Who are you?
My name is Rachael Ewins and I’m a Lighting Technician from Sydney, NSW.
Describe the work you do
I work on large-scale touring theatrical productions. My role is to assist in the day-to-day running of the lighting department. This includes operating the console for performances, cleaning and repairing the lighting fixtures used in the show and keeping documentation for the show up to date. Working with the rest of the touring lighting team, our job is to keep the lighting for the show looking exactly the same as it did from the first performance to the last in each city the production moves to.
What led you to your current work?
In high school, I volunteered to be on the crew for as many school musicals and plays as I could. I also volunteered for local amateur musical societies. I loved learning everything I could and being a part of bringing a show to life. As soon as I finished high school I started working as a casual lighting tech for venues around Sydney. A few years later I got my first touring job on “Disney On Ice” and I’ve been touring ever since.
What are you working on now or about to start work on?
I am currently the Deputy Head Electrician on the Australian tour of “TINA: The Tina Turner Musical” which I have been working on since March 2023 when the tour started in Sydney. I am also the Production Electrician for “Death of A Salesman”, having worked on its previous seasons in Melbourne and Sydney and I’m currently working on getting the show ready to go to Perth.
What are the good things about your job?
I love what I do and couldn’t see myself doing anything else! There is very rarely a day when I wake up and don’t want to go to work. I really enjoy learning something new every day and constantly improving my skills. I also enjoy having the opportunity to travel both domestically and internationally as part of my role. I have been to so many incredible places on various tours including the UK, Europe, South America and, of course, around Australia.
What are the worst things about your job?
There are not many bad days when you love what you do. Sometimes it can be hard to be away from home but fortunately, I have incredibly supportive family and friends who I always keep in contact with.
What, so far, has been your career highlight?
My career highlight would have to be working in all the major venues in Australia and operating lighting for shows in stadiums overseas. This experience has allowed me to collaborate with leading industry professionals, including some of the best in the business from Australia. I love touring because it adds variety to my job and gives me the opportunity to work in amazing places around the world.
Over the last few years, I’ve worked as a Production Electrician on a few commercial Plays which have pushed my abilities as a technician and increased my understanding of the pre-production process for commercial productions.
What is the most blatant example of sexism you have encountered at work?
I have been fortunate enough to not experience any flagrant examples of sexism in my career. I feel the Australian industry, at least in the commercial musical sector, has become a lot more accepting in recent years due to the hard work and perseverance of some incredibly strong women before me that have paved the way for more of us to have the opportunity to succeed in this industry. There will always be people who will make assumptions about your abilities or won’t be interested in listening to you. My advice is to learn your craft inside and out and prove them wrong through your professionalism and work ethic.
What advice would you give to any woman thinking of a career in the entertainment industry?
If it is something you are passionate about, GO FOR IT! The entertainment industry is incredibly vast and is filled with some amazing opportunities. Be easy to work with and know your stuff and you’ll never be short on work. Take every opportunity that comes your way with an open mind and never stop learning. The days can be long and the work can be hard but if this is what you want to do then there is nothing more rewarding.
What is your career goal?
My goal is to continue working on commercial musicals, keep growing as a technician and never stop learning.
