When you meet JMC Entertainment Business Management student Mary Costan, it’s clear she’s destined for a very bright future. From experimenting with dimmer racks in her high school music hall to working on global tours and award shows, Mary’s career is already lighting up… literally! At this super exciting time in her backstage career, we caught up with Mary to see where she’s at, where she’s heading and the awesome work and study journey so far.

Journey Into Live Events

Mary’s fascination with lighting began in high school, where she studied a VET Live Production course (Cert III). “Our school didn’t have the biggest budget or equipment, but I loved experimenting with what we did have,” she recalls. “I often sat in on drama rehearsals, imagining how I could enhance their performances through lighting design.”

That early spark pushed Mary to seek opportunities to pursue her passion for backstage tech beyond high school. “I began exploring concert lighting through YouTube videos”, she explains. “It was there that I realised how exciting it would be to transition from small school productions to the scale of professional concerts and touring shows.” It wasn’t long until Mary chose JMC Academy as her study partner to help her get where she wanted to go.

Mary says studying at JMC has been instrumental in helping her transition to professional gigs. “JMC has been crucial in giving me the technical knowledge and confidence to move toward that future. Something I’d love to explore further is integrating visuals and lighting in more experimental ways— finding new ways to merge technology, creativity, and performance… Learning how to create stage plots and production documents showed me the importance of preparation in making a gig run smoothly.”

“Collaborating with peers has also been a huge benefit—I’ve gained insights from others who are just as passionate about live events. JMC really helped me combine the technical side with creativity, which is vital for this industry.”

Breakthroughs & Backstage Essentials

Mary’s first professional breakthrough with Disney on Ice in 2024, where she worked as part of the local crew. “It was such an eye-opening experience going from high school drama lights to handling professional-grade equipment,” she says. “I worked alongside an amazing team, including the American production crew from FELD Entertainment, and even got to meet some of the performers backstage. That gig gave me my first taste of what it’s like to work at a professional level.”

Since then, opportunities have come thick and fast, from Coldplay’s Australian tour to the ARIAs, and even offers to join tours with Aussie pop icon Kylie Minogue. “Honestly, hard work is everything,” she explains. “I never just stand around, I’m constantly looking for ways to contribute, whether that’s lending a hand with something I know or asking questions if I’m not sure.”

“Productions notice that willingness to learn and pitch in. Networking also plays a massive role; the live events world is small, and people remember who you are if you put in the effort and bring a positive attitude. Every gig I’ve been offered has come through connections I made on previous gigs.”

Behind the glamour of headline acts lies the grind of pre-rigs, early mornings, and endless teamwork. For Mary, the essentials of the job come down to “communication, leadership, and problem-solving”.

“Clear communication keeps the team on the same page, especially during the pressure of bump ins and outs. Leadership is important too. Sometimes you need to step up and guide people with less experience so the work gets done safely and efficiently. And problem-solving is constant: whether it’s a broken light, a change from the stage manager, or a technical hiccup, you have to stay calm and think on your feet.”

A “typical day” for Mary might start at dawn with a pre-rig. “Early mornings are standard, which is why I’m never without a Red Bull,” she laughs. “Once the trucks arrive, we unload and begin setting everything up, mounting lights to trusses, running cables, testing equipment, and getting everything ready for rehearsals. The atmosphere can be intense, with a ‘go go go’ mentality, but it’s also where teamwork shines the most.”

Challenges & Lessons

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing. The long hours of the industry have already tested Mary. “One of the toughest parts is working back-to-back gigs with little rest. It’s so easy to burn out, and I’ve had to learn the importance of saying ‘no’ to shifts when I need to. The industry will always be there, but your health won’t if you push yourself too hard. Balancing university, work, and a social life isn’t easy, but prioritising mental and physical wellbeing makes it manageable.”

She’s also learned that being open to new knowledge pays off in surprising ways. “The biggest lesson is to never stop learning. Even if a task isn’t directly in your area, like audio or visuals, it’s worth paying attention, you never know when that knowledge will come in handy. Also, don’t underestimate networking. Building friendships on the job has taught me so much more than I could learn on my own.”

Advice & Looking Ahead

For her fellow JMC peers dreaming of breaking into live events, Mary’s advice is simple but powerful: “Be proactive and never stop asking questions. Volunteer wherever you can at festivals, theatres, school productions, and stand close to those who inspire you. That’s how I landed my first lighting opportunities. Most importantly, show that you’re passionate. People in the industry are willing to help if they see you’re committed.”

She also credits networking as the true engine of her career so far. “Networking is everything. Every opportunity I’ve had has come through people I met on the job. Introduce yourself, even if it’s just a quick hello—you never know who you’ll end up working with again. It’s a small world, and you never know who you’re talking to until they share who they are.”

Looking ahead, Mary has some big ambitions. “Artists like Adele or Bruno Mars would be a dream since I grew up listening to their music, and working with a band like Megadeth would also be incredible as their drum tech. Venue wise, The Sphere in Las Vegas or Madison Square Garden would be the ultimate goal— they’re iconic stages with cutting-edge production opportunities.”

And as for the future? “In the next few years, I see myself stepping into more creative leadership roles, directing or designing the lighting for shows rather than just assisting on load-ins and outs. My dream is to work directly with an artist to create a full stage and lighting design that enhances their music and vision.”

The Bright Future Ahead

From experimenting with a dimmer rack in high school to working alongside Coldplay’s lighting director, Mary’s story shows how passion, persistence, and community can illuminate a path into the entertainment industry. And with her sights set on the world’s biggest stages, this is just the beginning.

Mary’s unique story is just one of many in JMC’s creative community. If you’re passionate about concerts, festivals, and live entertainment, discover how JMC can help you step into the industry with confidence.