CQU Bachelor of Performing Arts graduate Melissa Benn, originally from Grafton and now living in Melbourne, is pausing for breath after working behind the scenes of two exciting projects.

"I returned home from Melbourne after the Commonwealth Games and then my stint with The Rhonda Burchmore show 'Fever' at the Crown Casino in the Palms," Melissa says.

"I must say the last 3 months have been so full on and eye opening for me. It was so good to move to the city and experience the feeling that being in a big place with so many more opportunities brings.

"I was so completely warn out after the Games; it was so much work and hardly any recovery time and it is probably the hardest I will ever have to work.

"I really think I have come out of the Games with a new-found passion for my industry and I found that my drive to be a performer was not hindered by lack of use ... however the opposite, I found a new interest being behind the curtain as well.

"My job was thoroughly enjoyable and I enjoyed working with all the stage managers and other secondees like myself.

"I worked as part of the main stage stage management team under Adam Smith and in the closing I was in charge of the presentation stage which was a huge job for me and I had 1 assistant with me.

"We were in charge of getting all the performers and dignitaries on and off the presentation stage and with only 1 rehearsal on the stage, it should have been a mess but I surpassed my own expectations and it ran smoothly".

Melissa says the experience of working with Rhonda Burchmore was surreal.

"I've watched her since I was little and always loved her work. Wayne Scott Kermond also featured in it and luckily I had worked with him before with 'Guys and Dolls' through the BPA. "I was his dresser however he was so easy that I ended up being the 2nd dresser for Rhonda.

"She had so many changes and the dresses were very heavy and expensive. She loves her beads and crystals.

"It was such an easy adjusment and quite a shock going from working with 500 crew down to 10 of us and it was great to see my boss Adam back in theatre where he makes most of his living.

"I got to be up close and personal with performers and watch them work and it made me more motivated to get back into it when I returned home.

"I was a little lost with things to do at first but Rhonda was lovely, and my mum is happy because I learnt how to wash and iron professionally and I can do a fix-up sewing job now whereas before I was hopeless.

"It was an honour to work with Rhonda because she is so talented and really was so friendly to us when she didn't have to be.

"Although the job lasted only a week the experience I got will benefit me greatly and when she starts her tour again in October hopefully I will get a call.

"I loved this opportunity and I am looking forward to the next job that comes my way."