Kelsey Frith’s journey to working with Queensland Ballet was anything but linear. Studying in the arts through COVID-19 created some natural challenges, but equally, some fascinating revelations. Follow her story from QUT to working in industry, and how her technical production major led her there.
Studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts
I studied drama in high school. I knew that I didn’t want to be a performer but I loved the atmosphere of live performance. Originally, I thought my career would steer toward stage management. With that in mind, I enrolled in the only degree in Queensland that offered management, technical, and design skills in one course.
The Work Integrated Learning units were the highlights of the course. Having the opportunity to undertake four completely separate internships is very rare and gave me a real understanding of the industry I would be entering. The freedom to choose my own placements also let me narrow them into the fields I was interested in – really helping me maximise the opportunity.
How turbulence created resilience
Like the rest of the world, the course was thrown on its head back in 2020. But out of that chaos, some new skills emerged. As well as all the practical workplace skills we’d need, an extra emphasis was placed on being independent, being flexible, and quickly adapting to any new brief or circumstances.
This really became noticeable during my time as head of the organisation committee for the Creative Industries Ball. I took on a leadership role, and was naturally faced with curveballs and plans changing on the fly. But this new aspect of coursework and life made it feel manageable, and I became much more confident in myself and my communication skills.
The course was perfect for teaching me the skills I’d need to enter the workplace. But it was the resilience and interpersonal skills that’ll power me through my career.
Working with Queensland Ballet
I currently work as Theatre Dresser for Queensland Ballet, in their shows in QPAC’s newly renovated Thomas Dixon Centre. I undertake a variety of tasks to ensure the costume designer’s vision is perfectly realised on stage – including:
- Packing costumes
- Completing small alterations and repairs
- Art finishing accessories
- Other general small tasks to make the costumes as beautiful as possible.
My first internship was actually with Queensland Ballet, so I was lucky I had that exposure and those industry connections. As I started my official role, I already knew the culture and expectations. I was confident I could build a rapport with the performers, and knew how to do my role while keeping a calm, relaxed environment for them to focus on their performance.
“My first internship was actually with Queensland Ballet, so I was lucky I had that exposure and those industry connections.”
Kelsey Frith, technical production graduate
Start your career in the arts
Whether you’re interested in following Kelsey’s steps into technical production, or you have a different dream in the arts, you can pursue it at QUT. Find out more about the Bachelor of Fine Arts and find the major that’ll propel you into your dream career.