Who are you?
My name is Trish Baxter. Up until six months ago, I was an Account Manager at Chameleon Touring Systems in Sydney before I relocated to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where I’m now a Global Account Rep at Christie Lites. I’ve loved live performance since high school, where I was both a part of the backstage crew and a performer. I’m also a photography enthusiast who owns about three too many 35mm film cameras, and a loungeroom guitarist.
Describe the work you do
I’m the person you contact when you’re looking to hire lighting, rigging or automation for your production – from initial project conversations to the final rental solution (equipment, crew, transport), you have my full support and experience, giving you the peace of mind for the duration of your production.
My new global role means I service clients’ productions on a much bigger industry stage. So, I am excited to see how I can support my fellow Aussies with their productions in the Northern Hemisphere, as well as get my name and myself out in the global industry to meet new people and build relationships with new clients.
What led you to your current work?
I grew up with a genuine curiosity for what goes on behind the scenes at a show, so I jumped at the opportunity to study a certificate of Live Production, Theatre and Events in my senior years at Campbelltown Performing Arts High School.
Fresh out of school, I worked as a Stagehand for Australian Crewing where I got to work on a range of different load-ins/outs at many events and venues around Sydney.
One day I approached Tony Davies at Chameleon during a factory shift and said something to the effect of, “You keep asking for me in the factory, why not just give me a job? I think I would look pretty good in a Chameleon shirt!”. So, he did. And I did!
I quickly worked my way from Cable Land to Moving Lights and Service, gaining a deep understanding of all the equipment before finding myself in the office, helping clients with their lighting requirements.
My personal life took a bit of a nosedive with the COVID-era fallout; I broke up with my partner of five years and had to leave my rescue Greyhound behind.
Having only really fantasized about it in the past, I decided to take a leap of faith and move overseas to discover new and bigger opportunities in the industry. I had secured a Canadian visa and was actively planning my move before I approached Christie Lites. Knowing that they were one of the biggest and best lighting rental houses in the world, I asked a close friend of mine for an introduction. After a series of online meetings and interviews, I signed a full-time contract with them before I was due to land in the country.
What are you working on now or about to start work on?
Currently, I’m overseeing the delivery of the third Electric Island, which is a doof-doof festival in Toronto. It consists of four shows throughout the Summer festival season. I’ll be on site for the load-in, before heading north to Burl’s Creek Event Grounds for the first Main Stage shows of the Boots and Hearts Festival.
What are the good things about your job?
The people. I like getting to meet and work with all sorts of characters. I love using my technical chops to find ways to help people solve problems and being that go-to person that they can rely on to have their back on a production.
What are the worst things about your job?
How quickly requirements can change at the 11th hour. The challenge with these scenarios is to determine exactly where to focus my time and energy to ensure the efficient delivery of the project. Apart from learning to adapt quickly, this has helped me learn the importance of facing challenges with a positive attitude.
What, so far, has been your career highlight?
Other than joining the Christie team? It’s very difficult to single out one event when it’s the fun moments with people that stick out to me the most. Moments working with the PRG team on Defqon.1 (affectionately known as, “The Penrith PRG Family Holiday”), every TV followspot op gig I’ve done with Francesco Calvi calling spots, when my contributions helped to track down and recover a load of missing equipment and being the FOH tech for Sydney NYE 2014, to name just a few.
What is the most blatant example of sexism you have encountered at work?
Probably when I received a phone call out of working hours one night from a drunk colleague who proceeded to tell me how pleased he would be to see me in a school uniform, among other things. Upon asking some of the boys at work the next day if they had received the same phone call, I was very shocked to learn that they hadn’t!
However, I have had so many positive experiences and support when working with male colleagues, so I don’t let the minority spoil my love and enthusiasm for the industry.
What advice would you give to any woman thinking of a career in the entertainment industry?
Surround yourself with people who are passionate about what they are doing. These are the people who don’t cut corners and happily explain the ‘why’ behind their instructions. Take advantage of their expertise and lean on them for support. Ask lots of questions, then put the answers to practice.
Establish a good work ethic and reputation for being reliable to get booked on gigs! If someone asks you if you’re busy, the answer is either, “Yes”, because you really are, or “Not anymore, what can I help with?”
Female account reps in our industry are still very thin on the ground, particularly on the production rental side. Currently, I am just one of five females in rep/associate rep roles at Christie and when you look at most company’s rep teams, women are still in the minority. I’ve no doubt that companies would like to see more women in rep roles. So, if there are any women who are interested finding more about being an account rep, feel free to reach out, as I’m happy to share my experience on building a career as an account rep.
What is your career goal?
To meet and work with cool people on cool and interesting projects! To be someone that people know they can call when they need help finding or facilitating things to bring all the pieces of the puzzle together and to be able to connect the right people with one another.
Heading Trish’s way? Get in touch for all your production needs!
+1(438)765-8716
