Elements and Performance Criteria

Mechanical props are those props, which include the use of any mechanical device and may be:
cable-controlled
pneumatically-controlled
electrically-controlled

Relevant colleagues may include:
other props personnel
other workshop personnel, eg set builder, scenic artist
technical colleagues, eg costume, lighting
designers
directors
performers

Nature of mechanical construction may be impacted by:
safety issues
availability of mechanical devices
the level of movement required
simplicity of the device
number of times to be used
how the item will be used
proximity of audience
visibility by audience, eg only front will be seen
style of rest of the set

Devices used for the creation of mechanical props may include:
levers
cables
fulcrums

Underpinning skills and knowledge

Assessment must include evidence of the following knowledge and skills:

typical ways in which mechanical props may be used as a prop in different production/event contexts, including the use of cable-controlled, mechanically-controlled, pneumatically-controlled and electrically-controlled props
types of mechanical props that might be constructed and those most likely to be acquired by other means
properties and applications of devices commonly used for mechanical props, including an understanding of cables, levers, fulcrums and issues associated with electrically-controlled props
commonly-used mechanical devices and their ability to create different effects on stage
safety issues associated with the use of materials, tools and equipment in mechanical props
literacy skills sufficient to interpret production documentation
numeracy skills sufficient to calculate measurements and quantities and to interpret construction plans

Linkages to other units

This unit has linkages to a range of other general technical and props construction units, and combined assessment and/or training with those units may be appropriate, eg:

CUESET17A Develop props construction plans to meet design requirements
CUESET04B Use research, innovation and experimentation to create props

Critical aspects of evidence

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

safe and correct use of techniques to integrate the use of mechanical devices within props
knowledge of specific mechanical devices, their uses and associated safety issues

Method and context of assessment

The assessment context must provide for:

practical demonstration of skills through the creation of mechanical props for a production/event
construction of mechanical props within a commercially-realistic timeframe

Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:

evaluation of props constructed by the candidate in terms of suitability for production and quality of finish
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of safety issues and particular construction techniques
review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate

Resource requirements

This unit requires access to:

equipment, tools and materials used to construct mechanical props
work area where mechanical props can be safely constructed

Communicating ideas and information
Interpreting construction plans (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Presenting ideas on how a requested effect could be achieved (2)

Planning and organising activities
Organising the construction of several items within a restricted timeframe (2)

Working with others and in teams
Discussing the best way to achieve the effect required (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Calculating measurements (1)

Solving problems
Finding a solution to achieve a new effect with a mechanical prop (2)

Using technology
Adapting a device to suit a particular production requirement (2)