Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services

The course is taught at Melbourne Polytechnic's Prahran campus, home to Melbourne Polytechnic's lively artistic community. Students learn in a state-of-the-art training venue that includes a 120-seat theatre with industry-standard lighting and sound equipment, flying systems, a set and prop construction area, and stage storage spaces.

For local students, the government subsidised tuition fee is $13,400 and the non-subsidised fee is $22,000. The maximum annual amenities fee is $260, making the total payable $13,660 (subsidised) or $22,260 (non-subsidised). For international students, the fee is $24,640 per year or $12,320 per semester.

Assessment involves 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, delivered on campus, online or in the related industry. Employability skills including communication, teamwork, problem solving, initiative and enterprise, planning and organising, self-management, learning and technology also form part of the assessment.

Graduates will be suitably qualified to apply for positions as a technician in theatre lighting, theatre sound, and using audio visual systems. They will also be suitably trained to enter stage management and event management roles in small or large festivals and events. Specific job roles include Event Manager, Stage Manager, and Theatre Technician (lighting, sound, or vision).

Yes, Melbourne Polytechnic's Dramatic Arts Department has enduring industry connections with small and large-scale theatre companies such as Arts Centre Melbourne, La Mama, Carlton Courthouse, Red Stitch Theatre Company, Malthouse Theatre, Impro Melbourne, and the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA).