There is currently a shortage of backstage staff and crew in Australia, so much so that Global Creatures, the producer of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, is staging a free event at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre called GET TECHNICAL! Behind the Curtain of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Hosted by Simon Burke, who plays impresario Harold Zidler in the show, the event will take people behind the scenes and explain the many different backstage positions available, with the hope of enticing a new generation to enlist as production creatives, crew and technicians. Dawn Martin, General Manager of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, who has a four-decade backstage career under her belt, spoke to Limelight about GET TECHNICAL and why Global Creatures is producing it.

Moulin Rouge!

Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Photo © Michelle Grace Hunder

Is there a real shortage of backstage staff and crew?

There is. Post-COVID, a lot of crew have left the industry for various reasons and, as you’re probably aware, a lot of shows are happening at the moment. So a lot of producers are pulling from a very small pool of skilled, experienced, trained technicians. Moulin Rouge! The Musical, amongst others,...