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Backstage Theatre Career Discovery Day

About Backstage Pathways

Backstage Pathways is a new initiative led by Prairie Theatre Exchange and supported throughout Winnipeg’s theatre community.

The initiative responds to the need for more crew members, stage managers and designers by introducing new and emerging workers to the industry and building stronger pathways to training, experience and professional backstage work.

Backstage Theatre Career Discovery Day is a first step in that work, helping potential backstage workers learn about the industry, make connections and discover where their skills might fit.

Backstage Pathways is supported by the Manitoba Arts Council and the Winnipeg Foundation.

Careers to explore

  • Lighting design, operation and crew
  • Costume design and creation
  • Set design and carpentry
  • Stage management
  • Stage and fly crews
  • Props design and creation
  • Sound design and operation
  • Scenic painting

Backstage Theatre Career Discovery Day

Put your skills to work backstage

Saturday, September 19
10 am – 5 pm
Free

Presented by the Winnipeg theatre community
Hosted by Prairie Theatre Exchange and the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre

Winnipeg’s theatre community is looking for new people to work behind the scenes. Your experience in carpentry, sewing, painting, design, technology, organization or another creative or technical field could be the beginning of a career in theatre.

The community also needs people who are ready to learn, develop new skills and begin building a career backstage.

Backstage Theatre Career Discovery Day is a free, full-day event for people interested in applying their existing skills in a new setting, exploring backstage work as a career or returning to the industry. You’ll tour PTE and Royal MTC, attend demonstrations and speak directly with people working in Winnipeg’s theatre community.

Who should attend?

The day is intended for people with transferable skills in creative, technical, organizational or skilled-trades fields. It also welcomes emerging theatre workers, people with previous backstage training or experience, and those interested in developing the skills needed to pursue backstage work.

What to expect

During the day, participants will:

  • Tour the backstage spaces at two professional theatres
  • Attend demonstrations led by experienced theatre professionals
  • Learn about the skills, training and pathways associated with backstage careers
  • Hear first-hand information about working conditions, schedules, pay and contracts
  • Meet people working throughout Winnipeg’s theatre community and take part in individual career conversations

Participants will begin the day at PTE, on the third floor of Portage Place at 393 Portage Ave., and spend the afternoon at Royal MTC.

Bus transportation between the theatres and back to PTE will be provided. Lunch is also included.

Registration is for the full day. Please include any dietary restrictions or accessibility needs when registering.

Limited spots available. Advance registration is required.

SAVE YOUR SPOT