How to Be Dance Company Touring Video Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 1, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a Dance Company Touring Video Technician is integral to the success of the tour. They are responsible for the setup, operation, and maintenance of the video equipment used during the tour. This includes setting up the cameras, editing and manipulating footage, and troubleshooting any issues that may arise with the equipment.

By ensuring the video equipment is properly set up and functioning, they are able to ensure that the performances are captured accurately and effectively. This in turn allows for the production of high quality videos that can be used to promote the tour and bring in additional revenue for the dance company. In addition to creating promotional materials, the video technician also has to maintain and repair any malfunctioning equipment during the tour.

This is necessary for ensuring the tour runs smoothly and without interruption.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or an equivalent degree. Most employers prefer applicants who have a formal education.
Complete a post-secondary certificate program in Film and Video Production or a related field. This will give you the technical training necessary for the position.
Gain experience. Working as an unpaid intern or apprentice for an established video production company is an excellent way to gain valuable experience.
Seek employment at a dance company. Start by applying for entry-level positions such as an assistant technician and work your way up to the position of Touring Video Technician.
Attend seminars and workshops related to video production, such as seminars on digital video production, audio engineering and lighting techniques. This will help you stay up to date with the latest technologies and trends in the industry.
Develop your technical skills. Make sure you are familiar with all the equipment used in video production and can use it effectively.
Get certified as a Touring Video Technician by a professional organization such as the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE). This will demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and experience to be a successful touring video technician.

To stay ahead and qualified as a Dance Company Touring Video Technician, one must continually develop and expand their knowledge and skillset. It is important to stay up to date on the latest industry trends and technologies, such as video recording and editing software, cameras, and audio equipment. it is important to network with other professionals in the field, attend conferences and workshops, and become certified in relevant areas.

By doing so, one can gain a better understanding of the demands of the job and ensure they can meet them in a timely and efficient manner. Finally, it is important to stay organized and knowledgeable about the specific requirements for each production, as well as have a strong understanding of the tour venues, so that any problems or issues can be addressed quickly and efficiently.

You may want to check Dance Performance Artist, Dance Company Administrator, and Dance Company Tour Booking Coordinator for alternative.

Job Description

Set up and operate sound and lighting equipment for live performances.
Troubleshoot any technical issues that may arise during a performance.
Manage the company's tour video equipment, including cameras, projectors, and monitors.
Capture and document accurate media footage of each performance.
Collaborate with the Artistic Director to develop creative content for video elements of performances.
Create and edit promotional videos for upcoming performances/tours.
Maintain accurate inventory and financial records of tour video equipment.
Train and supervise any additional staff or crew members.
Monitor and adhere to performance budgets.
Ensure the safety of all equipment used during a tour.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of video and audio equipment, including video projectors, cameras, switchers, mixers, and other related equipment.
Ability to troubleshoot and repair video and audio equipment.
Knowledge of various types of lighting systems, such as LED, tungsten and fluorescent.
Ability to program and operate digital consoles for live sound reinforcement.
Knowledge of broadcast standards and signal flow.
Ability to set up and operate video projection systems in various venues.
Ability to configure video distribution systems and audio/video playback systems.
Knowledge of video editing software and techniques, including Adobe Creative Suite and Final Cut Pro.
Knowledge of video compression formats and streaming protocols.
Ability to coordinate and manage multiple video sources in a live setting.
Excellent organizational skills in order to manage complex setups and multitask quickly in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Good communication skills to interact with crew members and clients.
Ability to lift and transport heavy equipment

The ability to troubleshoot and repair technical problems quickly and efficiently is an essential skill for any Dance Company Touring Video Technician. As digital equipment becomes increasingly complex and more sophisticated, the ability to troubleshoot and diagnose issues is critical in order to ensure that shows go off without a hitch. Without this skill, a technician can find themselves constantly struggling to keep equipment running properly or having to resort to last-minute fixes that often lead to unsatisfactory results.

