For my other response above... I like to be called by my name
I actually prefer not to be called by my name. That's why I use my initials.
Technician vs Techie
- Thread starterTheatreTechie
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I actually prefer not to be called by my name. That's why I use my initials.
I actually prefer not to be called by my name. That's why I use my initials.
Hmmm... I wonder what his name is...
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shiben
Well-Known Member
I actually prefer not to be called by my name. That's why I use my initials.
Same here. Although i actually just combine some of my initials/names and make something that works.
Wait, let me get this straight.... so your saying conversations go something like this...
A: Good morning Lighting Designer!
B: Hey Assistant Sound Engineer how are you doing today?
For my other response above... I like to be called by my name
That would be hilarious. Maybe I will make people start doing that on my crew... "Hello Master Electrician Shiben..." Doesnt really come out real good tho...
Even though I'm in high school, I'm still a huge advocate of refering to my type as technicians. "Techie" seems really unprofessional, but there's really no changing the use of it around my school (directors, actors, and some fellow technicians use the term.) In my opinion, just because it's a high school theatre production doesn't mean that the technicians should be thought of as "being there simply because it's kinda fun" (even though some are there for that purpose.) A lot of us, such as myself, are actually interested in continuing on to a more professional aspect of technical theatre, and high school is the starting point.
I just spent 5 hours rehearsing with you [actors]. Do you think I might have earned enough respect for you to refer to me in a somewhat professional manner?
I just spent 5 hours rehearsing with you [actors]. Do you think I might have earned enough respect for you to refer to me in a somewhat professional manner?
shiben
Well-Known Member
We should start calling the actors acties or something... course, they might not have an issue with it... I did get called the lighting b**** by one actor on this show... Guess who gets an IR lamp right above them every scene next show?
Actually, I dont care enough to bother, but i thought it was funny and worth sharing
blackisthenewblack
Active Member
I find that Tech works the best. People ask me what I do and if I try to explain it to them, it just gets returned with a confused look. Because I do lots of things, its all encompasing.
Them: "What do you do?"
Me: "I do tech for the theatre."
It works better than a lighting designer, who gets confused for someone who does interior design.
Then there is the whole "Tech, Tactor, Actie, Actor" debate
Them: "What do you do?"
Me: "I do tech for the theatre."
It works better than a lighting designer, who gets confused for someone who does interior design.
Then there is the whole "Tech, Tactor, Actie, Actor" debate
We should start calling the actors acties or something... course, they might not have an issue with it... I did get called the lighting b**** by one actor on this show... Guess who gets an IR lamp right above them every scene next show?
Oh, there are other ways of torturing actors who don't do as they are told... "Oh yeah, that super dark blue gelled par that's right in your face the entire show? Yeah, that's completely necessary and there's no way the show can go on without it."
"Stupid Innovator decided to 'crash' during your special scene. Sorry."
"By the way, we've moved those 4 groundcycs to be right in front of you for... uh... special effect."
If I ever got called that or anything similar... I'd definitely be tempted.
shiben
Well-Known Member
Meh. This person is already in the light all the time an in a VERY heavy costume (something like 8 layers) and cant move by themselves at all... They need a lot of water at the end of the show. Wouldnt want it to be more painful...
oh no that ray gun is critical to the show... No, if its making you feel funny you should just sit down for a bit... I don't really mind if peopel who are uneducated on the subject call me a techie, but theatre people should at LEAST refer to me as a technician. Even better would be if they called me what I am: Lighting Designer, Electrician, Etc. Basically, I want to be known in each show for what I do.
Also, rather than calling actors actees, I call chorus and minor roles meat puppets (because that's what they are, essentially) and leads Egos (because that's often their most apparent trait)
And I mean no offence to actors who actually know what they're doing and respect us. Youg guys are actors or whatever you desire to be called.
Also, rather than calling actors actees, I call chorus and minor roles meat puppets (because that's what they are, essentially) and leads Egos (because that's often their most apparent trait)
And I mean no offence to actors who actually know what they're doing and respect us. Youg guys are actors or whatever you desire to be called.
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ArthurRiot
Member
I lobe that this is even being debated Neither term is disrespectful. It's like having a solid opinion whether you want to be called 'mom', 'mommy', or 'mother'.
Typicily I'm called a theatre tech or techie or stagehand. Rarely am I called a technician, though when it's a formal introduction That happens too.
Let's not get too bogged down with high and mighty titles and just enjoy what we do.
Neither term is disrespectful. It's like having a solid opinion whether you want to be called 'mom', 'mommy', or 'mother'. Typicily I'm called a theatre tech or techie or stagehand. Rarely am I called a technician, though when it's a formal introduction That happens too.
Let's not get too bogged down with high and mighty titles and just enjoy what we do.
Les
Well-Known Member
ArthurRiot
Member
If you highly doubt that then you would be mistaken. I've met quite a few. It's just not that big a deal.
DuckJordan
Touring IATSE Member
I think this has reached a point where people are seeing it said from tech to tech, it originated at least in the area i'm from an actor calling a technician a techie. IT brings up the old argument you wouldn't call an actor an actie would you? it is a form of respect and honestly if you don't think so how many people can build and do the stuff we do just off the street?
you wouldn't call a police officer, a piggy to his face would you? its respect to me and it always will be, call yourself whatever you like but I prefer to use respect when talking to people.
meghanpotpie
Member
For someone who has made the effort to be taken seriously in my field I always prefer the term Technician. "Techie" almost always has the highschool/ community theatre connotation. In most theatres you are referred to with your proper title, ie: Technical Director, Master Electrician, Sound Engineer, etc.
MPowers
Well-Known Member
I wonder if there is a generation bias here? When I first morf'ed from being a performer to a technician (early '60s) the term techie was considered a badge of honor. Later in life, early 90's, I wrote a monthly column for an e-zine called "Techie's Corner". I was proud of the column and the title, and at the time noone seemed to resent the term. Likewise, in the 60's a Roadie meant a hard working stagehand who toured with a show or tour. Is it because "talent" and directors and producers et. al. have begun to use the term "Techie" and Roadie" in a derisive or "put down" manner? I have noticed that in the last few years, I dislike being called a techie by anyone who is not a techie themselves.
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ArthurRiot
Member
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