An extremely energised and confident Malesela Josias Mashiane returned to South Africa after attending training at the Stagecraft Institute of Las Vegas (SILV). His journey abroad was made possible thanks to sponsorship from the SILV and the SOS Charity Fund, a DWR Distribution initiative.
To further expand his knowledge and for him to gain hands on experience, SILV extended an offer to Josias to participate in the Stagecraft Institute of Las Vegas 2017 programme. He had already achieved good results in the 2016 SILV, and this year was admitted to the Track 2 Advanced Level which covered Movers, Media and Rock ‘n’ Roll!
The programme, which commenced on June 04 and ended on July 29, 2017, proved to be very intense and was based on practical and hands-on practices, with classes commencing at 08h00 in the morning until 17h00, and on some evenings students going home for dinner and returning from 19h00 until 22h00.
When Josias was asked what was the greatest thing he learnt, he answered that he found all the courses so interesting. He conceded that he gained so much like the correct process of ordering items from hiring companies, learning the importance of Health & Safety, understanding the importance of preparation work from obtaining correct permits to accurate paperwork.
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special weekend class which focused on Tech Management covered all aspects of management, budgeting, taxes and the importance of working within a budget. This short course focused on financials and how to manage money. “We tend to spend our money without planning for our retirement which leads to financial difficulty, said Josias. “Above all, each morning, we were told the importance of believing in oneself and to perform our duties and projects with a positive attitude and to demonstrate and take on a role of assertiveness.”
Josias thoroughly enjoyed the role of a lighting designer. “It is important to have a concise picture in your mind, to communicate your vision precisely to all technicians involved, ensuring that all check and balances are put in place so that the programmers are able to follow instructions handed to them and then implement exactly how the stage should be lit,” he said.
As part of the programme students had to attend shows, which they had to discuss and dissect afterwards. Some of the amazing shows included Cirque du Soleil’s production “O”, The BEATLES LOVE, KA and The Wynn’s Le Rêve.
On the Rigging programme they were taught the correct procedure on how to carry out maintenance on the CM hoists and the importance of working safely in the field. Also covered was the most commonly used rigging equipment in the entertainment industry and the importance of working within the parameters of safety regulations associated with the use of all rigging equipment. Students were given hands on experience in splicing steel wire rope and then testing the splice beyond its breaking strength.
Lighting Technology covered everything from electricity, traditional and dmx cabling, repair and maintenance of traditional fixtures, console technology, and repair and maintenance of LED and moving light fixtures.
Josias’ experience at Track 2 – Advanced Level – Movers, Media and Rock ‘n’ Roll was on the next level of training. The students were handed an empty stage, where they had to load in, run electrics, plug in, patch and set-up all the lights and consoles which was overseen by a master electrician. They had to design a mini show, which was set to music utilising all of the various skills and elements which they learnt during the programme.
“If I was asked to evaluate Josias’s participation in his classes and outside activities at SILV I would say that Josias never failed to be fully engaged and learning at every waking moment,” said Jane Childs, Director of SILV. “We have never had a student who was hungrier to learn everything he possibly could every single day. Josias also gave equally fully to all of the other students at SILV throughout the summer. His willing attitude and his joyous smile brought joy to the room repeatedly His willingness to share every aspect of his experiences with fellow students who came from way easier circumstances than Josias was golden to watch. We look forward to watching where Josias’ journey takes him from here.”
