What Can You do After Graduating from an Entertainment Technology School?   by Samantha Wiles

in Education / College and University    (submitted 2011-02-19)

Opportunities for working behind the scenes in the entertainment industry are as vast, varied and interesting as the industry itself. With good training and a sound background in audio engineering, lighting and scenery-construction, there is a wide range of possibilities available to the entertainment technology graduate. These can include anything from working in theatres on small productions, working with producers on exciting recording projects - for music, audio-books or audio/visual advertising - to lighting huge stadium concerts and events!

Entertainment Technology college graduates often work on local or international tours, creating and overseeing lighting design and/or operating the sound desk. They will work closely with tour or theatre directors and might also have exciting work to do in the field of special-effects-lighting, as performers and directors seek to create increasingly innovative and spectacular shows.

Many Entertainment Technology school graduates will work for themselves, choosing to run recording studios or professional lighting outlets and consultancies. Others will work as lighting, sound, video, and show control technicians liaising with a team of professional carpenters, engineers and other fellow technicians to bring some of the world’s largest musical theatre productions or music business icons onto the world stage. Some will work on cruise ships while others will work in colleges as program advisors and tutors.

As well as working in these recognized arenas, those who have attended an Entertainment Technology college will also have opportunities to work in theme parks, or as assistants in established industry outlets and audio/visual rental companies, as well as exploring careers in architectural lighting; display design and construction; trade shows and exhibitions; casinos, clubs, and theme parks.

Even in daylight, almost every entertainment show performed on a stage will have to be lit, and unless it’s a fully acoustic event - which is virtually unheard of these days – some manner of sound engineering will also be required. Set-building for touring companies who carry their set around with them as they travel from venue to venue, means regular work for those choosing to focus on the set-building aspect of their training, although being an all-rounder will undoubtedly widen the scope of career possibilities for an entertainment technology program graduate.

In working for television and film, either on location or in a studio, sound and lighting are always needed and good technicians are highly valued by actors and directors alike. Wherever you choose to focus your efforts, as long as there is entertainment and technology, these two fascinating elements will always combine to create innovative art and plentiful employment!

About the Author

A wise choice for an Entertainment Technology school is St. Clair College. For more information about Entertainment Technology schools, visit http://www.stclaircollege.ca/programs/postsec/enttech/