Diploma in Performance Technology (Level 6)

Robert Hunte's work varies from lighting and sound to stage managing. Picture / Graeme Sedal

The course

Behind every brilliant film or performing arts production is a team of experts who work hard to create the illusion of other worlds.

The two-year fulltime Diploma of Performance Technology develops a diverse range of skills, knowledge and experience for people wanting to enter the performing arts industry.

Students specialise in one of three areas: lighting and sound, scenery or wardrobe. Lighting and sound includes stage management for live performances. Scenery involves set construction and wardrobe covers costume making, accessories and pattern drafting. Diploma students work alongside trainee actors, directors, writers and dancers, developing an understanding of all aspects of theatre.

Students also study general performing and screen arts topics such as production processes, theatre and screen studies, professional practices and introduction to design. Self-employment issues, such as GST, tax and self-promotion, are also part of the course.

Students spend at least 30 hours a week on campus, with hours increasing during peak production times.

An industry placement is an important part of the second year, offering knowledge of the performing and screen arts as well as opportunities to network with contacts. Placement length is negotiable and tutors help students find appropriate placements.

Ninety per cent of the course involves practical assessment, involving written and spoken components.

The course has reasonably stringent entry requirements for a diploma course. Applicants need a total of 60 Level 2 NCEA credits in their top four subjects, or an appropriate Level 3 certificate or equivalent. Those older than 20 years must provide evidence of appropriate experience.

There is also opportunity to enter through special admission if you can prove experience or employment in a performance-related field or demonstrate evidence of ability through another course.

Applicants must meet minimum English language requirements, such as NCEA Level 2 English credits or Level 3 credits in English, history, classics or geography. International students can use IELTS or TOEFL scores.

Applicants also must attend an interview/audition and participate in exercises and demonstrations to prove their ability, motivation and passion.

The course starts in February each year and applications should be in by October 1. Usually around 24 people are accepted into the course. Late applications are considered if there is space and the applicant has the appropriate background and understanding.

Graduates get work freelancing in a range of roles, including costume maker, art director, performance technician, sound or light technician, wardrobe manager or stage manager.

What graduates think

Robert Hunte
20 years old
Freelance theatrical technician

I do everything from lighting and sound to stage management. I've worked on super screens at Ericsson Stadium and Eden Park, and productions at Maidment Theatre, Auckland Theatre Company and Silo Theatre. I'm at Silo at the moment doing maintenance work during a week's shutdown.

One of the great things about the course is that it is very industry oriented, so the people tutoring are also potential employers.

You also work with aspiring actors and dancers to put a show on in front of a paying audience in a certain time frame. You're not just learning out of books.

It is a fantastic way to learn because you practice in a safe environment and are able to make mistakes and learn from them. It doesn't teach you everything, but as an entry-level qualification you gain enough skills to get entry-level jobs. Having said that, soon after graduating I got a sound designer role for a production, which was great.

What employers think

Frith Walker
Company manager for Silo Theatre

When Mercury Theatre closed 10 years ago there was no one providing theatre training. Unitec's course is filling that gap and giving people a chance to learn basic skills in a safe environment.

What we do is pretty hectic and done on a shoestring budget, so there is not a lot of room for someone new to be saying they don't know how to hang the lights. At Unitec they learn with their peers without someone shouting at them, and have the opportunity to feel what it is like to be in show mode.

I do part-time tutoring at Unitec and will tell students to call me when they come out of the course so they make contacts within the industry as they go.

Qualification

Diploma in Performance Technology (Level 6)
Unitec
Ph (09) 815 4321 ext 7187 or 0800 10 95 10
Contact: Steve Marshall or Judy Stevenson (see link to email addresses below)
Starting salaries: Theatre $18-$25 an hour or $1500 for a design.
Film industry scenic and wardrobe rates are slightly more.
Fees for 2005 were $5203.