Who are you?
I’m Clare Springett, I’m a Melbourne-based Lighting Designer & Theatre Maker, and I’m the Hire & Sales Manager at Concert Lighting Systems Australia (CLS). I love theatre/live performance and visual art of all kinds, spending time down the coast with family and hanging out with my wonderful group of friends as often as possible.
Describe the work you do
My design work involves collaborating with other creatives to build worlds where our stories can live. From the initial reading of the script through the pre-production period, attending production meetings and rehearsals, drawing LX plans, doing long days during the bump-in and production week through opening night and then coming back for bump-out at the end of the season.
My role at CLS involves supporting clients to create their events and productions. I provide consultation and recommendations, create quotes for hires and sales and then prep the orders and organise freight (which we ship Australia-wide). I monitor and order stock for the showroom and support my co-workers to make it all go as smoothly as possible. Full disclosure, it does not always go smoothly!
What led you to your current work?
I started as a performer. I did my Bachelor of Arts at BAPA (now Fed Uni, Ballarat). I followed that path for about nine years before coming to my senses! I was working at Dracula’s Cabaret in Carlton (Vic) when I realised just how much I enjoyed the production side of the industry, so I went and studied Lighting, Sound & Stage Management. Whilst working on crazy work placements and early design gigs, I started to meet amazing new people, which led me to work for Resolution X as a casual crew member, and then I joined Red Stitch Actors Theatre as their Resident LD in 2013.
I did some touring around Australia firstly as a stage manager and then as an LD. I then joined the team at Darebin Arts Centre as one of the Supervising Technicians. Whilst here I got my intermediate riggers certificate and filled the role of Chairperson for the VAPAC Tech Managers Network (all whilst working with Red Stitch and doing freelance designs outside of all this).
After my parents passed in 2019 and 2021 and during Covid, it became clear that I had forgotten how to do that whole self-care thing. I think the downtime during Covid was a blessing (this is just my experience, I was super broke but it was a chance to repair) in disguise of a worldwide bin fire!
I decided to go back to doing freelance design work and casual crewing at various venues around Melbourne. This was essentially me starting from scratch and rebuilding my career again. In early 2022 I saw the ad for the job at CLS… and here we are!
What are you working on now or about to start work on?
I’m currently working with an awesome team on the Tim Minchin tour (An Unfunny Evening with Tim and his Piano) as the touring Programmer/LD/OP. I just had the first production meeting for my next design role, which is a double bill at Forty five Downstairs in Melbourne CBD. (Carpet & Sand and 100 Reasons for War). Then it’s on to ‘The Platypus’ at TheatreWorks in St Kilda.
What are the good things about your job?
There are so many GREAT things about it, I’ll try to be brief. I think some of my favourite things are (not in order) the people, the places and the stories. I have been incredibly fortunate to have met, collaborated with, and gotten to know a myriad of stunningly talented folks over the years. So many of them have championed me and my work and encouraged me to keep striving for my goals. Many of them have shared their time, energy and knowledge with me and I’ll be forever grateful to them and the care they’ve shown!
The stories that I’ve been part of sharing have blown me away (particularly within the independent sector) and have allowed me to try new equipment and skills. And because of all these things, I’ve been able to visit some amazing places!
What are the worst things about your job?
As I said, there are great things about my job. But as I’m sure many folks know, it’s never all ponies and rainbows! There is an array of things that are hard or frustrating. They’re the late-night bump outs when you’re already exhausted, unrealistic budgets and design fees. Not being paid what I’m worth is hard; It means I have to say no to more gigs than I would like because I have bills to pay. People who don’t communicate properly about what they need then expect you to have all the answers at the drop of a hat. People who are just downright rude. And…… terrible coffee. ?
What, so far, has been your career highlight?
Again, there are quite a few. The tour I’m currently on is a big highlight. Being nominated for Green Room Awards is super lovely! Working with other outstanding women is exhilarating. Driving a big truck around Australia with Sesame Street characters in the back was a crazy adventure. And seeing the final product of jobs that I’ve helped organise through CLS is rewarding.
What is the most blatant example of sexism you have encountered at work?
I am thankful that I haven’t had too many of these, but they happen; More so when I first started. There are still a few of the old guards who take one look at me and assume that I’m still super green. Or delivery drivers that ask, ‘Where are the boys?’ because they immediately assume I can’t drive the forklift, lift something heavy or that I’m purely the receptionist.
What advice would you give to any woman thinking of a career in the entertainment industry?
I would say, if it brings you happiness and a sense of pride, GO FOR IT!
Be prepared to never stop learning and growing. Find that thing in the industry that makes you excited and a bit terrified and sink your teeth into it. Find a great training institute, mentoring program or venue that does hands-on training and dive in! Take every opportunity you can to increase your knowledge and skill set. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, but be respectful of those around you and the limited time they have to get things up and running. Read everything you can get your hands on. (The Backstage Handbook is a brilliant addition to my library), create visual reference boards, go see other people’s work and pick their brains, go to art exhibitions or bands, and just get amongst it! Go to trade shows and product launches, and watch what other people are doing and how they interact. Don’t assume that once you’ve done the university course you know everything and that you’ll walk into a ridiculously well-paid gig. Be patient, and kind and listen to those with more experience. Understand your worth and know/learn what your limits are and when to admit your faults. If you really want it and you work hard, you’ll have some amazing adventures!
What is your career goal?
To keep working on amazing productions and developing my design skills. To keep meeting amazingly talented folks who create amazing art. To continue to be a part of shared storytelling. To be someone who my Nibblings (Niece and Nephews) can look up to and be proud of. To be a positive force in an often chaotic and intense world. xx
