Overview

Extend your technical expertise in this tailored foundational program dedicated to the craft of staging and technical production. 

Over two immersive weeks, you will explore the diverse roles and responsibilities involved in staging a production. Learn and apply stage management skills used to coordinate a creative team and gain hands-on experience in lighting and sound design. Consolidate your technical and creative skills as you apply professional and current safe practices on a group project in a NIDA Theatre. 

NIDA’s Stagecraft Lab offers a collaborative, practical environment where emerging technicians alike can refine their skills, connect with peers, and prepare for further study or careers in live performance and technical production. 

Entry to the Lab programs are by application only. Click ‘Enrol now’ to begin your application. Applications must be submitted by 23 December 2025. 

Components  

1. Week One:  Shape the sound, ready the prompt 

Explore the essential roles and responsibilities of stage and production management. Learn essential strategies for the planning and coordination of a company of creatives. Examine opportunities to shape the sound design of a dramatic text and select industry tools to realise a sound concept of your own.  
 

2. Week Two: Light the stage, cue the action                                                                                 

Work alongside a lighting designer to develop a creative lighting concept. Learn to rig, focus and operate lights for live performance, and refine your technical precision in cueing a show. Consolidate your staging and production knowledge to bring a short dramatic text to life.

By the end of the course, you will have:

• Analysed a set text and designed aligned sound and lighting concepts.  

• Learned practical steps to notate and call cues during rehearsals and performance.  

• Rigged, patched and focused lights in a NIDA theatre space. 

• Overseen the life cycle of a production process, including bump-in and bump out. 

This course is ideal for aspiring technicians who:  

• Are passionate about the behind-the-scenes craft of theatre and live performance  

• Are interested in visual storytelling and shaping narrative through lighting and sound design.  

• Enjoy creative problem-solving and working as part of a team. 

• Are considering further study in production management, stage management, technical theatre and live events.  

• Are seeking to refine their skills and industry readiness.