Returning alumna helps CQU students take centre stage

By Katelyn Dunn

For Esther Elder, returning to the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) for its upcoming production of Urinetown is a chance to come full circle. A graduate of CQUniversity's Bachelor of Theatre and now a PhD candidate researching accessibility in live performance, Esther is returning to the Mackay Ooralea campus as Stage Manager, helping guide students through the realities of professional theatre production. 

Originally drawn to CQUniversity because it offered quality theatre training closer to home, Esther said studying in Mackay gave her a pathway into the industry without needing to relocate to a major capital city.

"I was looking for a theatre course that was closer to home than moving to a big city," she said.

"Mackay was a lot more accessible to me to move to than somewhere like Brisbane."

Looking back, Esther said some of her strongest memories were forged through the practical and immersive nature of the degree.

"The Safety Circus tour and early morning rehearsals in the theatre are memories that really stand out," she said.

"It's such an amazing resource to have a theatre accessible to you 24/7."

Those experiences laid the foundation for a career that has spanned stage management, technical theatre, acting and arts research.

"My studies gave me hands-on, practical knowledge of what working in the industry is like, with real-world professionals," she said.

"It taught me all elements of theatre, from tech to on-stage performance, as well as a robust knowledge of theatre history from around the world."

Since graduating, Esther has built an extensive portfolio of experience across regional Australia, including work with regional theatre companies and venues. She now works as a Theatre Technician at the Pilbeam Theatre in Rockhampton, where no two days are the same.

"Working in a regional venue means you do it all, which I love," she said.

"I'll go from running cables to patching in drum kits, reweighting fly lines, programming lights and fixing network connections.

"Every show is different. One week we've gone from a Bubble Spectacular to Macy Gray to a dance concert."

Among her career highlights is working on lighting for a performance by The Wiggles at the Pilbeam Theatre, an experience she says reflects the diverse opportunities available within regional arts venues.

Alongside her professional work, Esther is also undertaking a Doctor of Philosophy through CQUniversity's School of Education and the Arts. Her research investigates accessibility measures for d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences attending live performances and aims to identify practical ways theatres and venues can create more inclusive experiences. 

The research was inspired by an early career experience working on an Auslan-interpreted performance.

After speaking with d/Deaf audience members following the show, Esther began to better understand the profound impact accessible arts experiences can have.

"They had so much to say about the show and what they felt throughout it," she said.

"It really made me reflect on the attitudes we can sometimes have towards accessibility."

She hopes her research will help regional venues better understand which accessibility measures deliver meaningful outcomes for communities.

Esther is equally passionate about encouraging future arts professionals to explore the opportunities available outside major metropolitan centres.

"There is such a strong demand for arts professionals regionally, far more than people expect," she said.

"You don't have to live in Brisbane to have a career in the arts."

Returning to CQCM for Urinetown has reinforced that message while giving Esther an opportunity to support the next generation of theatre makers.

"It's a full-circle moment," she said.

"Getting the privilege to return and see these young emerging professionals develop their craft is so amazing."

She believes productions such as Urinetown play a vital role in preparing students for careers beyond university by providing hands-on experience in a real production environment.

"Each of these productions is a test run of how real productions work," she said.

"You learn how to collaborate, adapt and develop the skills you'll need in the industry. You also build connections, and those relationships can be incredibly valuable throughout your career."

As for why local audiences should come along and support the production, Esther says Urinetown offers something for everyone.

"It's a musical for people who love musicals, but also for people who don't think they like them," she said.

"It's funny, absurd and entertaining.

"And by supporting productions like this, you're also supporting the next generation of artists. That support goes a long way."

CQCM's production of Urinetown will be staged at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music from 23-25 October. Tickets are available via cqcm.sales.ticketsearch.com