There seems to be a certain attraction between successful Australian musical act, The Wiggles and Charles Sturt University (CSU), with several graduates working for the multi-million dollar group. The Wiggles production resources manager, Ms Emily Sinclair, who graduated from CSU with a Bachelor of Arts (Design for Theatre and Television) degree, believes the CSU graduate work ethic and practical emphasis has something to do with the appeal. “I think our enthusiasm, hands-on approach and ability to work independently as well as in a team has a lot to do with it.”
Emily grew up in Deniliquin NSW before moving to Wagga Wagga to complete her degree. “I got to work in Charles Sturt University theatre and television productions, trying my hand at everything. It was a real learning experience,” she said.
Her first job out of university, Emily’s role is challenging as she moves between The Wiggles’ filming and stage productions. “I organise the sets, props, and costumes for a cast of 15 dancers, and then I’m the only female crew member on tour working as the head of wardrobe, helping unload trucks, setting up the change rooms and even help with hairdressing,” Emily said. “I like the versatility and the variety of jobs I have and enjoy the pressure of live shows and filming; you really have to be on the ball, which is something my degree really taught me.”
Associate Professor Margaret Woodward, Head of School in Communication and Creative Industries, believes the appeal of CSU students is their confidence in hitting the ground running. “A feature of our program is that undergraduate students work in professional standard studio and theatre facilities and undertake internships which equip them to move into challenging work environments upon graduation,” she said. “They are well prepared with the technical and conceptual knowledge necessary to make a creative contribution to contemporary performance, theatre, and television fields.”
Celebrating their 19th year in 2010, The Wiggles have created a catalogue of music, television, video and film that have proven to be modern classics. As well as receiving several APRA and ARIA awards, 16 years of constant touring around the world has certainly paid off. That touring has also paid off for another CSU graduate who works as a Wiggles tour manager.
Mr Luke Field was born into The Wiggles world, travelling with his father and Wiggles manager Paul Field, and uncle, blue Wiggle Anthony Field, who began their career performing as 1980s band The Cockroaches. “I’ve been touring all my life,” Luke says, “but after school I wanted to do something different so I enrolled into Charles Sturt University’s Sports Journalism degree.” Even though Luke returned to the family business after completing his degree, he knows his time at CSU contributed immensely to his work.
“During my time at Charles Sturt University I did a fair bit of growing up and moving to Bathurst for my degree prepared me for the hard work ahead. I learnt to deal with long hours, deadlines, different groups of people, and I gained a great work ethic. The journalism side of my degree has really helped prepare me for the media with The Wiggles too, and the early hours. I was doing the radio morning shift while I studied and that practical experience teaches you some handy skills.”
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