Follow Spot
A Follow Spot (or Followspot) is a specialized bright spotlight used in theaters, concerts, and live events to track performers as they move across the stage. It's operated manually by a trained technician called a Follow Spot Operator, who follows the action throughout a performance. Think of it like a powerful flashlight that highlights the main performers on stage. When you see a singer brightly lit while walking around stage during a concert, that's typically the work of a Follow Spot Operator.
Examples in Resumes
Operated Follow Spot for national touring Broadway productions
Lead Followspot operator for major concert venues and live events
Trained junior technicians in Follow Spot operation and maintenance
Coordinated multiple Followspot positions for large-scale theater productions
Typical job title: "Follow Spot Operators"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Follow Spot Operators
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle training new follow spot operators for a large-scale production?
Expected Answer: Should discuss creating training programs, safety protocols, communication systems, and maintaining consistent quality across multiple operators. Should mention experience with different types of equipment and troubleshooting common issues.
Q: What's your experience with coordinating multiple follow spots for complex shows?
Expected Answer: Should explain managing team communication, creating detailed cue sheets, working with stage management, and handling backup plans for equipment failures.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you prepare for a show as a follow spot operator?
Expected Answer: Should mention reviewing cue sheets, checking equipment, participating in technical rehearsals, and coordinating with the lighting designer and stage management team.
Q: What safety procedures do you follow when operating a follow spot?
Expected Answer: Should discuss equipment inspection, proper mounting and safety cables, communication protocols, and emergency procedures.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic parts of a follow spot and their functions?
Expected Answer: Should be able to identify main components like the lamp, iris, color changers, and controls, and explain their basic functions.
Q: How do you maintain proper communication during a show?
Expected Answer: Should explain using headsets, following cues from stage management, and basic show terminology.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic follow spot operation
- Following cue sheets
- Basic equipment maintenance
- Show communication etiquette
Mid (2-5 years)
- Multiple spotlight types operation
- Technical rehearsal participation
- Basic troubleshooting
- Complex show experience
Senior (5+ years)
- Team leadership
- Training and supervision
- Advanced troubleshooting
- Complex production coordination
Red Flags to Watch For
- No experience with proper safety protocols
- Poor communication skills
- Inability to work in high-pressure situations
- Lack of basic theater terminology knowledge
- No experience with cue sheets or show notation
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