Crew training course overview
As a professional performance venue, our core responsibility is to provide a safe environment for all of our cast, crew, and audiences.
In order to ensure that backstage work on productions meets our own house protocols as well as industry safe working practices, we require people who undertake work in the roles of Venue Stage Manager, Fly Operator or Technician to attend regular crew training courses.
Courses are run after-work from 6 pm and are held onstage at The Nelson Theatre Royal with our venue Technical Manager. Participants receive a take-home resource and become venue-certified in the role they attended training for.
Courses are held twice annually, typically at the beginning and middle of the year, dubbed summer and winter seasons. Course dates are released via our Technical Notes e-newsletter.
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Course fee
$20 per person per course
2018 Course dates
Winter season
Refresher course dates
Dates to be released early 2018
Induction course dates
Monday, 6th Aug – Venue Stage Manager Induction
Tuesday, 7st Aug – Fly Operator Induction
Wednesday, 8th Aug – Technician Induction
Check when you last trained
Book your place
Booking for all courses is available online or at the Theatre Royal box office.
Availability is strictly limited.
Theatre hirers who want to pay course fees with an upcoming box-office settlement should head here.
Refresher extensions
A key change for crew courses in 2018 is the introduction of a refresher extension.
Refresher extensions acknowledge the value of regular involvement, and those who are eligible can delay the need to attend their next refresher by an additional year.
For details and applications click here
FAQ
Who needs to attend a training?
Anyone wishing to work in the roles of:
- Technician – Those who work with our technical systems. Lighting, Sound, Data etc.
- Venue Stage Managers – Those who hold responsibility for the facility during occupancy.
- Fly Tower Operators – Those who wish to operate our fly rigging system.
Who doesn’t need to?
- Those working in any other backstage capacity: cast, musicians, stage-hands, props, callers, runners, hair & makeup, set builders, costume, media, door minders etc.
- Board-operators (Go button operation of sound or lighting) when either a Venue Technician or suitably venue-certified crew member is on-site as the relevant Department HOD; holding responsibility for their systems.
- House curtain operators for a short-term hire when a Venue Technician provides training.
- Those working under the direct supervision of a Venue Technician.
- Industry Professionals.
Are there any age restrictions?
A person of any age may attend a course as a learning experience, but they must meet the minimum age at the time of training in order to be venue certified and therefore undertake work in their role at the theatre.
- 13 Years – Technician
- 16 Years – Fly Tower Operator
- 18 Years – Venue Stage Manager
What does being venue-certified mean?
It means that person has completed a recent training course and is approved by the venue to undertake work in their area of training.
How do I become venue certified?
Simple! Complete an induction course and meet the minimum age requirement.
How regularly do I need to attend a training to maintain my certification?
Every year unless you qualify for a refresher extension. You can attend a refresher course, or you can re-attend an induction.
Whats the difference between an induction and a refresher?
Inductions are for first-time attendees. They start at the beginning with the basics.
Refreshers are for returning crew. They omit the most basic information, re-enforce that which is most important and include some advanced techniques.
What is a refresher extension?
Refresher extensions acknowledge the value of regular involvement and those who are eligible can delay the need to attend your next refresher by an additional year.
How do I know whether I am eligible?
Eligibility is determined by your level of involvement in the year since your most recent refresher course. Full details are at the top of the page.
How do I apply for a refresher extension?
Simply fill out an application online.
Can I apply for a refresher extension after 1 year?
Yes, but the criteria and extension period remain. Circumstantially, you may be better off attending a refresher.
If you have any further questions about our crew training courses, email our Technical Manager
