Regional training program tackles technical theatre jobs

With qualified stage technicians in short supply post-COVID, venues are working together to provide pathways for technical theatre jobs.
Empire Theatre is working with metropolitan venues to develop pathways for technical theatre jobs. Image: James Newport.

A growing shortage of skilled theatre jobs is hitting regional venues hard, but one Queensland theatre is taking a bold step to change that.

In Toowoomba, 127 km west of Brisbane, the historic Empire Theatre has long served as a training ground for emerging artists. But in recent years, the regional hub has faced mounting pressure to fill vital technical theatre jobs. The talent pipeline has slowed, and education pathways have dried up.

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David Burton is a writer from Meanjin, Brisbane. David also works as a playwright, director and author. He is the playwright of over 30 professionally produced plays. He holds a Doctorate in the Creative Industries.