put on gloves.
2. Locate the fixture.
3. Hang the fixture.
4. Hand tighten the C-clamp.
5. Install the safety cable.
6. Wrench tighten the C-clamp.
7. Check and tighten as necessary the yoke bolt on the side and bottom of the C-clamp.
8. Open the shutters on the fixture.
9. Plug the fixture into power.
10. Position the fixture to illuminate the shape.
11. Lock the fixture; loosen and tighten the pan screw on the C-clamp or the rotation knob as necessary.
12. Place the fixture in a sharp focus.
13. Make shutter cuts as necessary.
14. Review fixture focus and make adjustments as necessary.
15. Insert gel frame.
16. Return to starting line.
After returning to starting line, assist judges in restoring all equipment to pre-event conditions.
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Advanced Tech Challenge Guide 2015
Scoring
There will be a point total for accuracy and a point total awarded for time; the overall point total will determine the top
participants in the event. The new scoring will be as follows; all participants will begin with 100 points and deductions will
reduce the overall accuracy points:
Point Chart
Perfect event set-up
Instrument upside down
Out of sequence
Forgotten safety cable
Not tight deductions:
• C-clamp
• Vertical hold devices
• Horizontal hold—Pan screw or yoke bottom bolt
• Focus knobs—barrel or barrel rotation knob
Shutters not opened prior to power
Shutter cuts:
• Up to 2″ inside or outside shape
• Over 2″ inside or outside shape
• Spilling on to tape
Sharp focus
Gel frame forgotten or not installed
Placing any items in mouth
Dropping any item at any time
Gloves not worn at all times or improper glove type
Blatant disregard for the rules
New Time Point Chart
Completed in 1 to 2 minutes
Completed in 2 to 3 minutes
Completed in 3 to 4 minutes
Completed in 4 to 5 minutes
At 5 minutes
100 points
15 point deduction
10 point deduction per instance
10 point deduction
15 point deduction
10 point deduction
10 point deduction
5 point deduction
5 point deduction
5 point deduction per shutter cut
10 point deduction per shutter cut
2 point deduction per shutter cut
5 point deduction
10 point deduction
10 point deduction per instance
10 point deduction per instance
10 point deduction
Disqualification from event
35 points awarded
30 points awarded
25 points awarded
20 points awarded
Event will be stopped and no points will
be awarded for the event attempt
Note: The total of accuracy points at the end of the event will be combined with the time points to determine the overall
outcome of the event with the highest point total declared the winner. If there is a tie after scoring, accuracy points will be
compared to make a winner determination; if there is still a tie after accuracy is compared, exact time in the event will be
used.
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Advanced Tech Challenge Guide 2015
General Information
• Gloves can be brought by the participant for this event or can be selected from the provided gloves. Gloves must be
work at all times on both hands during the event. Gloves without fingers are not permitted.
• All participants must wear closed toed shoes at all times during the event for safety; sandals or open toed shoes are
not acceptable.
• The participant will be allowed to use an adjustable (Crescent) wrench that they bring. Speed wrenches or other
types of wrenches are not allowed.
• The fixture being hung upside down: The ETC Source 4 Ellipsoidal has a drop-in iris slot on the top of the fixture; the
gel clip holder should also be on this side of the fixture. This needs to be on top of the fixture when focused. This is
important as all ellipsoidal fixtures do not have gel clip holders.
• C-clamp orientation: For this event, the opening of the C-clamp should be facing the person installing the fixture (to
enable unobstructed access to the bolts).
• Out of sequence: All individual functions from the list will be charged the deduction if performed out of sequence.
• Forgot safety cable: The safety cable must be placed on the equipment table separate from the fixture during event
set-up; out of sequence or forgotten safety cable deductions will be charged as necessary.
• Not tightened: These deductions are enforced to avoid any safety or focus concerns. They are very important and
penalties will be awarded as necessary.
• Shutters not opened prior to powering fixture: This increases burn on the shutters of the fixture. This deduction will
be charged in all instances of this occurrence.
• Shutter cuts: The shutters shall be scored matching the inside edge of the taped shape. Deductions will be charged
for being inside the tape or on or outside the tape as spelled out in the points chart.
• Sharp focus: All fixtures will be set to a soft focus during event set-up. It is the responsibility of the participant to
provide the sharpest possible focus of the fixture. The judge will inspect and test the focus for sharpness during
judging. If the fixture can be made sharper, deduction will be applied.
• Forgotten or non-installed gel frame: This is to insure the proper completion of the installation of the lighting fixture
as it would be under show conditions. There is no exception for this deduction.
• Placing items in mouth: This is not allowable.
• Dropping items: This is enforced for the sake of safety; the placing of items on the ground during the event is also
subject to this deduction as it can cause a trip/slip hazard.
• Gloves not worn at all times: This is required as the fixtures can get very hot and safety is important.
• Blatant disregard for the rules: This will result in immediate disqualification from the event!
