Canberra Theatre kicks off first behind-the-scenes VET training program

Canberra Theatre Centre is proud to host three year 12 students who will be taking part in the Theatre’s first on-site VET training course from today (Feb 11, 2014).

Students Larissa Caston, Alex Parker and Alex Pilicic from St Francis Xavier College will work behind the scenes with the theatre’s technical staff across the next two school terms, gaining valuable hands-on skills that will be credited directly towards their Certificate 2 in Entertainment.

The students will work with lighting designers, sound engineers, mechanists & technical staff on real shows at the theatre, learning what it takes to get a show up and running.

It’s hoped that the students will use these skills to further their technical theatre education after high school.

Student Larissa Caston is excited about the opportunity to work with real theatre professionals.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to work in a professional industry rather than working in a school class and to come away with a qualification from it,” she says.

“I’ve done work experience at Canberra Theatre before but this time I’m hoping to refine skills I’ve already gained at school.

“It’s going to be much faster paced than during performances in school so I’m looking forward to it.

“After school I’m hoping to study audio engineering, I’d love to work in a theatre or use it to work in music recording.”

Saint Francis Xavier Principal Angus Tulley says the school is very pleased to be involved in the partnership with the Canberra Theatre Centre.

“The program offers students the opportunity to experience the challenges faced by those in a working theatre. It is much more than just work experience and it creates wonderful possibilities for the students and the Canberra Theatre Centre.”

The VET training course is the first of its kind to be offered at Canberra Theatre and was developed by education staff at the theatre alongside staff at St Francis Xavier.

Director of Canberra Theatre Centre Bruce Carmichael says it’s a wonderful opportunity for the theatre to be involved in helping to educate the next generation of technical staff.

“This is a great way for us to give back to the community and ensure the passion we have for live theatre and entertainment is shared with those in our city.

“I’m excited to see these students learning new skills in our venue and we’re proud to now be able to offer them this opportunity.”

Image: VET students from left Larissa Caston, Alexandra Pilicic and Alex Parker