Opening doors in the performing arts

The world-class facilities in UAA's Fine Arts Building host dozens of performances by campus and community groups throughout the year, from music and theater to dance and lectures. The elaborate productions require not only performers, but stagehands working behind the scenes to make the magic happen. In Alaska's growing arts landscape, however, there are often more technical positions than qualified workers to fill them.

Enter the occupational endorsement certificate in event production . Launched in 2023 to meet local demand for technical workers in the performing arts, the customizable program offers hands-on learning for students at all levels.

"I have tried to remove as many barriers as possible. It's a nine-credit certificate and I really want to meet people where they are," said program director and professor Dan Anteau, B.A. '96, who collaborated closely with the local stagehand union , community peers and organizations like the Alaska Center for Performing Arts (PAC) to develop the curriculum.

The program offers courses in all aspects of event production, including wardrobe, lighting, audio and rigging. Students have the option to pursue a broad course of study or specialize in one area. Every class is modeled around different distinctions the union uses to help people get certified and level up, meeting pent-up demand for more professional development opportunities. The program's direct path to certification helped it earn approval as an eligible training provider for the state's Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adult Program , which connects eligible participants with federal funding to cover tuition and other fees.

"That was something that I had heard a lot from people in the union. There's no training; there's no way to get ahead. I want to get into audio, but I can't get into audio because I'm not qualified," said Anteau, noting the program is popular not only with students new to the field but also existing union members looking to expand their skillset. "Now, through the course of one semester, students can come in and get the practice, get the reps, build the confidence, so that they can pass the exams to be approved in that area."

Audio and Sound Engineering for Event Production, one of the program's most popular courses, perfectly exemplifies the tailored, hands-on experience. The course overlaps with the University Jazz Ensemble class, allowing students to practice what they're learning at rehearsals with a live band several times during the semester. Since there's no room for mistakes when producing a live show with an audience, the course offers a unique opportunity for students to experiment with sound and delve into the how and why of a certain setup.

"That is a luxury that just doesn't exist otherwise. To be able to do a full tech setup as you're a beginning stagehand, that just doesn't exist. You don't get that freedom to make mistakes or to experiment," said Anteau.

In another nod to community demand, the program introduced a livestreaming course last spring and is offering it again this fall. Throughout the semester, students will produce the livestreams for some of the university's biggest events, including the College of Arts and Sciences Community Lecture Series and UA Statewide AI Symposium.

This fall's cohort recently helmed the livestream for Kahlil Greene's lecture in the Wendy Williamson Auditorium. "I feel like that was a really great success because the entire class was there. Every student got an opportunity to run the switcher. I had students from one of my other classes running camera work," said Anteau.

As the program grows, feedback from community partners will continue to shape the curriculum. Anteau hopes to build up the internship component by connecting students with local companies for practical experience centered on the particular needs of each venue. Roles at the PAC, for example, require additional site-specific experience that could be bridged through an internship.

The program's cooperative approach aligns with UAA's longstanding recognition as a Community Engaged Institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching . The program also receives financial support from the community, with gifts from First National Bank of Alaska and other partners.

Anteau encourages anyone interested in event production to try a class. "I love working with people of different skill levels, and I really, really love helping to open doors for people."