The CUA50425 Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services has a number of valuable learning outcomes which will allow you to do the following:

• Develop skills to successfully and safely bump-in and bump-out shows
• Prepare to work as a part of a crew for live productions and events
• Develop problem-solving skills for a range of collaborative situations
• Develop autonomy in responding to lighting, sound and vision briefs
• Learn industry standard requirements regarding the use of lighting, sound and vision equipment.

2027 dates

Term 1             Monday 1 February – Friday 9 April
Term 2            Monday 26 April – Friday 2 July
Term 3            Monday 19 July – Friday 8 October

Download the 2027 Calendar

2026 dates

Term 1             Monday 2 February – Friday 10 April
Term 2            Monday 27 April – Friday 3 July
Term 3            Monday 20 July – Friday 9 October

Download the 2026 Calendar

Classes are scheduled 4 days per week, 9am–5pm.

The scheduling and delivery of this course each year is subject to minimum enrolment numbers.

Individual project

An individual project will take place in Term 3 where you will undergo a short placement at a venue or performing arts company.

The CUA50420 Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services course comprises the following units of competency:

• BSBLDR522 Manage people performance
• CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry
• BSBAUD514 Interpret compliance requirements
• CUAPPM431 Compile production schedules
• CUAPPM514 Manage bump in and bump out of shows
• CUALGT413 Set up and operate lighting cues and effects
• CUASOU414 Manage wireless audio operations
• CUALGT511 Realise lighting designs
• CUASOU506 Create a final sound balance
• CUAVSS502 Implement vision system design
• CUALGT512 Manage installation of lighting systems
• CUAIND412 Provide freelance services
• BSBPMG541 Manage complex projects
• CUAIND512 Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge
• CUAPPR515 Establish and maintain safe creative practice

As a graduate of the NIDA CUA50425 Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services you have the skills and knowledge to be employed in a range of industries, including theatre, dance, opera, concerts, functions, ceremonies and events.

Potential careers include:

Career opportunities include roles such as lighting technician, lighting operator, audio technician, radio mic technician, audio operator, vision system technician, vision system operation, and technical supervisor.

To be eligible for entry to the CUA50425 Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services you must:

• Be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen. This course does not accept international students.
• Have reached the age of 18 before the commencement of the course (in some circumstances NIDA may select candidates who turn 18 during their course).
• Have completed their Higher School Certificate or equivalent; ATAR is not required.
• Demonstrate a high level of practical ability, potential and motivation.
• Provide experience and training in at least one technical area: staging, lighting, sound or vision.
• Respond to workplace challenges and requirements in line with current industry standards.
• Have understandings acquired through work experience, or previous formal study.

We select applicants who:

• Are able to demonstrate technical production skills in at least one area of specialisation, such as:

  • lighting
  • audio
  • staging
  • vision systems.

• Exhibit a capacity to collaborate.
• Communicate effectively.
• Respond to direction and feedback.

Original Work Requirement (All Applicants)

All submitted work must be your own original creation, including writing, design, performance, and any supporting material.

The use of Artificial Intelligence to generate or substantially develop any part of your submission is not permitted. This includes (but is not limited to) ideas, written text, imagery, design outcomes, dialogue, or performance content.

You may use research, reference material, and feedback to inform your work; however, the final submission must clearly reflect your own thinking, creative development, and decision-making.

Submissions that do not meet this requirement may not be considered for assessment.

Recognition of Prior Learning is a process that involves assessment of an individual’s relevant prior learning to determine the credit outcomes of an individual application for credit.

NIDA may grant credit for:

• Formal study undertaken in recognised education institutions in Australia, including universities, colleges, TAFE and other post-secondary education institutions, and for study at recognised overseas institutions.
• Credentialed courses provided by recognised professional bodies, employers and other authorities, where appropriate certification is available.
• Prior learning, where such learning can be sufficiently evidenced.

The principles underlying the assessment of credit transfer/Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applications are that the policy and procedures are:

1. Aligned to the Higher Education Standards Framework and the Vocational Standards for RTOs.
2. Designed to maintain the integrity and reputation of NIDA’s accredited courses for which credit or RPL is applied and support the collaborative nature of NIDA’s conservatoire training model.
3. Consistent, equitable, transparent and accountable.
4. Based on processes of comparable standard and integrity to those used to assess the relevant subject.
5. That students are not disadvantaged in achieving the expected learning outcomes for the course of study or qualification.

NIDA Recognition of Prior Learning Policy

Apply for a Credit Transfer and/or RPL

Applying to this course will involve:

Round One: Online Application and Video Introduction
Round Two: Callback Interview (shortlisted applicants only)

View our Course Specific Application Requirements for a detailed breakdown of what to include in your online application and what to expect if you progress to Round Two of the application process.

Course Specific Application Requirements

Applicants MUST apply online via the NIDA application portal.

View details about how to complete your online application as well as key dates and timelines.

View Details on How to Apply

Visit our Fees and Payments page for information about our tuition fees and payment information for NIDA courses, including payment options and additional costs.

NIDA is committed to making its education and learning more accessible to the most creative and talented individuals across Australia with a range of scholarships aimed to remove financial barriers, providing students with the opportunity to study at NIDA while being relieved of some of the cost of living, relocating and study expenses.
NIDA scholarships are made available by the generous support of donors, sponsors, corporate partners, trusts and bequests, through the NIDA Foundation Trust, and enable a significant increase in financial assistance to ongoing and students commencing study in 2027.
Scholarship applications for 2027 will open in early October. Learn more about our Scholarships.

Further information regarding NIDA’s vocational training products can be found at Training.gov.au

NIDA is registered by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) under the National Vocational Education and Regulator Act 2011 to deliver Vocational Education and Training (VET) services. NIDA is a NVR Registered Training Organisation (RTO): ID number 90349.