2016 ALABAMA THESPIAN FESTIVAL:
TECH
CHALLENGE
HANDBOOK
Adapted from the EdTA website / Tech Challenge and from Terry McGonigle
A L A B A M A
T H E S P I A N
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C H A L L E N G E
H A N D B O O K
Table of Contents
Introduction .............................................................................. 2
Drop Fold ................................................................................. 3
Costume Quick Change ........................................................... 5
Sound System Hook-Up ........................................................... 6
Knot Tying ................................................................................ 7
Light Hang and Focus .............................................................. 8
Mystery Event ........................................................................ 10
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Introduction
Each troupe can bring one team of seven (7) thespians with each gender represented. All needed equipment will be provided
except for the following items THAT THE PARTICIPATING SCHOOL MUST PROVIDE:
 Gloves
 wrench / light tool for the light hang and focus
The Tech Challenge is a series of events that are designed to test your knowledge of basic 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 Tech Challenge consists of six (6)
events, 4 individual and 2 team events. These events represent the basic skills that every technician should possess to be wellrounded theatre professionals.
The events for the Tech Challenge are:
1. Lighting: Hanging and Focusing a Ellipsoidal Reflector Spotlight
2. Costumes: Quick Change
3. Stagecraft: Knot Tying
4. Sound: Hooking Up a Basic Sound System
5. Mystery Event (team event)
6. Scenery: Folding a Drop (team event)
We acknowledge the fact that there are many ways to accomplish these tasks and that various professionals, vendors, and educators
may have different methods. The following packet was designed by professionals, educators, and the Educational Theatre Association
to communicate the standards upon which each event will be judged. The study materials will provide criteria for your team preparation
for each event.
Event
Master
Lead
Supporting
Aspiring
*Max.
Technician
Technician
Technician
Technician
Time Limit
Knot Tying
Under :20
:21 - :30
:31 - :40
:41 or more
2:00
Light Focus
Under 1:45
1:46 - 2:30
2:30 - 3:30
3:31 or more
5:00
Costume Change
Under 1:30
1:31 - 2:00
2:01 - 2:30
2:31 or more
5:00
Drop Fold
Under :50
:51-1:10
1:11 – 1:20
1:21+
5:00
Sound Hook-up
Under 1:45
1:46 – 2:30
2:31– 3:30
3:31 +
5:00
*Participants will be stopped at the maximum time limit.
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Drop Fold
The team must work together to fold a drape for storage.
Recommended Sequence
Prior to the event, the drape will be crumpled in a disorganized pile on the stage floor. The team members should plan
ahead who will be at each corner as the drape is folded and who should check for the crispness of each fold or pleat.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Leave the start line
Pull the drape out flat on the floor
Determine the Center Line
Make the first fold to one end
Continue folding till appropriate width
Drape should be folded to the top (where the tie lines are). The label should be plainly visible.
Carry the folded drape and place it on the sizing template
Team returns to the finish line and one member says “DONE!”
Penalties – Add the following to score if:
A. Folding with the good side facing outward
B. Way off center – not folding on center line
C. Bad folds or pleats
D. Tie lines not visible/accessible
E. Judgment of teamwork – no arguments
F. Label not visible
G. Folded drape size too big or too small
10 s.
5 s.
5 s.
5 s.
5 s.
5 s.
5 s.
How to Fold a Drop
Backdrops and other soft goods (curtains) are necessary in every production by providing scenic elements and
masking the backstage areas. When the goods are not hung on a batten for show use, there is a particular way that the
goods should be folded for safe storage and easy identification. The method that is described below is the most common
method used. However, it is not the only method in practice.
Step 1. Place backdrop on a clean stage floor face (painted or nap side) up. Make sure the drop is smooth and free of any wrinkles.
Step 2. The next step requires four (4) people. Together fold the pipe pocket (lower corners) to the webbing (upper corner).
Step 3. Fold again from lower edge to the webbing (top) and smooth out any wrinkles.
Step 4. Fold again in the same manner until the backdrop is approximately 3 feet wide. Again smooth out any wrinkles or creases.
Step 5. Fold hemmed edges toward the center, leaving enough space for the final book fold (approximately 1' to 1'6").
Step 6. Fold edges towards the center again in the same manner until the backdrop can be folded into a square of 2 to 3 feet.
