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Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.
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International student means; you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.

Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services Live Production

VTAC Code: CUA50420 CRICOS: 111352H VTAC Number: Prahran 6900868614

Overview

Campus
Campus
Duration

1 year full time

Duration

1 year

Next Intake

February

Next Intake

February

Follow your creative dreams

Channel your passion for all aspects of theatre and live production with Melbourne Polytechnic’s Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services CUA50420. Our course will teach you everything you need to know about working backstage and behind the scenes.

Be industry ready

In this very hands-on course, you will have extensive training in all technical aspects of the theatre and events industry. Our Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services CUA50420 uses the David Williamson Theatre, on our Prahran Campus, as its main training space. Throughout this immersive course you will learn industry standard lighting, sound, vision, staging and flying systems processes and collaborate with working professionals and students from other performance and technical disciplines, providing a holistic training opportunity in developing large-scale theatre productions. The course also provides training in event/project/production management, stage management, set and prop construction areas.

Shine a spotlight on a career in live production

The demand for live production personnel worldwide is at an all-time high in all areas of the performing arts. Our Live Production graduates have developed enduring industry connections with small and large-scale theatre companies such as Melbourne Theatre Company, La Mama, Carlton Courthouse, Red Stitch Theatre Company, Malthouse Theatre, and the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA). Graduates have also found opportunities working for companies such as CVP, ResX, and Harry the Hirer Productions, providing technical support to major events.

Career Pathways

Where will the Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services - Live Production CUA50420 take me?

On successful completion of the Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services CUA50420 you will be suitably qualified to apply for positions as a technician in theatre lighting, theatre sound and using audio visual systems. You will also be suitably trained to enter stage management and event management roles in small or large festivals and events.

  • Theatre Technician – lighting
  • sound
  • vision
  • Event Manager
  • Stage Manager

Study Pathways

You may wish to take your technical theatre studies further and pursue a career in Creative Arts. For further study options, discuss with Melbourne Polytechnic teaching staff.

Course Details

Delivery methods

Blended (combination of face to face learning on the Prahran campus, remote delivery, self-directed learning and project work including performances and productions).

  • Performances and Productions
  • Computer Lab
  • Project work

How you will study

Each course has a dedicated learning method that is designed to let you thrive in your studies.

On-campus

Interactive learning in a face-to-face environment. Classes will be held at a Melbourne Polytechnic campus or partner institute. Visit the How You'll Study page for more information.

Assessment Methods

A combination of observation, written assignments and project work, with small and large scale events based learning. The course is designed to engage students in hands-on practical learning wherever possible. This may be delivered on campus, online or in the related industry where possible. Consequently, assessments will vary throughout the course, depending on the unit. As required by the training package, employability skills will form part of the assessment of the qualification, including communication, teamwork, problem solving, initiative and enterprise, planning and organising, self-management, and learning and technology. It is anticipated that learning activities and assessments will involve working with students and staff from other Dramatic Arts courses.

Units of Study

The hours displayed are nominal, actual classroom hours delivered may differ. Please contact us for the latest student contact hours information.

Code Subject Elective Hours
BSBLDR522 Manage people performance Core 70
BSBPMG541 Manage complex projects Core 60
BSBWHS521 Ensure a safe workplace for a work area Elective 60
CUADES511 Implement design solutions Elective 70
CUAIND512 Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge Core 60
CUAINN511 Adopt an innovative approach to creating production elements Elective 175
CUALGT511 Realise lighting designs Elective 110
CUALGT512 Manage installation of lighting systems Elective 110
CUAPPM514 Manage bump in and bump out of shows Elective 150
CUAPPR515 Establish and maintain safe creative practice Core 40
CUASMT511 Stage manage productions and events Elective 120
CUASOU331 Undertake live audio operations Elective 100
CUASOU505 Implement sound designs Elective 50
CUASTA312 Install staging elements Elective 80
CUAVSS502 Implement vision systems designs Elective 100

Fees & Costs

Tuition Fees
Government subsidised fee Non-subsidised fee
Tuition fee $13400 $20950
Maximum annual amenities $250 $250
Total payable $13650 $21200
Per year $22800
Per semester $11400

The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.

Displayed course fees are indicative only. There are many variables that impact the total amount of your full course costs including qualification for government subsidies, concessions or recognition of prior learning. Tuition fees do not include the cost of student amenities or material costs.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. Contact us to find out if you’re eligible for a Government subsidy.

Melbourne Polytechnic offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.

Fees displayed are effective for new applications received on or after 1st of November. Tuition fees do not include textbooks, course materials or overseas student health insurance and visa fees.

After initial deposit, international students are able to pay tuition fees in installments, four times per year.

For more detailed information please read the International Student Fees.

Materials

Lists of required materials, books and timetables will be provided at course induction or class enrolment by the teaching department.

Fees explained

The fees for those ineligible for a government-funded enrolment. 

Check your eligibility here.

The cost of tuition for those eligible for government funding.

Check your eligibility here.

Additional expenses

The Student Services and Amenities Fee is charged at forty cents (40 cents) per student contact hour and is capped over a twelve (12) month period, effective from the enrolment date, to:

  • $250 for full fee-paying students; and
  • $175 for concession-paying students studying Certificate I, II, III, or IV.

Amenities fees are used to improve non-academic services including libraries, counselling services, student support, and recreational activities.

All materials are provided by Melbourne Polytechnic as part of tuition fees.
All materials are provided by Melbourne Polytechnic as part of tuition fees.

Book an interview

This course requires an interview for entry. Please make a booking for your interview time by clicking book an interview

Requirements

  • Apply through VTAC or direct to Melbourne Polytechnic
  • Attend an interview

To assess applicants meet Entry Requirements - It is required that candidates undergo an interview before offer of a place can be made. When booking an interview, applicants are asked to submit:

  • Resume or CV which includes evidence of technical skills and previous experience in at least one of the areas of live production: sound, lighting, stage management, prop making, set building.
  • A written statement with the reasons for wanting to undertake course. Approx. 100 words.
  • Photograph of themselves – head and shoulders only.

To enter this qualification, individuals must provide evidence of their skills in live production and technical services and the ability to:

  • develop solutions in at least one technical area
  • give evidence of previous work, demonstrating skills in at least one technical area
  • respond effectively to workplace challenges and requirements in line with current industry standards
  • apply knowledge of trends and traditions in at least one technical area. This evidence could be any of the following: involvement in school or amateur productions, professional work experience, assisting or managing events.
Academic: Australian Year 12 equivalency
English: Academic IELTS 6.0 overall, Pearson PTE Academic 50 overall, or Melbourne Polytechnic recognised equivalency.
Other: An interview is required before an offer can be processed.

Next Steps

The first step to enrolling is completing the application short form from the Apply Now page.

After you complete that form we will send you an email with a link to an application form webpage. If you don’t receive the email, check your spam and junk folders.

Complete the application form on the application form webpage.

You will be required to complete an online literacy and numeracy assessment.

We’ll ask you to attend an interview to ensure that this is the right course for you.

Once you are ready to enrol, you will be invited to attend an enrolment appointment over the phone or on campus.

For Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas, you may be eligible for a VET Student Loan. Read more about them here.

If you need assistance with your application and the next steps, you can contact one of our Education and Course Advisors on 1300 635 276 or follow a step-by-step guide to enrolling for vocational education local students.

When we receive your application, the International Office will be in contact with you shortly to discuss your application and provide you additional instructions.

If you'd like to speak to one of our International Office staff directly, call 1300 635 276

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Recognising Organisations

Nationally Recognised Training

Nationally Recognised Training This course is government accredited and has national recognition.

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Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.