Information on Technical Production courses

Hey, I stumbled across these forums while looking for information about various tech production courses. I'm looking to apply at the end of this year and was hoping someone (or someones) would be able to help me by giving some pros and cons about the various degrees.

At the moment I'm looking at apply to NIDA, VCA, WAAPA, USQ and possibly QUT, JCU and the Uni of Ballarat. Any thoughs people could offer on these (or other) courses would be very welcome.

Thanks!

Hello Jenn

I can only comment on WA, you seem to have covered Australasia.

Depends on what area of production you are interested in, where you want to study, where you want to work.

WAAPA only take in low numbers to help ensure all of their graduates get placements at the end of the course. As far as I am aware WAAPA and NIDA are fairly equal when you look at some of the graduates and where they end up. People come from the Eastern states over to WAAPA to do the course if they cannot get into NIDA.

You should be getting experience and shows done now, to help your CV for the application you put in for the academy you want to go to, and for ongoing work. It can be voluntary work at amateur theatres, schools etc. to get you started if you do not have any prior experience. In WA there are training courses available, some are done in house so are free.

There is voluntary and paid production jobs with the Perth and Adelaide Fringe Festivals, usually organised through word of mouth so you have to chase them up beforehand.

If you look at alia.com.au you will see lighting tours organised in most states now to see how the larger shows are done.


Hope that helps a bit.

Don

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The information I should have put in my original message. I live in Brisbane and am currently doing a BA with a view to changing to a BA/BBus (events management) so I can have a degree which will help to pay the rent and make me more employable. Ultimatly I want to end up doing stage management or production management, with a little bit of lighting design thrown in.

I've been doing amature theatre for about four and a half years now, with a fair bit of sound and lighting experience so I'm working on getting my sm-ing experience to the same level. I'm also going to be doing a certificate III in entertainment at tafe next semester so I can have an all important "piece of paper." ;)

I didn't know about alia.com.au, so I shall check it out. It's good to hear that there are voluntary positions available at the fringe festivals, as Brisbane is putting it's first one on this year, so I shall get right on to the organisers.

But thanks for your help Don. And the only reason why I've covered "Australasia" is because I learnt this year not to put all of my eggs in one basket. :)

Hello! I'm applying to your message for two reasons! One because my name is jenn (spelt with nn!) and I live in brisvegas and Two because I thought i could offer a perspective on the TP course at NIDA as I completed first year there in 1998. I left after 1st year to travel and needed some breathing space for awhile as I went in straight from school. I am contemplating applying for the course that begins 2004 also. I went and spoke with Bill Harris who is the new Head of Course there and he noted a few changes since my time there but it is basically similar. It is a really intense course. You put on a production each term and for the two weeks leading up to the shows you go on what is known as "late nights" - classes from 9-6 and prac work form 7-11. Then you have about the same hours whilst the show is running. You also have saturday morning classes. So you have to be really commited! Bill told me the NIDA websight should be up and running with better info re: next years application in a couple of months so keep your eye on it. It sounds though that you already have a lot of qualifications - what is stopping you from starting work in the industry now? If you want to know anything specific let me know.
:) Jenn

I completed the theare production course at the VCA a couple of years ago and would recommend it from my experience. It covers a wide range of theatre. Starting in first year with subjects in all technichal areas, then you get to choose how you will specialize. I'ts a 3 year bachelor degree.
The VCA also offers a "Graduate Diploma in Dramatic Art (Events and Production)" which sounds like the sort of thing you might be after.
I would advise applying for as many of the courses as possible, even if you're not sure whether you want to go somewhere. Often the interviewers will advise whether the course they offer will be suitable to you.

B.

Hi jenn,

just to give you a bit of info on waapa and also the ba at jcu.

I have completed first year and half of my second year at waapa (i was studing lighting there ) and i decided to take a break - so now i'm working at dept. of defence (funny where things end up but thats another story....)anyway - basically and Jenn pointed out with the nida course it is really intense and there is a lot of work to be put in. basically we found that having a part time job is almost impossible with the hours you have to do for the shows they put on. You will have to work long hours and all the rest. the course is good and you do meet a lot of people that have contacts. If you've done your homework on waapa you will know you can specialize in what you want to do. - if you want more info on waapa let me know.

On to JCU in townsville - i started the ba of theatre (production) before going to waapa.

I found the course wasn't as demanding as waapa however it gave you a much broader range of subjects. The hours also are a lot easier to hold a part time job... I went to waapa to specilize into lighting. the course is good however being so far up north there isn't as much work around. however the clubs are good :)

i was also looking at usq at one stage but found out that they focus a lot on stage management so it kinda ruled out usq for me but ut might suit you.

if you wnat any more info email me and i'll let you know more.. sorry about the mistakes in typing i was in a hurry...


philip

After a three month stint at QUT Gardens Theatre as a Senior Technician, and in the general course of my freelance work as a technician in Brisbane, I have come to regard quite highly the standard of training recieved by the QUT technical theatre students. I now employ several QUT graduates in the Conservatorium Theatre and can recommend the course as one which definitely gives people the skills to enter the industry.

Hi Jenn,

I am currently in my final year of the Stage Management degree at USQ Toowoomba. Intake is small 8-12 students and as with all the good course our hours reflect that of the industry.

You are given the opportunity to undertake nearly all positions - Board OP, Sound Designer, Head LX, Lighting Designer, ASM - props/wardrobe/set, Deputy SM and SM and you may get Tour Manager and Production Coordinator for the show case/film production.

We work closely with the Empire Theatre staff and have practical classes there as well.

I would be happy to talk to you about any other information you require.

Cheers

Anita