First Follow Spotting Course

25 June 2012

  The first in a series of Follow Spotter Training courses was hosted at DWR Distribution on Monday, 18 June 2012 and was presented by Gerda Kruger and Philip Kruger.

 

This unique course, presented for the first time in South Africa, aimed not only to professionally train Follow Spotters, but also to raise the standard and enable Follow Spotting to become a full-time job.

 

For a long time, Follow Spotting has been seen as the “poor cousin” of lighting and something to be done by whoever is otherwise not occupied during the show. “Good follow spotting is never noticed, but bad follow spotting can ruin a show,” said Gerda Kruger, one of South Africa’s most prolific Lighting Designers. And she should know, having designed lighting for theatre and corporate events for over thirty years. “A good Follow Spotter should be acknowledged, be paid their worth and be an integral part of the show’s lighting as the designer and board operator.”

 

  The first full-day course was attended by eight technicians from three companies, PanTilt, MGG Productions and Blackmotion Production. The morning was devoted to theory, covering the importance of follow spotting, the components and communications amongst others. The afternoon session was practical with the students making their own sights out of matches and masking tape and then practising pick ups with Gerda calling cues.

 

The next course is scheduled for 9 July, also at DWR Distribution. Gerda is prepared to present the course at the premises of rental companies or theatres, should there be enough attendees. A course is also scheduled to be hosted at the Playhouse Company in July.

  To book your space or for more information, kindly contact Gerda at 083 310 6986.