The Art House and NAISDA Work Together to Meet Skill Gap in the Performing Arts Industry
The Art House is proud to support NAISDA as an industry partner in the launch of a new training program, CUA40425 Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services. The partnership reflects a growing industry response to a technical skills shortage as a new pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students seeking careers in lighting, sound, staging, production and live events.
The shortage of skilled technical and production workers across Australia’s live performance industry is well-documented. In the Live Performance Australia’s 2025-member survey, 50% of respondents reported an undersupply across all key production and technical roles. The nationally accredited Certificate IV qualification will also broaden the career-pathway opportunities provided by NAISDA from on-stage to backstage.
For 50 years, NAISDA has been Australia’s leading dance and performing arts training organisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students aged 16 and over.
“We know there are young people out there who are passionate about the arts, but don’t necessarily see themselves as dancers or choreographers. That’s how NAISDA started, but as we celebrate 50 years, we look to the future and are expanding our curriculum.” Says NAISDA CEO Kim Walker AM.
As industry partner, The Art House will support the program through use of its theatre, equipment, knowledge-sharing of its technical team, and ‘on the job’ learning to assist in developing the next generation of First Nations technical workers. For ten years The Art House has been welcoming companies from across Australia and actively developing new work, both as commissioning partner and producer through its professional artists program.
“The Art House greatly values this new Certificate IV qualification as theatres are struggling in the regions for technical skilled staff. Training like this is a great step forward for the industry to meet skills gaps and ensure longevity. We look forward to working with NAISDA and giving their students hands-on experience across lighting, audio, production, and stage management and the potential employment opportunities that follow. I highly encourage regional theatres and companies across Australia to be in touch with NAISDA and identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from your local area.” Says The Art House Executive Director Anne-Marie Heath.
Alongside the new qualification and training in Live Production, NAISDA continues to offer four (Certificate IV to Advanced Diploma) nationally accredited pathways in Dance Practice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The qualifications combine training with NAISDA’s longstanding approach to cultural learning, providing students with industry skills and opportunities, cultural practice and knowledge, and holistic wellbeing learning support.
NAISDA is currently calling for applicants for the first intake of CUA40425 Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services in February 2027.
Applications close 31 August followed by onsite auditions in late September.
Find out more and apply at https://naisda.com.au/apply-to-naisda/