Step 7. Fold the two halves of the drop back on themselves, creating a book like shape with one open end.
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Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
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Costume Quick Change
The contestant must help an actress/actor to make quick change.
Recommended Sequence
1. Leave the start line
2. Give 15 seconds of prep time before letting performer in
a. Actor will enter even if contestant isn’t ready
3. Actor will be fully dressed in scene 1 outfit
4. Actor can help during change
5. Assist the performer out of scene 1 outfit (actor can help)
a. Undo fastening
b. Help lift over head or off arms
6. Assist the performer into scene 2 outfit
a. Do fastenings – Must be completely buttoned, zippered, laced
b. Put on hats or accessories
7. Re-change scene 1 outfit
8. Once set, the contestant runs to the finish line
Penalties – Add the following time to a score if:
Judging based on speed, smoothness of change, and final look
A. Not prepped in 15 sec.
B. Scene 2 clothing properly placed on actor (snapped, hooked, laced, etc.)
C. Missing Accessories – hat, scarf…
D. Unnecessary roughness of the actor
E. Scene 1 outfit not hung up or placed on hangers properly
F. Dropping hanger, unnecessary noise backstage
5
2 s.
10 s.
5 s.
5 – 15 s.
5 s.
5 s.
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Sound System Hook-Up
In theatre today sound is crucial to each production. From amplification of the actor’s voice to recorded playback
of sound effects or music, the Sound Engineer is vital to the success of the production.
In this challenge individuals will be asked to assume the role of the Sound Engineer and hook up a basic audio
system according to the Sound Designer’s Hook Up Chart. This basic sound system will include a Mixing Console,
Amplifier (amp), microphone, and a playback device. For successful completion of the challenge, you must hook up the
equipment in the correct manner, power on the system, and create sound using the two devices (microphone and playback
device).
No sound
10s
Sound from only one speaker
5s
Level too hot / feedback
5s
MIXER
Input
1
AMP #1
Output
1
L
Speaker #1
2
2
R
3
Aux 1
4
Aux 2
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Knot Tying
Recommended Sequence
1. Leave the start line
2. Tie a clove hitch on the pipe stand
3. Tie a second line to the first with a sheet bend (a tailor’s knot).
4. Tie a one-handed bowline around his/her waist
(At no time should the contestant touch the line with both hands).
5. Task completed, the contestant signals with hands-up
Penalties – Add the following to score if:
A. Placing rope in mouth
B. Failure to follow the sequence:
Clove hitch, sheet bend, bowline
C. Incorrectly tied knot – penalty each incorrect knot
D. Touching the line with the second hand while tying the bowline
10 s.
15 s.
10 s.
5 s.
http://www.animatedknots.com/knotlist.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com
This is a great website that provides animated procedures for knots, including doing the bowline with one hand.
Knot terminology
Knots commonly used in theatre
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Light Hang and Focus
Recommended Sequence
1. Leave the Start line
2. Locate Fixture
3. Hang Fixture
4. Hand tighten C-clamp
5. Install safety cable
6. Wrench tighten C-clamp
7. Wrench tighten yoke bolt
8. Open shutters
9. Plug in fixture
10. Position fixture – Rotation and basic focus
11. Lock it: tighten pan screw and rotation knob
12. Sharp focus
13. Shutter cuts to shape
14. Drop in pattern holder
15. Check orientation and focus
16. Drop in gel frame
17. Back to finish line
Penalties – Add the following time to score if:
A. Instrument upside down
B. Out of Sequence (tightened before safety)
C. Forgot safety cable
Not tight:
D. C-clamp
E. Vertical hold – yoke handles, wing nuts
F. Horizontal hold – pan screw
G. Focus knob and barrel knob
H. Shutters not open before plugging in
I. Shutter cuts (personal judgment)
J. Sharp focus (personal judgment)
K. forgot gel frame and/or gobo holder
L. Pattern upside down or backwards
M. Placing any items in mouth
N. Dropping items
O. Gloves not worn at all times
15 s.
10 s.
10 s.
15 s.
10 s.
10 s.
5 s.
5 s.
5 s. per cut
5 s.
3 s.
3 s.
10 s.
10 s.
5 s.
