Where a followspot operator can go next
5 destinations recorded, ranked by how much of the target role a followspot operator already meets. The closer to the top of Table 1, the less there is to learn.
Followspot operators control follow spots based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Follow spots are specialized lighting instruments, designed to follow performers or movements on stage. Movement, size, beam width and color are controlled manually. Therefore, the operators work closely together with the light board operators and performers. Their work is based on instructions and other documentation. Their work can include working on heights, in bridges or above an audience.
Also known as spotlight operator, followspot lighting operator.
Technicians and associate professionals 26 skills on file 5 career moves 1 above 60% overlap Closest: tent installer, 70%
- 70% and above · short step
- 50 to 70% · real move
- Below 50% · substantial retraining
Table 2 · What the job itself asks for
A followspot operator needs 19 required skills and areas of knowledge. These 10 are the ones fewest other jobs share, so they say the most about the work.
- operate follow spots working with machinery and specialised equipment
- set up follow spots communication, collaboration and creativity
- follow safety precautions in work practices assisting and caring
- de-rig electronic equipment working with machinery and specialised equipment
- assemble performance equipment working with machinery and specialised equipment
- communicate during show communication, collaboration and creativity
- set up equipment in a timely manner handling and moving
- store performance equipment handling and moving
- use communication equipment working with machinery and specialised equipment
- prepare personal work environment management skills
Table 3 · Jobs that lead here
The reverse view: occupations whose skills already cover much of what a followspot operator does. The figure is how much of this job each one brings.
- performance lighting technician 80% covered · difficulty 23.6
- stage machinist 78% covered · difficulty 24.5
- automated fly bar operator 77% covered · difficulty 26.5
- pyrotechnician 77% covered · difficulty 27
- audio production technician 72% covered · difficulty 32.6
- intelligent lighting engineer 69% covered · difficulty 35.3
- prop master/prop mistress 67% covered · difficulty 36.4
- stagehand 67% covered · difficulty 36.7
- media integration operator 67% covered · difficulty 36.4
- instrument technician 66% covered · difficulty 37.2
Look up another occupation
Followspot operator is filed under Technicians and associate professionals, ISCO major group 3. The full index lists all ten groups.
How these figures were compiled
Overlap is how much of the target role is already part of a followspot operator’s work. It is directional: the figure for the reverse move differs. Every entry above opens the full comparison for that move: what carries over, what is missing, and where to start. The full method.