FAQ about Entertainment

What is the Cert III in Live Production, Theatre and Events (Technical Operations)

This qualification is designed to reflect the role of individuals who work in technical production areas and perform a range of skilled tasks. Certificate III is generally accepted as the industry entry-level qualification. This qualification is designed to meet a broad range of industry needs. 

Who is the course designed for?

Students who have an interest in the Entertainment Industry and related fields. This course can supplement student learning in a specific performing arts discipline, especially in the areas of design, presentation and technology.  Students work collaboratively with the performance students on projects and concert presentations, however this course DOES NOT include the practical skills of performing.

What will students be doing in the course ?

In the Compulsory units of this course students concentrate on developing the skills to work effectively in a entertainment environment including organisation and industry awareness, working with others, applying first aid, work, health and safety regulations, and apply general knowledge of lighting, audio, staging and vision systems to work activities.   

How will this course help me in the future?

The entertainment industry is a diverse industry covering a wide range of occupational areas including technical operations,  costume, make-up, props, scenic art, sets, audio, lighting, staging, vision systems, customer service,  front of house and event management. 

Work placement 

Students must complete a minimum of 70 hours work placement in an industry workplace. This may range from live productions/performances, corporate functions, fashion to technical production companies. Students and parents must be aware that this industry is not a 9am – 5pm working environment and that evenings and weekends will be demanded as part of the assessment and work placement requirements. The minimum hours are accumulative and can be achieved anytime during the course, including school holidays periods. However advance notification will be given as soon as confirmation is received.

How are students assessed in Entertainment?

Competency-based Assessment

This is a competency-based course. This means that students work to develop the competencies, skills and knowledge described by each unit of competency. To be assessed as competent a student must demonstrate to a qualified assessor that they can effectively carry out the various tasks and combinations of tasks listed to the standard required in an entertainment environment. There is no mark awarded in competency-based assessment. Students are assessed as either ‘competent’ or ‘not yet competent’.

How are student skills assessed for competency in this course?

The following tasks are used to assess students in core and elective units:

Regional Assessment Tasks

Task 1    - Participate in OHS

Task 2a  - Apply Audio

Task 2b  - Apply Vision

Task 2c  - Apply Stage

Task 2d  -Apply Lighting

Task 2e - Production Management

Task 2f  - Production Logistics

Task 3   - Provide Quality Service

Validated Assessment Tasks

Task 4 - Maintain Physical Elements

Task 5 - Work With Diversity

Task 6 - Customer Complaints

Task 7 - First Aid

Task 8 - Use Hand Tools

How do I develop my skills in this course?

All skills are delivered within the workplace or through simulated practical tasks, and a range of other learning experiences including instruction, written tests/exams, diarys/logs, internet research, discussion, scenarios, role plays and book work. A component of the unit will involve theoretical work, although a large portion includes practical experiences such as organising and running the administrative and technical operations of events and shows.   

What if I miss a task or have not been assessed as competent in one or more tasks?

Students can attempt a task as many times as required to achieve competency. Throughout the course there are several opportunities for re-assessment. Also, students can negotiate with their teacher to revisit the tasks in which they need to demonstrate competency.

How Can I achieve qualification?  

• Regularly attend class and practical sessions.
• Achieve competency by participating in all core and elective tasks.
• Complete and submit all documentation for all 13 tasks and workplace journals. These documents provide written, photographic and video evidence that demonstrate all requirements and competencies have been achieved for your qualification.
• Complete the prescribed 70 hours of work placement in and outside of class time.

When a student achieves a unit of competency it is signed off by the assessor in a competency record book. Students must complete all tasks to achieve the Certificate III in Live Production, Theatre and Events.  In some instances where students have not achieved all competencies or workplace hours they might be eligible for a Certificate II or a statement of attainment. These are also nationally recognised qualifications.

How can I succeed in Entertainment?

• Regularly check the website vetentertainment.blogspot.com.au for tasks, course notes, valuable resources, news and links.
• Revise course notes and complete all tasks set by your teacher.
• Review and discuss various competencies with your teacher.
• Comprehend and support the after hours requirements of the course.
• Maintain a diary and regularly share ideas and collect feedback on entertainment practices with your teacher, industry professional s and your colleagues.
• Keep a record of all your work.

What resources do I need to complete this course? 

Students will need an email address, a USB flash drive, a workbook, regular access to a computer or tablet, writing materials and course workbooks.

Where does homework fit in?

Homework will be set on a regular basis. Usually students will be given mini-tasks to be completed over one or two weeks. All assignments will be provided through your vet entertainment blog and email. All completed tasks assignments must be returned by email. This solves lots of problems with collecting tasks and opportunities to catch-up, and build a digital portfolio. Various components of your portfolio will be used to assess a competency.

How can this course contribute to my ATAR

If a student wants this qualification to contribute to an HSC ATAR they are required to sit a written examination based on the core units  of competency and Higher School Certificate Requirements and Advice detailed in the syllabus.

The Higher School Certificate examination for Entertainment (240 indicative hours) involves a written examination consisting of multiple-choice items, short answers and extended response items.  The examination is independent of the competency-based assessment undertaken during the course and has no impact on the eligibility of a student to receive a vocational qualification.

Also, all students must complete 4 assessment tasks in each calendar year. Two tasks will be in the form of an examination similar to the format of the HSC examination, while the two remaining tasks will examine current entertainment practices.