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Advanced Tech Challenge Guide 2015
Rigging: Knot Tying (Individual Event)
The ability to tie basic knots is essential to a wide range of technicians. This fundamental stagecraft skill is used every day from
hauling equipment to the CATWALK or properly RIGGING scenery.
This is an individual event. Two people per team can try this event, and each gets one try. The maximum time allotted is 2
minutes. For a video demonstration, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXRf8OkpcC4.
In this challenge, individuals will be asked to correctly tie a series of commonly used knots.
Recommended sequence
1. Leave the start line
2. Tie a clove hitch on the pipe stand.
3. Tie a half hitch on the clove (a locking knot)
4. Tie a second line to the first with a sheet bend (a tailor's knot).
5. Tie a bowline around his/her waist
6. Task completed, the contestant signals with hands-up.
Penalties—Add the following time (in seconds) to a score if:
Placing rope in the mouth
Failure to follow the sequence:
Clove hitch, half hitch, sheet bend, bowline
Incorrectly tied knot—penalty each incorrect knot
Blatant disregard for the rules
Knot terminology
Sheet bend
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5 seconds
5 seconds
2 seconds
2 minutes
Clove hitch with half hitch
Bowline
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Advanced Tech Challenge Guide 2015
Wardrobe: Sew a Button (Individual Event)
One basic skill required of any wardrobe technician is the ability to quickly fix costume problems that may arise.
This begins with the ability to reattach a button.
This is an individual event. Two people per team can try this event, and each gets one try.
Maximum time allotted for this event is 3 min. For a video demonstration, visit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfTpYoTqHoM.
In this event, one team member will have to successfully sew a button with SHANK on the material provided. Prior to the
event, the needle will be threaded, but not knotted. You will be given a shank button, the threaded needle and scissors.
Recommended sequence
1. Pick up the threaded needle.
2. Knot the thread.
3. Locate where you will be sewing the button on to the garment. Place the needle into the fabric, starting at the back
side of the garment, bringing it up through the garment.
4. Make two or three stitches in the fabric, without the button to anchor the thread.
5. Bring the needle up to the top of the garment and bring the thread through the button shank and back through the
fabric.
6. Pull the stitch semi-tight. The shank should still stand up over the fabric. Do not pull the threads tight enough to sink
the shank into the fabric.
7. Sew through the cloth and wrap the thread under the shank four times. Then sew back through the cloth.
8. Create a loop of thread on one side of the threads and bring the needle around through the loop. Pull the threads
tight. Make at least three blanket stitches around the threads that are holding on the shank button.
9. Bring the needle to the back of the fabric; then knot off the thread.
10. Cut the thread.
Penalties—Add the following time (in seconds) to a score if:
For each loop under the four required on button hole
For each wrap under the four required around the thread
Knot missing at beginning
Knot missing at end
Button failure on judge’s inspection
• button pulls away from fabric—loose
• button pulls off
• loose thread on button hole loops
• loose thread on wrap (around thread)
• wrap done on button shank instead of around thread
Puckered fabric
Blatant disregard for the rules
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10 seconds
10 seconds
15 seconds
15 seconds
15 seconds
25 seconds
10 seconds
10 seconds
10 seconds
10 seconds
2 minutes
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Advanced Tech Challenge Guide 2015
Stage Management: Tape Out a Ground Plan (Team Event)
Using the ground plan from the SCENIC DESIGNER, the stage management team creates a full-scale GROUND PLAN of the
production’s set on the floor of the rehearsal studio. This representation indicates where all the furniture and other scenic
elements will be placed during the production. This full-scale ground plan is then used by the director and actors during the
rehearsal period to set blocking and get used to the boundaries and limitations of the set.
In this challenge, your team must successfully use the scenic designer’s ground plan (provided in packet) to tape out the set in
the given space. A CENTER LINE, PLASTER LINE and stage area will be provided for you to use as a reference. It is your job to
use various colored tapes to signify the different parts of the set you are taping out. The scale ground plan will be in ½″=1′0″
and a SCALE RULE, tape measures, spike tape, etc. will be provided. As this is a timed event, we are looking for how efficiently
the team works together and accurately tapes the ground plan. This is a team event, all six members of your team may
participate. Each team only gets one try due to time constraints. The maximum time allotted is 15 minutes. For a video
demonstration, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNpgC2-jPP0.
Please do your measurements in advance!
Penalties—Add the following time (in seconds) to a score if:
Malformed corners (not meeting or overlapping)
Inaccurate measurements within the scenic shape
Inaccurate placement of the scenic shape within the stage space
Inaccurate scale translation into the stage space
Incomplete ground plan when contestant calls “complete”
Blatant disregard for the rules
5 seconds each
15 seconds per angle
15 seconds each
15 seconds
10 seconds per missing line
2 minutes
Recommended sequence:
Prior to event send over your stage manager to measure the scale plot and prepare the drawing for the timed event. This
portion of the event is not timed.
Timed Event.
