Diploma in performance technology

By MARK STORY

The course

The diploma in performance technology integrates technical and creative disciplines within a two-year, full-time programme. The interdisciplinary course provides students with a diverse range of creative skills, knowledge and practical experiences.

Graduates can expect to find jobs in film, performing arts and entertainment industries, says course programme leader Steve Marshall.

Classes are held five days a week, 9am to 5pm, including some evenings or weekends during productions.

"You'll study alongside actors, contemporary dancers, choreographers, directors, writers, film editors, production personnel, cinematographers, sound designers, and with working industry professionals as your tutors," says Marshall, who helped to develop the course.

Projects include dance, theatre, film and television, and original collaborative productions, equipping students with experience in their area of specialisation.

Students can specialise in one of three areas of performance technology, including: lights/sound (sound and light operation, stage management), scenery (set construction, scenic painting, props making) and wardrobe (costume making, accessories and pattern drafting).

As well as speciality subjects, the diploma gives students a hands-on introduction to all forms of performance technology; interaction with professional designers and crafts people; and in-depth analysis of the history and purpose of performing and screen arts.

Industry placements during year two give students an insight into the actual world of the performing and screen arts.

After graduating most students join established screen or performing arts companies.

Graduates have worked on productions at Auckland Theatre Company, Court Theatre, Downstage and SiLo Theatre, with international companies, and on feature films such as The Lord of the Rings and Anna. Others have found work with TVNZ, Pacific Renaissance and Juice Television.

Students must have a total of 16 or less in their best four Sixth Form Certificate subjects, or equivalent; or have successfully completed an appropriate certificate at level three; or be aged 20 or older and have appropriate work or other experience.

Students with English as a second language must have a grade of C or above in School Certificate English, or equivalent, or have a maximum grade of five in Sixth Form Certificate English, or have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS - academic) score of no less than 6.0 or a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of no less than 550.

Applications for the 12 places available on next year's programme at Unitec's Auckland campus, can be made right up until the February 16 start date. Next year's fees have not yet been set, but the course cost $5303.85 this year.

What past students think

Josh Hyman

20

Stage manager

Auckland Theatre Company

Auckland City

Graduated 2003

"Having been interested in drama at high school, I went direct from seventh form into this course.

"As a vocational programme it prepares you for the industry. The diploma's course content mirrors the work I'm currently doing.

"I first worked with ATC on industry placement - under the senior stage manager at the time, Frith Walker - during my second year of training. I now work on a show-by-show contract basis.

"As stage manager, I'm responsible for looking after the show once it goes live and during rehearsals. Setting up the show involves anything from preparing props, sound and lighting, working alongside the director through to making sure everything happens on cue, and being the first contact for actors.

"I had great fun doing this course, but you do need to be committed."

What employers think

Frith Walker

Company manager, Auckland Theatre Company

Auckland City

"The competence and personality Josh displayed during an initial secondment to us - on the show Final Draft - made him our obvious choice for trainee after graduation.

"The speed at which he's moved into the stage manager role has been outstanding. The diploma provided the foundation for him to step into this industry. It's now a case of constantly learning on the job." Mark Story


Diploma in performance technology

Unitec - School of Performing and Screen Arts

Phone: 0800 10 95 10

Website: Unitec