Projection: Head of Department

This document details some of the work generally performed by the Head of Projection on major shows. It is not a definitive document as the duties of the Head of Projection will always be influenced by the needs of the production and the assigned crew.

Job description

Responsible for the set-up of projection equipment, and the sourcing and operation of cues. Projection deals primarily with images projected from one or more data projectors. Some specific duties include:

Creating or sourcing pre-recorded projection cues, often in collaboration with the projection designer.
Setting up and operating projectors.
Setting up and operating live broadcast equipment (eg video cameras).
Operating playback equipment, vision mixers, and/or live broadcast equipment during performances.
Bumping out all projection equipment after the season, and archiving digital material.

As soon as you are assigned to a production

Get a copy of the script and read it.
Meet with the projection designer to discuss the general design overview and projection cue list, if available. Determine what images or video need to be made specifically for the production, and if equipment will need to be hired or purchased.
With the projection designer, stage manager and production manager, set dates for anything required in rehearsals, draft and final video, and plot.
Begin sourcing and creating images and video and sharing them with the projection designer. Prioritise anything that is needed for rehearsals.

For each rehearsal session

Make available any projection needed for the rehearsal, and instruct the stage manager in its operation. You may be required to attend some rehearsals to assist the stage manager with set up and operation.
Read the stage manager’s rehearsal report to check for any relevant information, and respond to it.

Three to four weeks prior to first performance

Attend any full runs of the show in rehearsal.
Meet with the projection designer and director to discuss details of the projection design, view sourced and created images and video, and respond to feedback.
Based on this feedback, make changes and continue to meet with the projection designer and director.
If the projection designer has not already done so, make an projection cue list.
Arrange for any extra equipment to be bought or hired.
With the projection designer, meet with the lighting and sound departments to discuss any crossover in equipment, and creative or technical requirements. Particularly, projection and sound may be run from the same computer using QLab software. If so, you must resolve at this point who will be operating for technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals and shows.

Two to three weeks prior to first performance

Attend any full runs of the show in rehearsal.
Continue sourcing and creating projection and share it with the projection designer and director, and making it available in rehearsals as required.
Prepare a detailed projection plan showing the placement and connection of all relevant equipment. This may be simple (one projector and one playback source) or more complex (live feeds, multiple projectors, audio feeds etc).
Share the finalised projection cues with the projection designer and director. Do a trial run of any live video, such as camera inputs.

One week prior to first performance (production week)

Set up the projection system as required.
With the projection designer, director and stage manager, plot the projection. Ensure it functions well with the other technical departments.
Operate the projection for all technical and dress rehearsals. You may have made prior arrangements with the sound department for jointly operating sound and projection. Make any required changes.

For each performance

If you are show crew, arrive at the specified call time and carry out all pre-show checks. Use a checklist to ensure everything is checked and set correctly.
Operate the show as rehearsed.
After each performance, power down correctly.
Whether or not you are show crew, read the stage manager’s performance report for each performance, and complete any required tasks.

After the season (bump out)

Pack up or bump out equipment as required.
Return any hired equipment.
Production notes and video files archived for future reference.
Evaluations and feedback.