William Yates (2012)
For William Yates (2012), a career in the performing arts has been shaped by curiosity, creativity and a willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities.
After leaving Ballarat Grammar, William began studying Aerospace Engineering and Arts at Monash University before transferring to Music after his second year. While at university, he became heavily involved in student theatre through Monash University Student Theatre (MUST), initially composing music and serving as a musical director.
However, a chance opportunity to operate lighting for a production sparked an interest in the technical side of theatre that would ultimately shape his career.
"One show needed a lighting operator, and I volunteered to step in, "From there, I've been working in the theatre world pretty consistently."
Alongside freelance theatre work, William served as Operations Manager for Gondwana Choirs between 2020 and 2022 before moving into his current role as Technical Manager at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA).
Today, William oversees the technical operations of NIDA's five performance venues, supporting a diverse range of productions, projects and events.
"It is the most varied job I've ever had," he said. "My days can involve rostering staff for productions, meeting with clients and students to discuss technical requirements, and working with my team to continually improve our venues and equipment."
While music has always been part of William's life, his passion for theatre developed through school productions and extracurricular involvement.
"I've been a musician for as long as I can remember," he said. "Throughout school I was involved in musicals both on and off stage, usually as a musical director. I've always been a bit of a techie as well, but I didn't start theatre technical work until university."
Reflecting on his time at Ballarat Grammar, William credits the School with encouraging him to explore a wide range of interests.
"I think the biggest thing I learned at Grammar was not to limit myself and to explore all my interests," he said.
He also expressed his gratitude to former tutor Jason Simmons, whose guidance and support throughout his school years proved invaluable.
Over the course of his career, William has worked on a number of memorable productions, including serving as Sound Engineer for the Australian premiere of Bright Star and Stage and Production Manager for Hypnopompia with Gondwana Choirs.
When asked about his proudest achievement, William was quick to shine the spotlight on others.
"In my role, I mostly sit in the background supporting my team and the students," he said.
His career is an example to the many pathways that can emerge when passion and curiosity guide the way.
Acknowledgement of Country
Ballarat and Queen’s Anglican Grammar School acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we learn, live and work, the Wadawurrung People, and recognises their continuing connection to the land and waterways. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
Commitment to Child Safety
Ballarat Grammar maintains a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse and actively implements measures to identify and manage any risks of harm to students within our school environment. The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people are central and fundamental responsibilities of the School. We are firmly committed to fostering a child-safe culture that provides an environment where students are safe and feel safe, where their participation is valued, their views respected, and their voices heard in decisions that affect their lives. Ballarat Grammar values diversity and strictly prohibits any racist or discriminatory practices. All members of our school community share the responsibility to care for children and young people by promptly raising any concerns regarding their safety, promoting their wellbeing, and protecting them from all forms of harm or abuse.