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(ETC, Source 4)
How to hang a lighting fixture (ellipsoidal)
1. Place C-CLAMP over the pipe at the designated hanging location.
NOTE: the opening of the C-clamp should face upstage of the electric pipe that the unit is hung on.
2. Adjust the PIPE BOLT so that it is secure on the electric pipe.
NOTE: pipe bolt should be no tighter then ¼ turn past finger tight.
3. Attach the SAFETY CABLE through the YOKE and around the electric pipe.
4. 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.
Setting 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.
3. Focus the BEAM to the desired beam edge.
Focusing the beam
1. Loosen the beam focus knob located under the barrel as shown in.
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.
4. Using the SHUTTERS, shape the beam of light to the desired shape.
5. Make sure all nuts, handles, and knobs are locked down so that the instrument does not DROP FOCUS.
6. Drop COLOR into the color slot of the instrument.
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Mystery Event
The mystery event will address some aspect of technical theatre and will be posted at the beginning of the Tech
Challenge. This will be a team event. Possible mystery events could include:
Legging a Platform
Maximum time = 5 minutes
If one platform available, the team must attach two legs and remove two legs, leaving the platform ready for the next
team. (2 legs are bolted to the platform and 2 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. (1 platform set with 4 legs bolted and 1 with none.)
3'x3' 2x4 framed platforms with 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 provided – each team member must use
one of each type. 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.
Recommended Sequence – One platform
1. Leave the start line
2. Each team member grabs a leg, wrenches and hardware.
3. Each attaches a leg
4. Then uses the same tools to remove the other leg.
5. Team returns to the finish line and one member says “DONE!”
Penalties (25 points each):





Loose legs
Placing any items in mouth
Each team member must attach at least one leg
Not set in spike marks correctly – off spike
Using tools inappropriately – banging on bolt or leg
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Prop Table
Recommended Sequence
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Leave the start line
Clear the items from the “on-stage” table.
Place them on the pre-set marks on the off- stage table.
The “Act II” items should be taken from the “off-stage” table and set in place on the “on-stage” table.
“Act II” items should be taken from “offstage” table and moved to the correct marks on the "on-stage" table.
Once set, the contestants run to the finish line.
PENALTIES











Dropped prop-10s
Picking up or carrying props in a manner that would make noise-5s
Picking up or carrying props in a manner that would risk dropping / breaking-10s
Placing any item in mouth-5s
Excessive noise on/offstage-5s
Wrong prop placed on table-5s per item
Improper position – missed mark on set table-5s per item
Items not set in proper orientation – 3s
Items not straight on set table – corners flipped-3s per item
Improper position – missed mark on prop table-3s per item
Items upside down or turned around-1s per item
**Prior to the event, the “on stage” table should be covered with the “Act I” tablecloth (A) and set up with the “Act I” set of plates,
utensils, and so forth. The “off-stage” table should be set up with the “Act II” desk items on their mark.
**Participant may have 20 seconds to look over and prep off-stage props.
**Next contestant can change from Act II back to Act I.
Button Sewing
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.
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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








For each loop under the 4 required on button holes-10s
For each wrap under the 4 required around the thread-10s
Knot missing at beginning-15s
Knot missing at end -15s
Puckered fabric-10s
Button pulls loose from fabric-15s
Button pulls off-25s
Loose thread on wrap-10
Cable Coils
Recommended Sequence
1. Start by making sure your cable has no kinks in it, and that it is not twisted.
2. Now place your hand out flat and lay the cable in your hand with the connector hanging freely between your thumb and
index finger.
3. Using your free hand, pull a length of the free cable towards your body. The longer the length, the bigger the coils you will
make; pull to just past your elbow for a good size tidy coil.
4. Using the hand you pulled towards your body move the cable back towards your other hand. While doing this, use your
thumb and index finger (keep your wrist straight) on the moving hand to turn cable through half a turn (180degrees). This
will cause the cable to make a loop.
5. Place the newly formed loop into the first hand and repeat the whole process until all the cable is coiled.
Penalties
 Rolling cable over the arm 15 pt deduction per instance
 Messy and inconsistent roll size 10 pt deduction per instance
 Cables not properly secured with a bow for storage 10 pt deduction per instance
 Cables place in incorrect storage location 10 pt deduction per instance
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