1. Leave start line.
2. Grab tape and tape measures (which will be provided).
3. Measure and tape each point for the walls and furniture.
4. Tape out all the lines for the walls (connect the dots) – Door swing does not need to be taped.
5. Spike all square/rectangular shaped set pieces with corner spike marks on the adjacent corners.
6. Spike any round set pieces with an “+” that crosses at the center of the object and is as wide as the objects circumference.
7. Go back to start line and say “Done!”
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Advanced Tech Challenge Guide 2015
The following diagrams will help you learn how to read a scale rule and tape out a set.
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Advanced Tech Challenge Guide 2015
Scenery: Leg a Platform (Pair Event)
If one platform is available, the team must attach two legs and remove two legs, leaving the platform ready for the next team.
(Two legs are bolted to the platform and two not.) If two platforms are available, then the team must attach four legs and
remove four legs, leaving the platforms ready for the next team. (One platform set with four legs bolted and one with none.)
Platforms are 3'x3', framed with 2x4s and have a 2x4 leg for each corner. The leg holes are drilled slightly larger than the 3/8
inch bolts used to attach them to the platforms. Two ratchets and two adjustable wrenches are provided. Two ratchet
wrenches and two adjustable wrenches provide challenge of setting the ratchet in forward/reverse mode, and getting the
adjustable set to the correct width.
Each team must provide one pair of students to complete this event. That pair can have one try. Maximum time allotted is 5
minutes.
Recommended sequence—one platform
1. Leave the start line.
2. Each member grabs a leg, wrenches, and hardware.
3. Each attaches a leg (one using a wrench, one using a ratchet).
4. Then the pair use the same tools to remove the other leg.
5. Team returns to the finish line and one member says “Done!”
Recommended sequence—two platforms
1. When the team has legged the platform, the team then flips it and puts it on its marks.
2. Return to finish line and one member says “Done!”
Penalties—Add the following time (in seconds) to a score if:
Loose legs
• Small wiggle
• Medium wiggle
• Very loose wiggle
Placing any items in mouth
Each team member must attach one leg
Not set in spike marks correctly-off spike (two platform event only)
Blatant disregard for the rules
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2 seconds
10 seconds
15 seconds
10 seconds
20 seconds
10 seconds
2 minutes
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Advanced Tech Challenge Guide 2015
Vocabulary
Batten: A pipe or bar that lighting instruments, soft goods, and scenery are attached to for rigging purposes.
Beam: The cone of light that is projected by the instrument.
Catwalk: The overhead access that allows technicians to reach lighting and rigging positions in the ceiling and high up in the theatre.
C-clamp: The hardware used to attach the lighting instrument to the batten.
Center line: The line that divides the stage area into two equal parts; running from downstage to upstage.
Circuit: Provides power to the instrument.
Color (also known as gel or filters): The colored plastic and frame that goes in the front of the instrument to color the light.
Drop focus: The act of an instrument losing its correct positioning, shape or color.
Electrics: A special batten that contains just lighting instruments and circuits.
Ellipsoidal reflector spotlight: A lighting instrument with a lens that throws an intense light on defined areas. This type of fixture is used
for front light, side light, specials, and projections (gobos).
ETC Source 4: A type of ellipsoidal or fixed beam spotlight that is manufactured by Electronic Theatre Controls (ETC).
Focus: The positioning, shaping, and coloring of the lighting instruments as determined by the lighting designer.
Ground plan: A bird’s eye view of the stage and scenery.
Lighting designer: The person who develops the artistic and technical scheme for the lighting of a particular production.
Master electrician: The person who oversees the lighting crew. He/she is responsible for the hanging, focusing, and programming of the
show as well as the day-to-day upkeep of the lighting for the production’s run.
Pan: The horizontal position of the lighting instrument.
Pattern (gobo): A thin metal disk that goes in the gate of the instrument to create texture or to project images.
Pipe bolt: The long skinny bolt located on the front of the C-Clamp that secures the clamp to the pipe.
Plaster line: The line that runs from stage right to stage left across the upstage side of the proscenium wall. This line is used by designers
and technicians to position various technical elements on the stage.
Rigging: The suspension of soft goods, lighting instruments, scenery, and people over the stage so that they can be brought in for quick
scene changes or easy access.
Safety cable: A piece of aircraft cable that is attached to the yoke of an instrument and around the batten to prevent the instrument from
falling to the ground if the C-Clamp fails.
Scale rule: A ruler used to measure an object in multiple scales.
Scenic charge: Person responsible for the painting of props and scenery.
Scenic designer: The person who develops the artistic and technical scheme for the scenery of a particular production.
Shank button: A shank button has a raised area on the back of the button which is used to sew on the button.
Shutters: The part of the ellipsoidal reflector spotlight that is used to shape the instrument’s beam. Located behind the lens of the
fixture, which causes shutter adjustments to work upside down and backwards. For example, the top shutter shapes the bottom portion
of the beam.
Tail: The electrical cable that runs from the lamp base of the instrument to the connector.
Tilt: The vertical position of the lighting instrument.
Yoke: The U-shaped metal piece that attaches the lighting instrument to the C-clamp. Allows a technician to adjust the position of the
instrument once it is secured to the batten.
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