Kick start your backstage career in the entertainment industry with this entry-level qualification. Develop the basic skills and knowledge to work as an assistant in props, stage production, or the box office.
CUA30415 Certificate III in Live Production and Services
Take the first step towards a backstage career in the entertainment industry with this entry-level qualification. Develop the basic skills and knowledge to work as an assistant in the box office, props, or stage production at a theatre or other performance venue. Research shows that creativity, communication, and problem-solving will be the most desired skills in the future job market. This qualification will give you the core skills needed to work in this diverse industry.
You will learn how to provide basic assistance in lighting, staging, and audio as well as develop essential knowledge of workplace health and safety and effective creative arts industry work practices. Our team of industry professionals will provide the guidance you need to succeed in our state-of-the-art performance spaces, working on a diverse range of events.
Successful completion of this course will give you the skills and knowledge to work as a box office assistant, props assistant, or stage production assistant in carpentry, lighting systems or vision systems. You will also have a solid foundation to continue with further study in this area.
Our Coomera campus is our creative hub. It boasts industry-standard production facilities including four Non-Linear Editing (NLE) suites, seven sound recording studios, a purpose-built auditorium, large multi-purpose black box theatre studio (sound stage), and state-of-the-art live sound reinforcement and lighting systems.
We have a range of support services available to help you with your studies. The Learning Skills Centre is a drop-in service staffed by experienced teachers who can help with basic and complex skills. Studiosity is our online after hours tutoring service focusing on writing, research and referencing, as well as subject-specific questions.
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 9 elective units from the list below.
UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
---|---|---|
BSBWOR301Organise personal work priorities and developmentUnit code: BSBWOR301 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to organise own work schedules, to monitor and obtain feedback on work performance and to maintain required levels of competence. |
Organise personal work priorities and development | |
CPCCOHS1001AWork safely in the construction industryUnit code: CPCCOHS1001A Unit description: This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to undertake Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) induction training within the construction industry. It requires the ability to demonstrate personal awareness of OHS legislative requirements, and the basic principles of risk management and prevention of injury and illness in the construction industry. Licensing requirements will apply to this unit of competency depending on the regulatory requirements of each jurisdiction. |
Work safely in the construction industry | |
CUAIND301Work effectively in the creative arts industryUnit code: CUAIND301 Unit description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work effectively in the creative arts industry. It applies to any field of the arts industry and is relevant to people in a wide range of occupations, for example, dancers, musicians, actors, cabaret performers, street performers, entertainment administrators, reviewers, film makers and public artists. |
Work effectively in the creative arts industry | |
CUAPPR304Participate in collaborative creative projectsUnit code: CUAPPR304 |
Participate in collaborative creative projects | |
CUAWHS302Apply work health and safety practicesUnit code: CUAWHS302 |
Apply work health and safety practices | |
SITXCCS303Provide service to customersUnit code: SITXCCS303 Unit description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with and provide quality service to both internal and external customers. It requires the ability to establish rapport with customers, determine and address customer needs and expectations and respond to complaints. |
Provide service to customers |
UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
---|---|---|
CUALGT201Develop basic lighting skills and knowledgeUnit code: CUALGT201 Unit description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to complete basic lighting tasks in a range of production contexts. |
Develop basic lighting skills and knowledge | |
CUALGT301Operate basic lightingUnit code: CUALGT301 Unit description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to plot, record, modify and operate standard lighting cues on lighting consoles typically used in small-scale productions and events. |
Operate basic lighting | |
CUALGT303Install and test lighting equipmentUnit code: CUALGT303 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare, install and test lighting equipment for productions in the screen, media and entertainment industries. It applies to individuals who work as lighting technicians or lighting assistants. They work under supervision and follow lighting plans to rig and patch lights to control systems and test operation of lighting prior to live productions or filming. On some productions and outside broadcasts, a qualified gaffer or chief electrician supervises installation of lighting equipment and required power sources. Testing and tagging of electrical equipment must be carried out by a person with the relevant certificate of competency according to the performance specifications of: ◾Australian Standard 3760: 2000 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment ◾Australian Standard 3002: 1985 Electrical installations – shows and carnivals. In some states and territories, a licensed electrician is required to check the electrical safety of lighting equipment. A licensed rigger is required to install some rigging equipment required for the installation detailed in this unit. |
