Six new micro-credentials in theatre skills - three in acting and three in technical skills - are set to be rolled out in Queensland to address the First Nations skills shortage within the theatre industry.
The new short courses in theatre skills, funded by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT), will open stage doors for young First Nations people in Far North Queensland who have aspirations for careers in theatre, arts and broader creative industry.
CQUniversity, in conjunction with JUTE Theatre Company and the Cairns Regional Council, will also provide the free micro-credentials, known as the Binalmalmal (Listening and Learning)—Skills for Theatre as part of the program.
CQUniversity's Indigenous engagement officer, Diane Parter, said she was thrilled to see the Queensland Government give the program the green light while also provide funding support.
"It's a great opportunity for First Nations People in Far North Queensland to gain a cross-section of skills in a growing industry where there is a great need for Indigenous faces and voices," Ms Parter said.
CQUniversity's associate lecturer in theatre and music, Patty Preece, said the Cairns-based training program will strive to focus on stage and technical skills.
"Participants in the program will not only gain valuable skills but also learn to work collaboratively as a team, fostering the development of peer-to-peer networks and job readiness skills," Ms Preece said.
"The students will earn digital badges through the micro-credential training, which will enhance their confidence and ability to articulate their skills for further education, training and employment."
Research conducted by CQUniversity and JUTE Theatre Company identified a level of underrepresentation of First Nations People in both on-stage and behind-the-scenes theatre roles, a disparity which has also been raised by Arts Queensland and the creative industry sector more broadly.
JUTE Theatre Company artistic director and CEO, Suellen Maunder said the company was eager to partner in the micro-credential program.
"JUTE has a strong First Nations focus and is central to its award-winning residency and touring program, Dare to Dream that uses theatre to deliver strong and powerful messages, empowerment and the importance of creative endeavour," Ms Mauder said.
"JUTE is therefore constantly engaging with and sourcing Indigenous actors and stage crew."
JUTE's First Nations creative producer Monica Stevens said she believed in the need to build the capacity of First Nations people, not only for JUTE's Dare to Dream program but for the entire theatre sector of the future.
"Micro-credentials will be crucial in developing a new theatre workforce in North Queensland," Stevens said.
"These credentials offer exciting opportunities to young people, reducing the need to hire workers from southern areas for future projects."
The micro-credential courses involve face-to-face classroom delivery, online course content and a two-week intensive with hands-on skill building at Bulmba-Ja.
The hands-on component is set to culminate in a showcase event, enabling students to gain real-world experience and demonstrate skills to a live audience.
Enrolment information for the Binalmalmal (Listening and Learning)—Skills for Theatre training program will released in the coming months.
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