Backstage spotlight

The spotlight shone on backstage talent as Production graduates from the Victorian College of the Arts’ School of Performing Arts showcased their work in set design, costume, workshop, sound, lighting and stage management in a recent exhibition.

The Production Graduate Exhibition was an opportunity for the public, industry professionals and prospective students to explore the skilful work that goes on behind the scenes in creative and backstage roles.

The exhibition featured initial design concepts and renderings through to final creations with colourful costumes, interactive soundscapes, multimedia presentations and light displays.

“The VCA’s Production course equips students with systematic and imaginative skills to match their individual vision,” says Production Undergraduate Co-ordinator Kym Williams.

Melbourne Theatre Company Artistic Director Simon Phillips, says that over time graduates of the VCA Production course have provided MTC and fellow companies with a variety of highly skilled and committed theatre practitioners.

“They keep the life blood flowing through the arts community. The creative and backstage talent which is nurtured to fruition through the course ensures that the skills base in our performing arts companies is constantly replenished.”

VCA Production graduates are working across Australia’s leading performing arts companies including the Melbourne Theatre Company, Malthouse Theatre, The Australian Ballet, Australian Opera, Creature Workshop and throughout the Melbourne Festival.

Fiona Kiernan-Molloy, a graduating Production student, who was on a secondment at the MTC earlier this year working with the scenic art department, painted the set for Clybourne Park and worked also on the set for The Importance of Being Earnest. Now Fiona is set painting for two of the VCA’s 2011 productions, City of Angels and the Sex Life of Snails, a highlight of this Graduating Production exhibition.