Knowing how to recognize a problem, diagnose it accurately, and implement a solution quickly will enable a technician to help keep a show running on time, maintain quality, and ensure an overall positive experience for both the audience and the performers. Furthermore, having the ability to work well under pressure is also an important attribute, as technicians are often called upon to work long hours and respond to unexpected challenges in a fast-paced environment.

Dance Company Touring Videographer, Dance Company Business Manager, and Dance Company Touring Stage Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a Dance Company Touring Video Technician?
How have you used video technology to enhance performances?
What strategies do you use to troubleshoot technical issues on the road?
How would you rate your knowledge of video equipment and software?
Describe your process for setting up and striking a video system in a touring environment.
What systems have you implemented to ensure the security of video assets while on tour?
What techniques do you use to make sure video assets are properly backed up?
Are you comfortable working with tight time constraints when programming video for shows?
What challenges have you faced while managing video production for a tour?
How do you stay current on emerging technologies in the video industry?

Common Tools in Industry

Video Camera or Camcorder. A device used to capture footage for live events. (e. g. Sony HXR-NX5U NXCAM Camcorder)
Tripod. A three-legged stand used to support a camera while shooting video. (e. g. Manfrotto MVH500AH Pro Video Head and Aluminum Tripod System)
Audio Mixer. A device used to control audio levels during a production. (e. g. Mackie ProFX12v2 12-Channel Compact Mixer)
Microphones. Devices used to record audio from performers or the environment. (e. g. Sennheiser e935 Cardioid Vocal Microphone)
Lighting Equipment. Devices used to illuminate a stage or performance area. (e. g. Elgato Key Light)
Cables and Connectors. Devices used to connect equipment for live video and audio production. (e. g. Mogami Gold Studio XLR-M to XLR-F Microphone Cable)
Video Editing Software. Software used to edit and refine video footage. (e. g. Adobe Premiere Pro)
Computer. A device used to store and process video and audio data during production and post-production workflows. (e. g. Apple Mac Pro with 32GB of RAM)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians (NABET)
United Scenic Artists (USA)
International Cinematographers Guild (ICG)
Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE)
Audio Engineering Society (AES)
Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA)
United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT)
International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD)
Association of Independent Video and Filmmakers (AIVF)

We also have Dance Company Touring Artist, Dance Company Director, and Dance Performance Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Audio Visual Technician. Responsible for operating and maintaining audio and visual equipment used in live performances.
Video Editing Software. Computer programs used to create, edit and manipulate video files.
Lighting Technician. Responsible for setting up, adjusting, and operating lighting equipment for live performances.
Video Director. A professional who oversees the video production process and is responsible for creative decisions.
Broadcast Engineering. Technical aspects of broadcast signals for television, radio, and internet media.
Projection Mapping. A technique used to project images onto irregularly shaped surfaces.
Video Streaming. The transmission of video in real time over the internet.
Digital Signage. Electronic displays used to communicate with customers in a variety of environments.
Set Design. The art of constructing a physical environment to support a live performance.
Video Production. The process of creating a video from concept to completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of video equipment is typically used by a Dance Company Touring Video Technician?

A Dance Company Touring Video Technician typically uses professional-level video cameras, audio recorders, lighting and other equipment necessary for capturing and editing live performances.

What qualifications does a Dance Company Touring Video Technician need?

A Dance Company Touring Video Technician should have a degree in film, television or media production, along with a strong understanding of the technical aspects of video production. They should also have experience working with a variety of video equipment, including cameras, lighting, sound, and editing software.

What type of tasks does a Dance Company Touring Video Technician perform?

A Dance Company Touring Video Technician is responsible for capturing and editing live performances and creating content for future video projects. This includes setting up and operating video and audio equipment, adjusting lighting and camera settings, and ensuring the quality of the video production.

How much does a Dance Company Touring Video Technician earn?

The salary of a Dance Company Touring Video Technician can vary depending on experience, location, and the type of projects they are working on. Generally, salaries range from $30,000-$60,000 per year.

What is the job outlook for Dance Company Touring Video Technicians?

The job outlook for Dance Company Touring Video Technicians is positive, with an expected growth rate of 6% over the next decade. This is due to the increasing demand for high-quality video content from dance companies.