A Charles Sturt University (CSU) television production student realised a dream when she spent time backstage at Canada's acclaimed 2008 Montreal Comedy Festival in July. Ms Stephanie Coombes has returned from a two week trip to Canada where she assisted with filming the well known Australian current affairs comedy show, Good News Week. Ms Coombes, from Sydney, gained the international experience while only six months into her three year Bachelor of Arts (Television Production) degree on CSU’s Wagga Wagga Campus. “There is little substitute for practical learning, and getting out amongst the people who make television was a fabulous experience,” she said. “The appeal of the CSU course is that it teaches television in a practical way, so when I’m looking for a job I know I’ll have the knowledge to get a position such as a floor manager or vision mixer.” She hopes to pursue a television career like her father who is a television director for Good News Week. Television production course coordinator Mr Pat Sproule said Ms Coombes’ trip demonstrates the importance the University places on practical experience its courses.