INTRODUCTION
The Advanced Diploma of Live Production, Theatre and Events (Props and Scenery) is available to those students who demonstrate potential for, and wish to acquire expertise in the technical and production aspects of the entertainment industry. The program is structured to provide skills and experience consistent with the growing needs of the entertainment industry. The skills and knowledge gained will equip graduates to find employment in the areas of theatre, film, television, exhibitions, festivals and trade presentations.

Units include aspects of scenery, set and properties construction, scenic painting, metal fabrication, and technical and general drawing. Handling scenery, flying and general backstage skills of the mechanist are experienced and students are closely involved in the practical work of live production on a regular basis. A wide range of skills is explored including workshop management and by the close of second year students are expected to show particular expertise in either construction, painting or props, or a combination of these. In the final year a period of external professional placement allows the student to gain further experience. Students enrolling in these units are encouraged to develop the initiative and problem solving abilities needed in the production workshop.

This VET course is offered by ECU as a Registered Training Organisation under the Australian Quality Training Framework. The course incorporates Units of Competence from the nationally accredited Entertainment (CUE03) and Film, TV, Radio and Multimedia (CUF01) Industry Training Packages.

Students apply directly to the Academy for admission. Admission is based upon comprehensive interview and the submission of a prescribed project for evaluation. Interviews are normally held in November-December. Students are assessed against the following criteria:

• presentation
• originality
• demonstrable empathy for the discipline
• technical ability
• capacity to complete the course with excellence

RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING AND CREDIT TRANSFER
Students may apply for credit for acquired skills or previous studies provided they meet the Academy’s Recognition of Prior Learning criteria or supply transcripts or academic records from the appropriate institution.

PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE
Students work as directed on productions mounted by the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Students begin by assisting until sufficiently skilled to perform designated tasks. In the final year students will be expected to collaborate on productions at a professional level of competence.

PROFESSIONAL PLACEMENT
Professional placement to industry in the graduating year is a compulsory and practical component. Students undertake an appropriate attachment for production experience. The purpose of this work is to develop and strengthen the proficiencies and skills required in the industry.

The course achieves endorsed national units of competence principally from the entertainment industry training package (CUE03). The units of competence are clustered within course delivery units. Details of the specific delivery arrangement for each unit of competence are available from the relevant Course Coordinator or the Programme Director. Students commence the programme at AQF level 4 – Certificate IV, and over a period of three years full-time study achieve the standard required to graduate at AQF level 6 with an Advanced Diploma of Live Production, Theatre and Events (Props and Scenery).

Students must attain competency in all units in a given year before progressing to the next year, i.e. successful completion of year one is a prerequisite for entry into year two, and successful completion of year two is a prerequisite for entry into year three.