Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute recently delivered the first practical workshop for Stage Ready, our new live production and events training initiative focused on creating practical pathways into the industry for regional participants.

Held in the Minerva Ballroom, the workshop introduced participants to staging, lighting, audio, venue operations and live production workflows within a working venue environment. Industry mentors and BMI staff led practical demonstrations and discussions drawn from their own experience working across live events, technical production and venue operations.

A major focus of the program is giving participants direct access to people already working in the industry — sharing practical knowledge, career pathways and real-world experience from within regional live production and performing arts environments.

Stage Ready will continue throughout 2026 with additional workshops, mentor sessions, networking opportunities and industry engagement activities as the program develops.

Stage Ready is supported by the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund, provided through Regional Arts Australia and administered in Victoria by Regional Arts Victoria