Most of the graduates in the industry come from one of these three institutions. The stage management course consists of a mix of specific stage management units through to general units which cover various aspects of the performing arts. The course is not purely theory based, with their being an exstensive practical and hands on approach to the course. Students are expected to work on the diverse range of productions that take place at the academy. Through this internal secondment system students gain an understanding of the requirements and working condtions involved with each area of the performing arts.
Students also have exposure to each department of backstage and technical theatre.
With the aim of giving them a firm idea of the role each department plays within the organisation. Also to provide them with practical experience in these areas, should they be called upon to take the responsibilty of one of these areas. In their third year of study students are required to complete a secondment with a performing arts organisation. Sydney Theatre Company, Opera Australia and Cameron Macintosh are some of the companies that students have completed their secondment with. Applicants must be able to demonstate a high level of literacy Applicants are required to complete a project, which forms the basis for an interview.