While Leah Heuschele has plenty of experience on stage, she is keen to be pulling the strings behind the scenes as her career develops.

The CQU performing arts graduate is busy working for Rockhampton Venues and Events on the event coordination of the Quay Street Carnivale (the closing ceremony of Beef Australia 2006 in Rockhampton during May).

Last time she was involved with a Beef Australia ceremony it was as a dancer in the 2003 Opening Ceremony, as part of her Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) degree.

In the longer-term, she plans to base herself in Brisbane where there will be a bigger pool of events to work on.

Ms Heuschele was pleased with the outcomes of her BPA work placement in 2005 with The Really Useful Company in Sydney. Apart from office tasks relating to an overseas tour, she had the chance to experience behind the scenes of a professional touring musical and also witnessed rehearsals and dance classes for the Sydney Dance Company.

While still in school at Helensvale High on the Gold Coast, Leah grasped every opportunity to get involved with the performing arts.

She studied dance and drama both in and out of school time, and was a performer and choreographer for school musicals and rock eisteddfords.

Ms Heuschele is now extending her job prospects by studying a Graduate Diploma in Professional Communication at the University of Southern Queensland on a part-time basis.