Year 13 Performing Arts Technology Students Go Behind the Scenes at Laneway Festival

A group of our Year 13 Performing Arts Technology students recently had the incredible opportunity to go behind the scenes at the iconic Laneway Festival. Guided by local sound engineer and venue owner Tom Anderson, the students gained firsthand insight into the inner workings of large-scale live productions.

The tour began with an up-close look at the festival’s stage setup, where students observed the technical crews assembling lighting rigs, sound systems, and structural elements essential for a world-class event. They saw the immense planning and precision required to bring a festival of this scale to life, from sound checks to artist logistics.

A highlight of the visit was exclusive access to the VIP backstage area, where students experienced the professional environment behind a major music festival. They saw how performers and crew collaborate, witnessed real-time problem-solving by production teams, and gained a deeper appreciation for the dedication and expertise required in the live entertainment industry.

Tom Anderson, who has years of experience managing large-scale events, shared his knowledge about sound engineering, stage management, and the fast-paced nature of festival production. He also offered valuable advice on career pathways in the live performance and events industry, inspiring our students to consider future roles in this exciting field.

This behind-the-scenes experience was an eye-opening and inspiring opportunity, allowing our students to connect classroom learning with real-world industry practice. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Tom Anderson for his time and expertise, and we look forward to seeing where this experience takes our budding performing arts technicians in the future!