Career in tech theatre-- looking for advice

Hi-- I'm probably a very late bloomer; I've considerably less under my belt than the average university student who dabbles in technical theatre. So far I have stage managed for 3 semi-professional/amateur shows in all (done crewing for one or two more), one for which I also tried my hand at set and publicity design. Trying to get as much experience as possible, hopefully I might be able to figure out if i'm really any good at this thing (always had an interest in it, but whether it's right for me is something else altogether), although there's always the slight chicken-and-egg situation because of my late start. Was just wondering if anyone could give advice on what institutions/courses in the Sydney city area would be useful for an aspiring techie, and what courses you would recommend for someone who would perhaps be interested in all aspects-- both stage managing and set design. Also, things like the level of competitiveness out there, what to look out for, etc. Thanks!

I would suggest NIDA, but there are other certificate courses you can do which are often held through TAFEs and production companies. I would suggest getting a riggers or doggers licence. This helps you get more work. Actually, generally speaking you should undertake some form of licensing course, because technically you can't even rig lights without having proper training. There's a lot of work to be had, and you should try getting yourself on the books with a number of production companies who look for casual or part-time people. Check out www.alia.com.au for a list of local companies, a classifieds page, plus lots of information and forums to keep you going. The magazine, CX, will also help you. Age isn't a factor, but get as much experience as you can working with lots of venues, equipment, etc. And do as many roles as you can; most professional techies don't stick to doing one thing, because you get more work if you can do everything. I think set design is harder to get into, but stage managing should be easier. Everyone needs a stage hand at some point, and SM is just a step up from there. If you volunteer your time for festivals, companies or venues, that should help you get in, and in terms of competitiveness it will be more about who you know than what you know. But the more experience you have, the more likely you will get hired. Hope that helps! Na Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.thepromptcopy.com/pip

You could also try Julius Media if you want a bit of paper.

At julius Events College (JuliusMedia) we train the Advanced Diploma of Technical Production, an intensive one year vocational training course. It is audited by VETAB, the regulator, and drawn from the Entertainment Industry Training Package, CUE03. Within the full time course are units dealing with stage lighting; staging; video (editing. imag, projection and camera operation); live audio; recoring; production management; OH&S; show budgeting and a lot more. Our 2005 and 2006 graduates living in Sydney are all working in the industry to the best of my knowledge, many are also working overseas as a direct outcome of their training. We have extensive arrangements with industry, by way of example: Staging Connections (1,100 staff in 90 locations) interview all our graduates. Anyone with an interest in a career in entertainment technical is very welcome to come see the college and even attend our Friday midday rally where our students work against the clock to set up a professional venue system in our performance space each week. Once a fulfilling, challenging and practical year of training, graduates are issued with a piece of paper, but most of them are already working or on a pathway to their specific speciality and realising their dreams. Come and see it - www.juliusmedia.com or email me anytime. - Julius

Many thanks for such a comprehensive reply, Na! Very helpful.

No worries. I've been doing tech for a while now, and it is hard to get started; like acting, it's mainly an issue of finding the people who can give you work, and of course, finding ways of making your own. Chookas! Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.thepromptcopy.com/pip

Also check out www.stagemanagement.net.au for a link to the discussion group for Australian Stage Managers; ASM Forum. A tool for professional develpoment through the advice and ideas of your peers.

Interesting concept - can you tell me who set it up? (I'm just curious) Though from the looks of it, it will be much more interesting once it's finished. Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.thepromptcopy.com/pip My puppets www.collectzing.com/collection/137/

Hi, NIDA runs a three year production degree which is excellent but if you would rather do a one year part-time course (they run on Saturday or Sunday) for either a certificate III or certificate IV there are two part-time options at NIDA also. The Technical Operator is a Certificate IV in Live Production, Theatre and Events and the Young Theatre Makers Studio is a Certificate III in Live Production Theatre and Events. Check out the website at http://www.nida.edu.au/PARTTIME-COURSES/default.aspx Cheers,

Thanks for asking Na, The Stage Management Network Australia and its homepage are still in their founding stages, we do hope that the website will eventually become an important resource for Stage Managers in Australia. It was established by a group of Stage Managers who have noticed the need for an Australian SM Network which can offer advice, information and peer support all in the aim of professional development within the Australian industry. Any queries or suggestions are welcome and can be made through the website or at the Australian Stage Manager Forum (link available on homepage). Thanks for your interest.

Sounds like a good idea - I usually do SM these days, so it's nice to hear that there's something else out there for us techies. I'll be sure to come back and bookmark the site. Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.thepromptcopy.com/pip My puppets www.collectzing.com/collection/137/