Tech Connect participants ready to bring the theatre to life

ELEVEN students have been recognised across the G21 region as successful graduates of a Tech Connect 2022 program at Geelong Arts Centre.

The ten-week Arts Centre Melbourne Registered Training Organisation course provided participants with a Certificate III in Live Production and Services, aiming to address an immediate and ongoing need for skilled and qualified production staff to work in Australia’s performing arts venues.

The program aimed to engage professional networks across urban-rural creative communities by promoting employability and strengthening the technical capacity for production of live cultural performances in regional centres.

The course enabled graduates in Geelong to gain practical, hands-on experience while developing industry focused leadership skills.

Throughout the ten-week course, participants completed 16 nationally accredited units of competency aligning with the role of Venue Technician, some of which included, entertainment industry safety, customer service, operate flying systems, basic lighting and audio, and vision systems.

“I have found the Tech Connect Certificate III Live Production and Services course to be invaluable,” Geelong Arts Centre Tech Connect 2022 Graduate Georgia Chara said.

“I have gained hands on experience in audio, lighting, operating fly systems, audio visual systems and working at heights safely.

“I am excited to apply these skills in the upcoming community theatre production that I will be directing and with the support of the Geelong Arts Centre technical department, I get the opportunity to further expand my knowledge,” Chara said.

Geelong Arts Centre Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director Joel McGuinness also expressed his appreciation for hosting the Tech Connect 2022 course, which in turn enabled the organisation to not only upskill their existing staff but also create opportunities for budding technicians right across the region.

“At Geelong Arts Centre, we are proud to be the home Where Creativity Meets, and that extends from providing a space for performers, writers, directors and technical crew to experience world-class facilities in which they can hone their craft.”

Further training is planned to return to Geelong Arts Centre in 2024 when Tech Connect delivers its final year, supported by Creative Victoria.