Short courses to upskill First Nations theatre enthusiasts
New short courses in theatre skills will open stage doors for enthusiastic young First Nations people in Far North Queensland dreaming of careers in theatre arts.
The Department of Trade, Employment and Training has funded the rollout of six new micro-credentials in theatre skills in February – three in acting and three in technical skills – to help address the skills shortage in the industry with First Nations talent.
CQUniversity, in conjunction with JUTE Theatre Company and the Cairns Regional Council, will provide the free micro-credentials, known as the Binalmalmal (Listening and Learning) – Skills for Theatre training program.
CQUniversity’s Indigenous Engagement Officer Diane Parter said it was a fantastic way for First Nations theatre enthusiasts to get their start in the industry.
“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 focus on stage and technical skills, providing a transformative experience for a sector of the community currently underrepresented in the industry.
“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.”
Previous research by CQUniversity and JUTE Theatre Company identified an underrepresentation of First Nations People in both on-stage and behind-the-scenes roles, 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 excited to partner in the micro-credential program, which will address the need for more diverse representation across all roles in the theatre space.
“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. JUTE is therefore constantly engaging with and sourcing Indigenous actors and stage crew,” said Ms Maunder.
JUTE’s First Nations Creative Producer Monica Stevens said that she had been in discussion with multiple people about 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, and the cultural program for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Ms Stevens was excited that this process is beginning with the micro-credentials.
“Micro-credentials will be crucial in developing a new theatre workforce in North Queensland. These credentials offer exciting opportunities to young people, reducing the need to hire workers from southern areas for future projects," she said.
The micro-credentials involve face-to-face classroom course delivery, online course content, and a two-week intensive component with hands-on skill building at Bulmba-Ja.
The hands-on component is anticipated to culminate in a showcase event, enabling students to gain real-world experience and demonstrate skills to a live audience.
Expressions of interest are now invited for the program by visiting https://jute.com.au/binalmalmal/ or emailing d.parter@cqu.edu.au.
