How to become a Production Crew Member

Production Crew Member

Production crew members look after the setting up, dismantling, removal and maintenance of music and theatre production equipment for stage performances. They also transport and maintain equipment between shows.

Personal requirements for a Production Crew Member

  • Able to work as part of a team
  • Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
  • Able to work under pressure and at heights
  • Flexible attitude toward working hours and conditions
  • Creativity

Education & Training for a Production Crew Member

You can work as a production crew member 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 want to consider a VET course. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.You can also become a production crew member through a traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.


Duties & Tasks of a Production Crew Member

Production crew members:

  • Implement stage design under the direction of the stage manager
  • Select and position sound and lighting equipment
  • Carry, maintain and repair production equipment
  • Arrange for transportation of equipment to remote locations
  • Arrange and connect cables to the electrical supply using portable junction boxes
  • Monitor security and handle cash.

Tasks

  • Dresses actors during shooting and performance.
  • Selects and attaches equipment to cameras.
  • Sets up and adjusts equipment such as microphones, and booms.
  • Positions equipment during filming, broadcasting and stage performances.
  • Operates microwave equipment to transmit video information to transmitter sites and receives video signals from remote locations.

Working conditions for a Production Crew Member

Production crew members may be required to travel long distances and to remote locations when on tour with a show. They work irregular hours or shifts.


Employment Opportunities for a Production Crew Member

Production crew members are employed by theatre groups, production companies, event venues and touring bands. Competition for entry-level positions is very strong. Applicants are required to have experience, which can be gained through voluntary work experience in related areas.


Specializations

Production Crew Member

Production crew members look after the setting up, dismantling, removal and maintenance of music and theatre production equipment for stage performances. They also transport and maintain equipment between shows.

  • Average age
    Average age
    38 years
  • Future Growth
    Future Growth
    Stable
  • Gender Share
    Gender Share
    22% female
  • Average full-time
    Average full-time
    49 hours
  • Weekly Pay
    Weekly Pay
    $1,327
  • Skill level rating
    Skill level rating
    Medium skill
  • Unemployment
    Unemployment
    Average unemployment
  • Full-Time Share
    Full-Time Share
    74% Full-Time
  • Employment Size
    Employment Size
    1,400 workers
  • Employment Size
    Employment by state
    ACT: 1.6%
    NSW: 35.8%
    NT: 0.3%
    QLD: 19.6%
    SA: 5.3%
    TAS: 0.9%
    VIC: 29.6%
    WA: 6.9%
  • Employment Size
    Age brackets
    15-19: 2.4%
    20-24: 11.1%
    25-34: 26.9%
    35-44: 24.8%
    45-54: 22.2%
    55-59: 6.7%
    60-64: 3.8%
    65 and Over: 2.1%
  • Employment Size
    Education level
    Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 19.2%
    Bachelor degree: 28.3%
    Certificate III/IV: 18.6%
    Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 3.2%
    Year 10 and below: 5.5%
    Year 11: 2.5%
    Year 12: 22.7%
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