QPAC

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Behind the Curtain: Manager – Technical Training

Fri 26 Apr 2024

They may not be the ones taking final bows after each performance, but QPAC’s technical staff work tirelessly above, behind, and side of stage to bring each production to life.

Graham Menzies, QPAC’s Manager of Technical Training, plays a pivotal role in educating technical staff – both future and current. We chatted to Graham to find out more about his role, the importance of technical training in the performing arts, and his advice for those looking to get involved.

Can you talk us through your career in the arts?
I have been working in the arts for over 35 years now. My ‘career’ began in Townsville where I grew up. There was a very strong amateur theatre scene, and I progressed to work as a casual with the Civic Theatre. I started as a Stagehand and advanced to the role of a Mechanist. I moved to Brisbane in 1993 to experience bigger theatres and bigger shows. Lots of luck saw me get some very big breaks and, before I knew it, I was touring and travelling most of the year. After several years of touring, I was ready to settle down. I bounced around a bit before finally moving into Project Management and Production Management in 2006. I landed back at QPAC in late 2013 and here I am!

Can you talk us through your current role and the traineeship program you lead for QPAC?
My current role is Manager – Technical Training. In this role, I am leading four trainees to achieve a Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services. I also manage the Recognition of Prior Learning for existing technical staff to facilitate them as Trainer/Mentors in this program. We currently have seven qualified Trainer/Mentors and will progress six more this year.

The entire program is part of Tech Connect Queensland, an initiative between QPAC, Arts Centre Melbourne (ACM) and Stage Queensland, with generous support from the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation. ACM is the registered training organisation issuing the qualifications and QPAC has been Queensland’s training hub for the last two years.

Twelve people pose in one of QPAC's foyers. Some of the people hold certificates for their certification of Recognition of Prior Learning Pictured: Peter Bretherton, Cameron Ricketts, Heath Reid, David Willis, Graham Menzies, Chris Phillipi, Kieron Roost, Stephen Birt, Darren Aitcheson, Michael Wade, and Marcelo Reis.

You're clearly passionate about training the next generation of tech staff in the arts - why is this?
Throughout my career, I have been incredibly fortunate to have mentors who were both giving and caring, as well as colleagues who have pushed me to be the best I could. I want to pass on that knowledge, respect the time invested in me and foster an environment in which sharing one’s expertise is the norm.

"Technicians perform miracles most days. If I can help to continue that legacy and welcome more people on that journey, then sign me up!"

Why are these traineeships important?
Apart from the need to produce quality, well trained staff for our own team, the traineeships provide a critical pathway into the technical production space for young people. There has been a retraction of the traditional university offerings in this space as well as a realisation that our industry is better served by hands on, industry-based training.

QPAC is uniquely placed to offer an environment to experience the full breadth of performance styles currently present in the performing arts industry. We host musicals, dance, live music, theatre, cabaret, everything really! What better place to learn than a centre with venues of varied configurations with the support of experienced and passionate mentors?

Although QPAC may not retain every trainee that pass through this program, we are making a significant contribution to the Live Performance industry by creating pathways to employment and upholding the quality of technical skill and delivery.

What is the outcome of the first traineeships we offered?
They finished! They were a pair of absolute superstars. They are both working on shows currently and have both successfully gained full time positions with us in the Staging department!

Who should apply for these traineeships, and how can they apply?
The traineeships are open to those who have completed Year 12, have no prior qualification in the performing arts and are seeking a career in the technical aspects of the Live Performance industry.

Recruitment begins in late November of each year with interviews in January and commencement in early February. Those interested should keep their eyes peeled on QPAC’s social accounts to find out when these opportunities become available.

To find out more about QPAC’s special projects, including the technical traineeship program, visit the Projects and Events page here.

@qpac_au Take a peek behind the curtain with our Manager - Technical Training, Graham Menzies 👷#atQPAC #behindthescenes #theatretok ♬ original sound - QPAC