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Students gain backstage access to touring musical industry
TAFE Queensland’s South Bank campus has once again connected students with some of the best in the business, welcoming leading live production professionals from MJ – The Musical to share their insights into the fast-paced world of theatre audio.
Students studying the Diploma of Music – Sound Production (CUA50825) recently met with award-winning audio professional and Head of Sound for MJ – The Musical, Anusha Matthews, alongside TAFE Queensland alumnus Tanieka Stones, who is currently working as an Audio Technician on the production.
The exclusive industry session gave students a behind-the-scenes look at the technology, precision and teamwork required to deliver seamless live audio for major touring musicals night after night at the nearby Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC).
Located in the heart of Brisbane’s arts precinct, TAFE Queensland’s South Bank campus offers students a unique advantage, placing them just moments away from one of Australia’s premier performing arts venues.
The proximity to QPAC continues to create valuable opportunities for students to connect directly with industry professionals, productions and employers while studying.
During the session, Anusha shared insights into the responsibilities of leading audio teams for large-scale productions and discussed the cutting-edge technologies currently being used on MJ – The Musical.
Earlier this year, she was recognised nationally, winning the Australian Women in Music Award for Live Creative Production in 2025.
For students, hearing directly from professionals working at the top of the industry provided a valuable real-world perspective on what a career in live sound production can look like.
Tanieka’s journey was particularly inspiring for current students. After graduating from TAFE Queensland’s Diploma of Music Industry – Sound Production (CUA50825) in 2018, she secured a casual role in QPAC’s audio department - a pathway that helped launch her national touring career.
Both Anusha and Tanieka spoke about the importance of networking, industry connections and being proactive while studying. Their experiences highlighted how opportunities at venues like QPAC can open doors to touring productions across Australia.
The session reinforced the strong connections between TAFE Queensland, industry and alumni, while showcasing the career pathways available to students studying creative industries at South Bank.
Following the Brisbane season of MJ – The Musical, Anusha will continue touring with the production to Perth, while Tanieka prepares to join the national tour of Six – The Musical.
For students dreaming of a career behind the scenes in live entertainment, the visit was a powerful reminder that world-class industry opportunities can start right here at TAFE Queensland’s South Bank campus.
Photo by Anusha Matthews – A Gareth Owen Sound Design