Techie

1. An often highly skilled person involved with technical theatre. Technical theatre involves sound technicians (A1s: board operator and A2s: microphone placement backstage), light board operators (spot light operators also), light designers, set designers, a deck crew (who move everything on and off stage), a props crew (who look after and repair props), a fly crew (in simple terms, the person who utilizes the pulley system on stage left or stage right to lower flats that hang from the batons located above the stage), and a costume crew (minor repairs and makeup). Although technicians are the most skilled workers in theatre, we hardly get credit for our work.

To be a good technician you must have basic knowledge of lights (Ellipsoidals, Pars, Fresnels, etc.) and gels, be able to do basic mixing on the sound board, and be able to QUIETLY move things on and off stage. A good technician is versatile.

2. Technicians are required to wear all black, during rehearsals and shows, so as to not be seen between the wings on stage or the "booth" (where the sound board, light board, and spot lights are most likely placed).

3. The most important thing is that the term "techie" is an offensive name. It is used by many actors to demean us. However, some actors don't mean any harm by using this word, they just don't know this term's negative connotation.

4. Last of all, technicians are the elite of the theatre. Do not mess with us because we will make you look horrible on stage.

Actor, "Hey techie, get over here and fix my costume..".

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