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PFWA Academy
Production Pathway
Learn stage management, sound + lighting, and show choreography — then get hired to produce events that people remember.
Youth, Teen & Adult Creatives
No prior production experience needed. If you love live events, problem-solving under pressure, and making things happen behind the scenes — this is your track.
Choose the format that fits your schedule and goals:
Multi-Course Track
Stage Management + Sound & Lighting + Show Flow (full pathway)
Workshops
Individual 4-6 week courses — take one or all three
Live Events
Hands-on crew experience at PFWA events and rehearsals
Apprenticeship
Shadow lead producers and stage managers at Peoria Fashion Week
What You'll Learn
Core skills taught across all Production Pathway programs:
1
Stage Management
Timelines, cue sheets, backstage coordination, and real-time communication with all teams
2
Sound Design + Engineering
Music curation, mixing, microphone setup, and creating audio atmosphere for runway shows
3
Lighting Design
Runway lighting, color washes, spotlights, mood-setting, and equipment operation
4
Show Choreography + Flow
Model lineups, pacing, transitions, opening/finale design, and audience engagement
5
Backstage Coordination
Quick changes, model lineup management, designer communication, and handling chaos calmly
6
Event Logistics
Venue setup, vendor coordination, load-in/load-out, and day-of troubleshooting
7
Music Curation + Licensing
Selecting the right soundtrack, BPM matching to walk pace, and understanding licensing basics
8
Rehearsal Management
Running rehearsals efficiently — blocking, timing, notes, and keeping everyone on schedule
9
Team Leadership + Communication
Leading crew, delegating tasks, radio/headset protocol, and keeping calm under pressure
10
Budget + Production Planning
Creating production budgets, equipment lists, run-of-show documents, and contingency plans
View Production Classes
What You'll Build
Real credits and tools for your production career:
Production Portfolio
Documented credits from PFWA events — shows produced, roles held, and team size managed
Run-of-Show Document
A professional show rundown template you've built and used in a real event
Cue Sheet
A complete lighting + sound cue sheet from a show you've stage-managed
Production Reel
30-60 second reel of events you've produced or crewed — backstage + show footage
Equipment Competency
Hands-on experience with sound boards, lighting rigs, and stage management tools
Producer Profile in App
Bio, credits, specialties, and availability — visible to event organizers
Build Your Profile
Pathway Levels
Pick your starting point — every level builds toward getting hired:
1
Foundations
New Crew
Stage management basics + backstage coordination
Intro to sound/lighting equipment and safety
Outcome: You can assist on a production crew and handle backstage coordination for a live show.
2
Technical + Creative
Skilled Crew
Sound design + lighting programming for runway
Show flow choreography + rehearsal management
Outcome: You can run sound or lighting for a show and design the flow of a runway presentation.
3
Lead Producer
Booked & Paid
Full show production from concept to curtain call
Budget management, team leadership, and client communication
Outcome: You can produce an entire event — hired as a stage manager, technical director, or show producer.
Requirements + Policies
Required
Signed participation agreement
Code of conduct acknowledgment
Attendance policy (80% minimum for completion)
Closed-toe shoes required for all technical sessions
Policies
Safety first — all crew must follow equipment handling and electrical safety protocols
Show-day crew must arrive at scheduled call time — no exceptions
Equipment damage from negligence may result in replacement costs
Minors (under 18) must have parent/guardian sign all participation forms
All crew must follow radio/communication protocol during live events
Inclusive, respectful environment — every role is essential and every person is valued
Production Standards
Professional expectations for every show and event.
Arrive at call time — production waits for no one
Test all equipment before doors open — no surprises
Stay on comms — radio/headset protocol at all times during shows
Follow all safety protocols — electricity, rigging, and crowd management
Support your crew — every role matters, every person is essential
What You Can Charge
Rates vary by role, event size, and experience. Here's a starting guide:
Beginner
$0 – $150/day
Volunteer crew, assistant roles, small local events
Intermediate
$150 – $500/day
Paid crew, stage manager, sound/lighting operator
Advanced
$500 – $2,000+/day
Lead producer, technical director, multi-day events
Production Services
What event organizers can hire you for:
Show Production
End-to-end fashion show production — concept, crew, tech, and execution
Stage Management
Backstage coordination, cue calling, and keeping the show on schedule
Sound + DJ Services
Runway music, mixing, and live sound engineering for fashion events
Lighting Design
Runway lighting, ambiance design, and technical lighting operation
Event Coordination
Venue logistics, vendor management, and day-of event execution
Rehearsal Direction
Running model rehearsals, blocking, and timing for show readiness
Technical Direction
Overseeing all technical elements — sound, lighting, video, and stage mechanics
Browse the Marketplace
How to Get Paid
Your path from crew to lead producer:
1
Build Your Production Credits
Crew PFWA events and document every role you hold
2
Set Your Services + Day Rates
Define what you offer — stage management, sound, lighting, full production
3
Publish Your Producer Profile
Credits, reel, specialties, and availability on the PFWA app
4
Accept Gigs + Send Contract
Get hired by event organizers, sign agreements, and collect a deposit
5
Execute the Show
Run the production from load-in to final bow — deliver a flawless event
6
Get Reviewed + Get Re-Hired
Build your reputation, earn referrals, and become the go-to producer
Create Your Producer Profile
Program Options
Choose your entry point:
Stage Management (5 Weeks)
$95 — learn to run the show from backstage
Coming Soon
Sound & Lighting (6 Weeks)
$110 — 2 payment plans available
Coming Soon
Show Flow (4 Weeks)
$85 — event choreography and pacing
Coming Soon
Full Production Track
All 3 courses — $290 ($245 bundled)
Coming Soon
PFW Production Crew
Top students invited to crew Peoria Fashion Week 2026
Coming Soon
Classes in This Track
3 classes — $0 total
1
Stage Management
Intro to Running the Show
Dates & times TBD
2
Sound & Lighting
Technical Production
Dates & times TBD
3
Show Flow
Event Choreography
Dates & times TBD
Ready to Run the Show?
From backstage crew to lead producer — the stage is yours. Start building your production career today.
Register Now
Find Gigs
Questions? Email thepeoriafashionweek@gmail.com
PEORIA Fashion Week
April 2-4, 2026 Four Points by Sheraton 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
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