How to become a Theatre Mechanist
Theatre mechanists prepare and put together sets for live performances, theatre, opera, musical concerts and dance performances. Experienced mechanists may be employed as theatre 'flypersons', whose work involves operating the flying systems which control flown scenery.
Personal requirements for a Theatre Mechanist
- Enjoy manual work
- Able to use a variety of tools
- Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
- Enjoy working with people in a team environment
Education & Training for a Theatre Mechanist
You can work as a theatre mechanist without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications and you may like to consider a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.You can also become a theatre mechanist through a traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.
Duties & Tasks of a Theatre Mechanist
Theatre mechanists:
- Load and unload scenery
- Build and set up stage scenery and suspended scenery (or 'flown' scenery)
- Determine the best method for storage and setting of scenery in performances
- Run the scenery movements in a performance
- Operate the mechanical components of the stage including trap doors, lifting equipment and movable scenery
- Carry out maintenance and repairs of stage scenery.
Tasks
- Supervises the positioning of scenery, props and the lighting and sound equipment.
Working conditions for a Theatre Mechanist
Theatre mechanists work as part of a small team. Working hours are irregular and may include long shifts, nights and weekends.
Employment Opportunities for a Theatre Mechanist
Theatre mechanists are employed by theatres and other performance venues.Occasionally, a producer will employ a head mechanist to tour with a major production. Most employment is casual, although it is usual to be employed for extended periods such as the run of a play. Some major entertainment centres employ permanent mechanists, but these positions are rare.Opportunities in this very competitive industry are mainly found in the major centres of entertainment production, such as Melbourne and Sydney, or overseas.
Specializations
par - Experienced mechanists may be employed as theatre 'flypersons', whose work involves operating the flying systems which control flown scenery.
Theatre Mechanist
Theatre mechanists prepare and put together sets for live performances, theatre, opera, musical concerts and dance performances. Experienced mechanists may be employed as theatre 'flypersons', whose work involves operating the flying systems which control flown scenery.
Average age
34 years
Future Growth
Strong
Gender Share
57% female
Average full-time
47 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,539
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
71% Full-Time
Employment Size
350 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 2.6%
NSW: 42.4%
NT: 0.0%
QLD: 11.8%
SA: 4.3%
TAS: 0.9%
VIC: 31.7%
WA: 6.3%
Age brackets
15-19: 1.2%
20-24: 16.7%
25-34: 34.5%
35-44: 22.8%
45-54: 12.6%
55-59: 5%
60-64: 4.4%
65 and Over: 2.9%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 17.6%
Bachelor degree: 44.1%
Certificate III/IV: 8.5%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 5.8%
Year 10 and below: 2.7%
Year 11: 2.7%
Year 12: 18.5%
