The Overlooked Backstage Heroes: Why Creative Arts Technologies Deserve a Spotlight in Education
If you’ve ever been to a school play, concert, or even a local film screening, you’ve likely witnessed the magic of creative arts technologies—lighting, sound, staging, and set design. Yet, as I delve into the recent debate sparked by drama teachers, it’s clear these behind-the-scenes skills are being pushed further into the shadows. Personally, I think this oversight is more than just a bureaucratic blunder; it’s a missed opportunity to nurture a generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
The Invisible Backbone of Creative Industries
One thing that immediately stands out is how creative arts technologies are the unsung heroes of industries like film, television, and live events. From my perspective, these skills are as essential as the performers themselves. Yet, the government’s new industry-led school subjects seem to have forgotten this entirely. What many people don’t realize is that these technical roles are not just about pressing buttons or hanging lights—they require creativity, precision, and a deep understanding of storytelling. By omitting subjects like Event and Entertainment Technology, we’re not just neglecting a career pathway; we’re undermining the very foundation of the creative sector.
A Narrowed Vision for the Arts
What makes this particularly fascinating is the government’s ambition to grow the creative sector’s economic contribution to $22 billion by 2030. On the surface, this goal seems commendable. But if you take a step back and think about it, how can we achieve this without investing in the technical skills that drive these industries? Annette Thomson, president of Whakaari Aotearoa Drama New Zealand, rightly points out that this decision feels like a step backward. In my opinion, it’s not just about preserving existing pathways; it’s about expanding them. By narrowing the focus of arts education, we risk stifling innovation and leaving critical skill shortages unaddressed.
The NCEA Conundrum
A detail that I find especially interesting is the current NCEA system, which allows students to earn credits for backstage roles in school productions. This raises a deeper question: Why are we replacing a flexible, hands-on approach with rigid subject requirements? Under the new system, students would need to study entire subjects to gain similar qualifications, but there’s no subject that covers these technical skills. What this really suggests is a disconnect between education policy and the realities of creative industries. Personally, I think this change could discourage students from exploring these roles altogether, further exacerbating skill shortages.
Broader Implications: Beyond the Classroom
If we zoom out, the implications of this decision extend far beyond the classroom. Creative arts technologies are not just about entertainment; they’re about economic growth, cultural expression, and even community building. What this really suggests is that by neglecting these skills, we’re not just failing students—we’re failing our society. From my perspective, this is a symptom of a larger trend: the undervaluing of technical and vocational skills in favor of more ‘academic’ pursuits. But as industries evolve, these technical roles are becoming increasingly vital. Ignoring them now could have long-term consequences.
A Call to Action
In my opinion, the solution is clear: we need to rethink how we approach arts education. The call for an Event and Entertainment Technology subject and a Creative Industries Pathway isn’t just a plea from drama teachers—it’s a blueprint for a more inclusive and forward-thinking education system. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it aligns with global trends. Countries like the UK and Australia have already recognized the importance of creative technologies in education. If New Zealand wants to remain competitive, we need to follow suit.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on this debate, I’m reminded of the old adage: ‘The show must go on.’ But without the backstage crew, there is no show. By overlooking creative arts technologies, we’re not just dimming the lights on school productions—we’re dimming the future of an entire sector. Personally, I think this is a moment for us to pause, listen to the experts, and reimagine what arts education could be. Because, in the end, it’s not just about credits or qualifications—it’s about empowering the next generation to bring their creativity to life.
