Post by Welshtrooper on Sept 21, 2013 21:46:59 GMT
What is Crewing? Well being a crew member on a troop is a great way to start, particularly if you have never been a member of a costuming club such as TDO.
As a crew member you are the eyes and ears for those in costume, especially those who are helmeted. Part of your job is to look out for potential hazards that the helmeted troopers cannot see, as some costumes field of vision is severely limited. This can be anything from steps that need negotiating to small children who wander infront of a trooper.
Another aspect is dealing with members of the public who want photos. If someone wants a photo make sure the trooper or troopers are aware and assist where necessary. This a a bit of a Health and Safety both to the public and to the costumer.
You are also tasked with helping those in costume to kit up and kit down as and when needed. This is handy if you are looking to go into costume yourself in the future as it gives you an idea of what is required when kitting up.
Another part of the job is looking out for and assisting with wardrobe malfunctions. This can be anything when it comes to costuming and its handy to have a small bag of tricks to hand such as duck tape, super glue, spare batteries and insulation tape to name but a few. This can be invaluable to the troopers as a malfunction can occur at any time.
A main part of the job is the welfare of the troopers especially when they are in costume for a number of hours, checking they are ok and making sure they dont get too hot. If this happens , take them somewhere they can de-lid and give them water. If a trooper is in danger of fainting etc, they must de-lid immediately and get sat down so they can rest. If needed it is they crew members responsibility to summon First Aid care or emergency services in case a costumer collapses. There are a number of members who are first aid qualified and will assist if present, but as crew you are the point of contact in an emergency situation.
At the end of the day crewing is also meant to be enjoyable and alot of the time it is, but you are a valuable person on a troop and the troopers will listen to you should you need to get them to go somewhere or do something.
Finally its handy if you have a camera to hand as photos are always needed to record the troop you are on, not to mention that most if all of the troopers are complete photo tarts. There are designated club photographers but if your the only crew member on a troop then its up to you to get clicking away.
I hope this has given you some insight into what a crew member is all about, if in doubt its always best to ask a staff member.
As a crew member you are the eyes and ears for those in costume, especially those who are helmeted. Part of your job is to look out for potential hazards that the helmeted troopers cannot see, as some costumes field of vision is severely limited. This can be anything from steps that need negotiating to small children who wander infront of a trooper.
Another aspect is dealing with members of the public who want photos. If someone wants a photo make sure the trooper or troopers are aware and assist where necessary. This a a bit of a Health and Safety both to the public and to the costumer.
You are also tasked with helping those in costume to kit up and kit down as and when needed. This is handy if you are looking to go into costume yourself in the future as it gives you an idea of what is required when kitting up.
Another part of the job is looking out for and assisting with wardrobe malfunctions. This can be anything when it comes to costuming and its handy to have a small bag of tricks to hand such as duck tape, super glue, spare batteries and insulation tape to name but a few. This can be invaluable to the troopers as a malfunction can occur at any time.
A main part of the job is the welfare of the troopers especially when they are in costume for a number of hours, checking they are ok and making sure they dont get too hot. If this happens , take them somewhere they can de-lid and give them water. If a trooper is in danger of fainting etc, they must de-lid immediately and get sat down so they can rest. If needed it is they crew members responsibility to summon First Aid care or emergency services in case a costumer collapses. There are a number of members who are first aid qualified and will assist if present, but as crew you are the point of contact in an emergency situation.
At the end of the day crewing is also meant to be enjoyable and alot of the time it is, but you are a valuable person on a troop and the troopers will listen to you should you need to get them to go somewhere or do something.
Finally its handy if you have a camera to hand as photos are always needed to record the troop you are on, not to mention that most if all of the troopers are complete photo tarts. There are designated club photographers but if your the only crew member on a troop then its up to you to get clicking away.
I hope this has given you some insight into what a crew member is all about, if in doubt its always best to ask a staff member.