They are the invisible heroes of any live production, but many skilled production personnel have left the sector since COVID. Image via shutterstock.
You rarely glimpse them onstage, but skilled production crew are a vital part of any live performance. Stage managers, lighting operators, sound mixers and set mechanists – all are integral to delivering a successful season of live performance.
‘I know of one mainstage show where, because the usual pool of experienced stage managers had gone, a far less experienced person was put in that [stage manager] role,’ they said.
ArtsHub's Arts Feature Writer Jo Pickup is based in Perth. An arts writer and manager, she has worked as a journalist and broadcaster for media such as the ABC, RTRFM and The West Australian newspaper, contributing media content and commentary on art, culture and design. She has also worked for arts organisations such as Fremantle Arts Centre, STRUT dance, and the Aboriginal Arts Centre Hub of WA, as well as being a sessional arts lecturer at The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
