Meet Laura

What is your job at the Sydney Opera House?

I am a mechanist and a flyman. The term ‘Staging Technician’ covers both of these roles! As a mechanist, I build sets, set up the staging elements for shows. Things like rostra, hanging cloths, setting up masking, rigging, carpet, dance flooring, furniture, props, and any other set elements. This also involves loading and unloading trucks, and helping clients navigate the building. It varies from show to show. As a flyman I am in control of all of the moving parts in the ceiling. Things like scenic backdrops, masking cloths, show cloths, and big set pieces like ceilings and walls – sometimes even people - will be rigged to the fly bars, and that is how a lot of the theatre magic happens. Depending on the venue, you could be flying solo, or working in a team of three other flymen.

Can you describe a typical day/week in your role?

 A week in my job could look something like this;. at the start of the week I could be show crew for a Sydney Symphony Orchestra performance, and the next day I’ll be building an opera set in the Joan Sutherland Theatre. A day or two later I could be working with an independent theatre company in the Playhouse or the Studio, helping set up their show, hanging a backdrop and setting up their props. I might then be back in the Concert Hall on a Saturday or Sunday, bumping out a contemporary artist until two in the morning. And then I’ll do it all over again the next week. Some weeks are busier or more quiet, but every week looks different.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

One of my favourite things about my job is the huge range of things I do on a day-to-day basis. I’m working in different venues every week, working on different kinds of shows, and it keeps things interesting. When I’m lucky, I get to work on shows I really like. 

What are the biggest challenges?

One of the main challenges you face working in staging are work hours that can be inconsistent and unpredictable, but it also means you’re not stuck working 9-5 and you often have free time during weekdays. 

What skills and/or experience are necessary to undertake this job?

Strong communication, good problem solving, basic understanding of knots (bowline, clove hitch, reef knot are a good start!), some experience with hand and power tools. Some experience in a theatre or live event environment would be great, but film and tv experience is also valuable. 

What skills did you have already, before entering this career pathway?

Before I started working at the Opera House, I had studied production design and events at TAFE and had worked on our big end of year show for 3 years as a costume maker and stage crew, After graduating, I had been working on short films in the art department and had a short stint in tv doing the same.

What inspired you to pursue this career path?

A passion and interest in art and the creative industries. I wanted to be involved in the creative industries in some way and found I enjoy working behind the scenes in live events much more than I did film or tv. Everybody is different, theatre and live events just work best for me.

How did you get started?

When I started at the Opera House, I had no professional theatre experience. I had my study experience, I’d been working on short films,and had done a few episodes of a tv show in the art department. I started as a casual, and over the course of the last two and a half years I’ve worked my way up to being a contracted senior staging technician and a flyman.

What would you say are the most important qualities for someone in your profession?

Being punctual, being prepared, being responsible, resilience, teamwork, patience, being open to feedback. Curiosity and a desire to learn are really important.

What advice would you give to someone who was considering a career as a flys technician?

Learn as much as you can about being a floor mechanist, it will help you when you are flying! Show that you’re interested, get involved when you can, ask lots of questions. No question is a stupid question, if you’re not sure about something, don’t be afraid to ask.