Install and test lighting equipment | |
CUASMT301Work effectively backstage during performancesUnit code: CUASMT301 Unit description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide staging, organisational and technical support backstage during performances in the entertainment and events industries. |
Work effectively backstage during performances | |
CUASOU201Develop basic audio skills and knowledgeUnit code: CUASOU201 Unit description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to complete basic audio tasks in a range of production contexts. |
Develop basic audio skills and knowledge | |
CUASOU301Undertake live audio operationsUnit code: CUASOU301 Unit description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to interpret audio production requirements, participate in technical run-throughs and operate professional audio equipment during live performances in the screen, media, entertainment and events industries. |
Undertake live audio operations | |
CUASOU308Install and disassemble audio equipmentUnit code: CUASOU308 |
Install and disassemble audio equipment | |
CUASTA201Develop basic staging skillsUnit code: CUASTA201 Unit description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare stages and position set elements for performances in the entertainment and events industries. |
Develop basic staging skills | |
CUASTA301Assist with production operations for live performancesUnit code: CUASTA301 Unit description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assist with a broad range of tasks associated with technical and staging aspects of live performances. |
Assist with production operations for live performances |
Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.
At TAFE Queensland, we understand that employers need options and flexibility in employee training. We are committed to delivering the flexible training plans you need to get the job done. Choose from workplace training, block training, drop in days, mobile training, day release, or a mix of all these options. Learn more
Campus | Apprenticeship / Traineeship | Delivery Mode
![]() The way your training is delivered. |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Workplace
![]() Train and be assessed in your current workplace. |
DROP IN DAYS
![]() Train with a teacher at a TAFE Queensland facility without an appointment. |
BLOCK TRAINING
![]() Flexible training offered in blocks ranging from three days to six weeks. |
DAY RELEASE
![]() Weekly scheduled training at a TAFE Queensland facility, planned in advance. |
MOBILE VAN
![]() Training undertaken at your workplace with TAFE Queensland tools and equipment. |
Mixed mode
![]() A combination of two or more delivery modes. |
||
Coomera | Traineeship |
You must already be employed to enrol as an apprentice or trainee with TAFE Queensland. Speak to your employer about choosing TAFE Queensland as your Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO).
Eligible apprentices and trainees that meet the Queensland state funding requirements will be charged a set fee per nominal hour. These fees are calculated at a regulated rate of $1.60 per nominal hour. Concession rates apply for students who hold a current Health Care Card or who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Non-funded apprentices and trainees will be charged a fee for service cost. These will be confirmed prior to the commencement of training.
Information regarding costs will be outlined on the agreed training plan, which will be provided to the employer and apprentice or trainee at time of induction.
Find out how we can tailor a training package specifically for you.
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathwaysNo matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what's right for you, get in touch. We're here to help.
This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
It is highly recommended that students have successfully completed Year 10 (or equivalent), are aged 16 or older, or have relevant experience and/or qualifications that indicate likely success in completing the course.
It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.
A recommended reading list and/or required textbooks will be provided after enrolment, during orientation or at the start of each unit. The purchase of these resources may incur additional costs, or you may be able to borrow them from the TAFE Queensland library network.
Standard “theatre blacks” – the typical technician uniform. Plain black shirt, black trousers, sturdy black enclosed shoes with no logos.
You will also require access to personal stationary and an external hard drive (1TB). Various industry memberships may be recommended throughout your course, and these subscriptions may also incur additional costs.
Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.
Disclaimer
All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.
If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.
Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. Getting recognition for the skills you've gained from the workplace or previous learning means less study time for you, and getting the paper to prove you're qualified a whole lot sooner. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.
If you have read and understood the student rules, refund policy, understand your fees and payment options, have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and checked you meet the entry requirements and selection criteria for this course, you're ready to get started.
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathways