Student production team

There will be the opportunity to apply for specialist roles and generalist roles. You may be placed across multiple areas in the event such as the arena, backstage and SpecFest. Those successful in the specialist roles will work with our industry professionals in pre-production training and workshops. 

Students must be:

• aware of safety and WHS requirements relating to events and live production
• courteous
• dressed appropriately for event work
• enthusiastic
• friendly
• highly motivated
• punctual
• respectful of staff and participants
• responsible and trustworthy
• willing to learn new skills.

Audio 

Assist in preparation, rehearsals, bump-in, and operation of audio for Schools Spectacular 2025.

Audio professionals are responsible for ensuring clear and balanced sound and coordinating with performers and other technical teams to create an immersive and engaging auditory experience.

As a member of the student production team, your responsibilities may include assisting with the bump in and out of audio equipment at rehearsals, operating the sound desk at rehearsals, assisting in the testing and packing of audio equipment, assisting in managing microphones and monitors backstage, and working as an audio grip on stage.

Industry Immersion Days are included as part of the experience, with additional dates in Homebush, Sydney Olympic Park, and Fairfield in the lead-up to the show.

Date	Time	Details	Venue
Wed 5 Nov	TBC	First combined rehearsal	Qudos Bank Arena
Wed 12 Nov	8:30 am – 4:00 pm	Featured artist direction day 1	Fairfield RSL
Thu 13 Nov	8:30 am – 4:00 pm	Featured artist direction day 2	Fairfield RSL
Fri 14 Nov	8:30 am – 4:00 pm	Featured artist direction day 3	Fairfield RSL
Wed 19 Nov	TBC	Audio preparation	Homebush West
Thu 20 Nov	TBC	Audio preparation	Homebush West
Fri 21 Nov	TBC	Audio preparation	Homebush West
Sat 22 Nov		Orchestra and stage rehearsal	Fairfield RSL
Sun 23 Nov	TBC	Orchestra and Stage Band sitzprobe	Fairfield RSL
Mon 24 Nov		Show week bump-in	Qudos Bank Arena
Tue 25 Nov	TBC	Show week sound checks	Qudos Bank Arena
Wed 26 Nov	TBC	Segment technical rehearsal day 1	Qudos Bank Arena
Thu 27 Nov	TBC	Segment technical rehearsal day 2 Dress rehearsal	Qudos Bank Arena
Fri 28 Nov	11:00 am and 7:00 pm	Schools Spectacular performance	Qudos Bank Arena
Sat 29 Nov	1:00 pm and 7:00 pm	Schools Spectacular performance	Qudos Bank Arena

*Dates are subject to change

Audio network

Assist in the preparation, setup, and operation of the audio network for Schools Spectacular 2025.

Audio network specialists are responsible for the design, configuration, and maintenance of the system to ensure seamless communication between audio components throughout the venue.

Working with the Audio Network Designer and the Specialist Audio Team, you will help with the setup and troubleshooting of the audio network in the lead-up to and during the show.

As a member of the student production team, responsibilities may include assisting with the setup and testing of digital audio networks, configuring networked audio devices, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and monitoring system performance during rehearsals and performances.

Industry Immersion Days are included as part of the experience, with additional dates in Homebush, Sydney Olympic Park, and Fairfield in the lead-up to the show.

Date	Time	Details	Venue
Wed 5 Nov	TBC	First combined rehearsal	Qudos Bank Arena
Wed 12 Nov	8:30 am – 4:00 pm	Featured artist direction day 1	Fairfield RSL
Thu 13 Nov	8:30 am – 4:00 pm	Featured artist direction day 2	Fairfield RSL
Fri 14 Nov	8:30 am – 4:00 pm	Featured artist direction day 3	Fairfield RSL
Wed 19 Nov	TBC	Audio preparation	Homebush West
Thu 20 Nov	TBC	Audio preparation	Homebush West
Fri 21 Nov	TBC	Audio preparation	Homebush West
Sat 22 Nov		Orchestra and stage rehearsal	Fairfield RSL
Sun 23 Nov	TBC	Orchestra and Stage Band sitzprobe	Fairfield RSL
Mon 24 Nov		Show week bump-in	Qudos Bank Arena
Tue 25 Nov	TBC	Show week sound checks	Qudos Bank Arena
Wed 26 Nov	TBC	Segment technical rehearsal day 1	Qudos Bank Arena
Thu 27 Nov	TBC	Segment technical rehearsal day 2 Dress rehearsal	Qudos Bank Arena
Fri 28 Nov	11:00 am and 7:00 pm	Schools Spectacular performance	Qudos Bank Arena
Sat 29 Nov	1:00 pm and 7:00 pm	Schools Spectacular performance	Qudos Bank Arena

*Dates are subject to change

Follow-spot operation

Industry professionals call and operate follow spots at Schools Spectacular. As a follow spot operator, you will control and direct follow spots during rehearsals and the show, ensuring key performers are highlighted at the right moments. As a member of the student production team, this hands-on role provides the opportunity to operate traditional follow spots and gain experience with remote follow spot systems. This role requires precision, coordination, and attention to cues to enhance the overall visual impact of the production. Date Time Details Venue Wed 26 Nov TBC Segment technical rehearsal day 1 Qudos Bank Arena Thu 27 Nov TBC Segment technical rehearsal day 2 Dress rehearsal Qudos Bank Arena Fri 28 Nov 11:00 am and 7:00 pm Schools Spectacular performance Qudos Bank Arena Sat 29 Nov 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm Schools Spectacular performance Qudos Bank Arena *Dates are subject to change and may include orientation dates

Camera operation (Arena and SpecFest)

Camera operators are responsible for capturing dynamic and compelling visuals during the live event. This role involves skilfully manoeuvring cameras to capture key moments in the arena and at SpecFest, working closely with the Vision and IMAG team, and ensuring a seamless integration of live video footage into the overall show. There may be the opportunity to complete an Industry Immersion Day in the lead-up to Schools Spectacular to help prepare for the show.

Date	Time	Details	Venue
Wed 26 Nov	TBC	Technical rehearsal day	Qudos Bank Arena
Thu 27 Nov	TBC	Sound checks	Qudos Bank Arena
Fri 28 Nov	TBC	SpecFest performances	Qudos Bank Arena
Sat 29 Nov	TBC	SpecFest performances	Qudos Bank Arena

*Dates are subject to change and may include orientation dates

Production management

Work closely with the production managers to help ensure all technical aspects of Schools Spectacular 2025 come together seamlessly.

As a member of the student production team, you will gain insight into the planning, coordination, and execution of a large-scale live event. Responsibilities may include assisting with scheduling, liaising with technical and performance teams, assisting to manage backstage logistics, and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.

This role provides a unique opportunity to develop industry skills and knowledge in live event production, working alongside professionals who help bring the show to life.

Date	Time	Details	Venue
Wed 5 Nov	TBC	First combined rehearsal	Qudos Bank Arena
Mon 24 Nov		Show week bump-in	Qudos Bank Arena
Tue 25 Nov	TBC	Show week sound checks	Qudos Bank Arena
Wed 26 Nov	TBC	Segment technical rehearsal day 1	Qudos Bank Arena
Thu 27 Nov	TBC	Segment technical rehearsal day 2 Dress rehearsal	Qudos Bank Arena
Fri 28 Nov	11:00 am and 7:00 pm	Schools Spectacular performance	Qudos Bank Arena
Sat 29 Nov	1:00 pm and 7:00 pm	Schools Spectacular performance	Qudos Bank Arena

*Dates are subject to change

Puppets

Assist in the construction, maintenance, and operation of props and puppets for Schools Spectacular 2025.

As a member of the student production team, you will work alongside industry professionals to build and prepare puppets and props for the show. Responsibilities may include constructing, repairing, and modifying puppets and props throughout rehearsals and performances to ensure they are show-ready.

This hands-on role provides valuable experience in theatrical craftsmanship, problem-solving, and stage management within a large-scale production.

Date	Time	Details	Venue
TBC	TBC	Puppet construction dates	TBC
Wed 5 Nov	TBC	First combined rehearsal	Qudos Bank Arena
Mon 24 Nov		Show week bump-in	Qudos Bank Arena
Tue 25 Nov	TBC	Show week sound checks	Qudos Bank Arena
Wed 26 Nov	TBC	Segment technical rehearsal day 1	Qudos Bank Arena
Thu 27 Nov	TBC	Segment technical rehearsal day 2 Dress rehearsal	Qudos Bank Arena
Fri 28 Nov	11:00 am and 7:00 pm	Schools Spectacular performance	Qudos Bank Arena
Sat 29 Nov	1:00 pm and 7:00 pm	Schools Spectacular performance	Qudos Bank Arena

*Dates are subject to change

TV production

TV production professionals oversee the creation of a visually captivating broadcast of Schools Spectacular 2025. This involves directing camera operators, managing live feeds, and coordinating with various technical teams to produce a high-quality televised spectacle for audiences across Australia.

The TV production student production team role allows students to observe the creation of the broadcast of Schools Spectacular and to be hands-on with equipment during bump-in, the show, and bump-out.

You may have the opportunity to assist with Spidercam, the camera crew (including the jib and steadicam) and observe in the Outside Broadcast truck.

Date	Time	Details	Venue
Wed 5 Nov	TBC	First combined rehearsal	Qudos Bank Arena
Mon 24 Nov		Show week bump-in	Qudos Bank Arena
Tue 25 Nov	TBC	Show week sound checks	Qudos Bank Arena
Wed 26 Nov	TBC	Segment technical rehearsal day 1	Qudos Bank Arena
Thu 27 Nov	TBC	Segment technical rehearsal day 2 Dress rehearsal	Qudos Bank Arena
Fri 28 Nov	11:00 am and 7:00 pm	Schools Spectacular performance	Qudos Bank Arena
Sat 29 Nov	1:00 pm and 7:00 pm	Schools Spectacular performance	Qudos Bank Arena

*Dates are subject to change

Stage management

Work closely with the stage management team to help coordinate all aspects of Schools Spectacular 2025, ensuring the show runs smoothly and efficiently.

As a member of the student production team, you will gain hands-on experience in stage management, assisting with backstage logistics, cueing performers, props and set movements. This role requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Students in this role will be required to attend extra rehearsals to gain a deeper understanding of the production process and ensure seamless transitions during performances.

Date	Time	Details	Venue
Wed 5 Nov	TBC	First combined rehearsal	Qudos Bank Arena
Wed 12 Nov	8:30 am – 4:00 pm	Featured artist direction day 1	Fairfield RSL
Thu 13 Nov	8:30 am – 4:00 pm	Featured artist direction day 2	Fairfield RSL
Fri 14 Nov	8:30 am – 4:00 pm	Featured artist direction day 3	Fairfield RSL
Mon 24 Nov		Show week bump-in	Qudos Bank Arena
Tue 25 Nov	TBC	Show week sound checks	Qudos Bank Arena
Wed 26 Nov	TBC	Segment technical rehearsal day 1	Qudos Bank Arena
Thu 27 Nov	TBC	Segment technical rehearsal day 2 Dress rehearsal	Qudos Bank Arena
Fri 28 Nov	11:00 am and 7:00 pm	Schools Spectacular performance	Qudos Bank Arena
Sat 29 Nov	1:00 pm and 7:00 pm	Schools Spectacular performance	Qudos Bank Arena

Styling and costumes

Styling and costume professionals play a crucial role in enhancing the visual aesthetics of the performance. This involves selecting, designing, and coordinating costumes for performers, ensuring they align with the overall theme.

The styling and costumes student production team role is a hands-on role that works closely with industry professionals during styling days, rehearsals and during the performance.

There may be the opportunity to complete an Industry Immersion Day in the lead-up to Schools Spectacular to help prepare for the show.

Date	Time	Details	Venue
TBC	TBC	Styling days
Wed 12 Nov	8:30 am – 4:00 pm	Featured artist direction day 1	Fairfield RSL
Thu 13 Nov	8:30 am – 4:00 pm	Featured artist direction day 2	Fairfield RSL
Fri 14 Nov	8:30 am – 4:00 pm	Featured artist direction day 3	Fairfield RSL
Mon 24 Nov		Show week bump-in	Qudos Bank Arena
Tue 25 Nov	TBC	Show week sound checks	Qudos Bank Arena
Wed 26 Nov	TBC	Segment technical rehearsal day 1	Qudos Bank Arena
Thu 27 Nov	TBC	Segment technical rehearsal day 2 Dress rehearsal	Qudos Bank Arena
Fri 28 Nov	11:00 am and 7:00 pm	Schools Spectacular performance	Qudos Bank Arena
Sat 29 Nov	1:00 pm and 7:00 pm	Schools Spectacular performance	Qudos Bank Arena

Vision and IMAG – screens

Vision and IMAG (image magnification) specialists are responsible for overseeing the visual aspects of the show, including live video feeds for large screens.

The vision and IMAG student production team role is a hands-on role that assists industry professionals during bump-in and the show.

This role involves assisting with the setup and operation of cameras and ensuring a high-quality visual experience for the audience. There will be an opportunity to complete an Industry Immersion Day in the lead-up to Schools Spectacular to help prepare for the show.

Date	Time	Details	Venue
Wed 5 Nov	TBC	First combined rehearsal	Qudos Bank Arena
Tue 18 Nov	TBC	Industry immersion day	Alexandria
Tue 25 Nov	TBC	Show week sound checks	Qudos Bank Arena
Wed 26 Nov	TBC	Segment technical rehearsal day 1	Qudos Bank Arena
Thu 27 Nov	TBC	Segment technical rehearsal day 2 Dress rehearsal	Qudos Bank Arena
Fri 28 Nov	11:00 am and 7:00 pm	Schools Spectacular performance	Qudos Bank Arena
Sat 29 Nov	1:00 pm and 7:00 pm	Schools Spectacular performance	Qudos Bank Arena

*Dates are subject to change

 

SpecFest floor manager

As a SpecFest Floor Manager, your role will be to support the Staff Production Team in ensuring the smooth running of live crosses for the student co-hosts. In addition, you will be responsible for liaising with stakeholders to prepare interviews and captivating segments to be screened live during SpecFest. You will need to have excellent organisational and communication skills to be able to coordinate and communicate effectively with all stakeholders, including attendees, speakers, and vendors. Your role will be critical in ensuring that the Staff Production Team is supported and the event runs smoothly.

Responsibilities

• Assisting the stage management team.
• Being a part of the team to deliver outstanding customer service to schools and the general public.
• Opportunity to move props and staging on and off the performance floor.
• Setting up and removing directional signage.
• Supporting the holding room team with student cast movement.
• Ushering.
• Working with the audio team to gain an understanding of communication, maintenance and distribution.
• Working across the different production teams in all areas of event production in both SpecFest and the Schools Spectacular.

General roles

Audio team

Assist in the setup, preparation, and operation of the sound systems for Schools Spectacular 2025.

Audio professionals are responsible for running all equipment, ensuring clear and balanced sound while coordinating with performers and technical teams to create an immersive and engaging auditory experience.

As a member of the student production team, your role is hands-on, providing the opportunity to work as an audio grip on stage, where you will assist in managing microphones and monitors, move audio equipment on and off stage, and observe front-of-house and back-of-house audio operations.

Comms

Assist industry professionals in managing communication systems for Schools Spectacular 2025, ensuring seamless coordination between teams backstage.

As a member of the student production team, your responsibilities may include setting up and maintaining communication devices, managing frequencies, and ensuring clear and effective communication between key personnel. This role provides hands-on technical training, allowing you to develop skills in live event communication and system management.

Industry Immersion Days are included as part of the experience, offering additional hands-on training in preparation for the show.

Retail services

Retail Services students have the exciting opportunity to work at SpecFest during the Schools Spectacular, gaining practical experience in a fast-paced retail environment. At SpecFest, students will engage with a diverse audience, assisting in the sales of merchandise and event-related products. This hands-on experience allows them to develop essential skills in customer service, inventory management, and sales techniques. By participating in this large-scale event, students will enhance their communication and teamwork abilities while learning about the retail industry in a real-world setting. Working at SpecFest not only builds their confidence but also prepares them for future careers in retail and customer service.

Hospitality

Hospitality students have a unique opportunity to participate in the Schools Spectacular by working at SpecFest, the event's food and beverage area. In this vibrant setting, students gain hands-on experience in food preparation and customer service. They will learn essential skills in food handling, teamwork, and communication while serving a diverse audience, including students, families, and event attendees. This experience not only enhances their practical hospitality skills but also allows them to contribute to a large-scale event, showcasing their talents and gaining valuable insights into the industry. Participating in SpecFest helps students build confidence and develop a strong work ethic in a dynamic and exciting environment.

Props and staging

Be part of the team responsible for the smooth operation of Schools Spectacular 2025, assisting with both backstage logistics and front-of-house support.

As a member of the student production team, you will work closely with the stage management team to help coordinate movement on and off the performance floor. Responsibilities may include moving props and staging, setting up and removing directional signage, supporting the holding room team with student cast movement, and assisting with ushering duties.

This role also provides the opportunity to deliver outstanding customer service to schools and the general public, ensuring a positive experience for all attendees. 

You will gain valuable insight into large-scale event production by working across different production teams throughout the event.

Lighting support

Industry professionals are responsible for the lighting design of Schools Spectacular 2025, conceptualising and planning the lighting to align with the show’s artistic vision. They coordinate with the creative team to ensure the design enhances the overall performance during rehearsals and the live event.

As a member of the student production team, this role is primarily observational, providing the opportunity to gain insight into the creative and technical processes behind large-scale lighting design. Students may also have the chance to contribute to the bump-in process, assisting with aspects of lighting setup and preparation under professional guidance.

Generalist crew

This role is for students who would like to be a part of the team in any capacity. You may be asked to be a runner or step in for other students on the production team.