Theatre, event, and AV technician

As a theatre event and AV technician you stand behind the lights sound and technology for concerts theatre productions conferences and large events. You rig up control equipment and ensure everything works when the audience is ready. When you are fully trained you are the one who makes the experience possible — invisible on stage but crucial for the show to succeed.

§What do you do in everyday life?

A typical day can start by unloading equipment hanging lamps and speakers, running cables and rigging the stage. Then you test and program lights, sound and image and during the performance itself you control the technology live. You often work in teams under time pressure and with odd hours — but also with the excitement when a show goes on.

• 01You learn to install lighting and program light shows.
• 02You learn to rig and control sound systems.
• 03You learn to work with video, projection, and AV equipment.
• 04You learn to hang and secure equipment responsibly (rigging).
• 05You learn to read a script and collaborate in a tech crew.
• 06You learn to work safely with electricity, height, and heavy lifting.

§How do you get started?

You start with a basic course at a vocational school and then find an apprenticeship with a theater, an event company, or a rental company for stage technology, where you get paid during training. The education alternates between school periods and practice so you learn the trade both in the classroom and behind the scenes on real productions.

§The way forward

As fully trained you can work at theatres performance venues TV productions event agencies and rental companies. With experience you can specialise in for example lighting sound or video design become technical director for large productions or work freelance across the industry.

“When the light hits and the sound kicks in, it's your finger on the button that creates the moment.”