Elevating Crew Standards Through Weekly Education
At Upstage Companies, we believe that top-tier production crews begin with top-tier people. That’s why we’ve built something that’s changing the face of live events in the Mountain West: the Upstage Training Academy.
This free, in-person, face-to-face program is designed to train, refine, and empower the next generation of skilled labor in the entertainment and event industries — and it’s making a real difference.
Building the Best Teams in the Business
The Upstage Training Academy is the most comprehensive training program for live event labor in the Mountain West. It’s a space where technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and personal growth come together — helping people turn jobs into lasting careers.
We specialize in upskilling individuals who have some basic experience and turning them into confident, capable, and efficient team members. This is not just about getting the job done; it’s about raising the bar for what live event labor can and should be.
Graduates from top institutions like the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences (CRAS) and Arizona State University’s Popular Music Program have praised our academy for providing a strong post-graduation outlet and for supplementing their formal education with real-world, hands-on training.
What We Teach: Real-World Skills That Matter
Each week, our event equipment crew members engage in rotating, in-person training sessions focused on six core disciplines:
- Audio: Covers sound system setup, operations, and troubleshooting techniques to ensure clear, high-quality audio for any event.
- Lighting: Involves selecting, setting up, and operating audio equipment to deliver clear, high-quality sound on every production.
- Rigging: Teaches proper event rigging procedures and safety protocols for suspending equipment like truss, lighting, and scenic elements overhead.
- Video: Includes the setup of screens, projectors, and LED walls as well as content management and live video switching.
- Power Distribution: Emphasizes safe, efficient methods for providing power to all event systems, including cables, connectors, and generators.
- Staging and Decking: Guides the assembly, breakdown, and arrangement of platforms and stages for secure, stable performance environments.
We train on industry-standard gear and processes, including:
- L-Acoustics audio systems
- MA Lighting’s grandMA3 lighting consoles
- Stageline mobile stages
- Elation lighting
From learning proper knot techniques and terminology to power distribution and safe load-in/load-out procedures, our event equipment crew members gain real-world, practical skills that translate directly into job site success.
Custom Training for Client-Specific Needs
One of the things that sets our academy apart is our client-centric training approach. If a partner has a unique process or preferred setup, we train to match it. This allows our event equipment crew members to hit the ground running and work to exact specifications — a true value-add for our clients and a sign of our commitment to excellence.
Safety First, Always
We take safety seriously. Our team receives training and certification in key areas, including:
- Forklift operation and certification
- OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 certifications for supervisors and leads
By emphasizing safety alongside efficiency and quality, we build production crews that not only do great work, but also protect each other and the public.
Led by Passion, Backed by Experience
The Upstage Training Academy is led by Honu Hillier, a respected industry veteran in the Utah event production services market. Honu brings deep knowledge, a love for live events, and a genuine passion for helping people grow.
Through personal interviews, face-to-face mentorship, and career pathway planning, Honu and the Upstage leadership team work tirelessly to ensure that each crew member is not just ready to work — but ready to thrive.
Format and Access
- In-person, weekly classes
- Free to participants
- Open to new and current Upstage crew
- Future plans to expand via online learning for out-of-state teams
Why It Matters
The Upstage Training Academy gives us the ability to know our crew while they get to know the expectations of the job and our company values. This alignment creates a stronger team culture and better results for our clients.
It’s also a win-win:
- Clients benefit from better-trained, more efficient, and safer production crews.
- Crew members build real careers, access retirement benefits, and earn more.
- Upstage Companies develops a high-performing workforce committed to excellence.
Whether it’s a music festival, corporate show, drive-through holiday experience, or a general labor project, Upstage-trained professionals can do it all — and they do it well.
Join Us
If you’re looking to start or advance a career in live event production — or you’re a client seeking reliable, professional support — the Upstage Training Academy is your gateway. We proudly offer event production services positions in Phoenix, AZ, and throughout Utah, ensuring you have access to a wide range of information and training.
🔗 Visit UpstageCompanies.com and click “Join the Crew”
📧 Or email us at [email protected] to get started
Upstage Training Academy: Because great events start with great crews. And great crews start here.