Alumni Spotlight: Kade Cataldo – Class of 2023
- Mercy Stories
- Jun 4
- 4 min read
Meet Kade, a graduate of the Class of 2023, who has been busy building a career in live production and theatrical lighting. After moving to Perth in early 2024, Kade started studying and working in the industry straight away. From setting up for major events to working behind the scenes on musicals like Wicked at Crown Theatre, Kade is gaining valuable experience and making the most of every opportunity.
What are you doing now? Tell us about your job or studies and your journey since graduating:
I studied a Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services in 2024 and am now studying an Advanced Diploma of Live Production and Management Services in 2025, specialising in live theatrical lighting.
I moved to Perth at the beginning of 2024 and started working in the audiovisual industry straight away. As I gained more experience and knowledge, I was gradually given the opportunity to work on larger shows and major international conferences, where I’ve met celebrities such as Robert Irwin.
Currently, I work four casual jobs within the industry, as well as freelance on the side. I’ve worked as a lighting technician in some of Perth’s major venues, including RAC Arena, Optus Stadium, Perth HPC, the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, Crown Ballrooms and, most recently, as a Lighting Technician at Crown Theatre. There, I’ve had the chance to work on major musicals, most notably Wicked.
How did your time at Our Lady of Mercy College shape your career or studies? Were there any teachers, subjects, or programs that inspired you?
Our Drama teacher, Mr Obern, and Music teacher at the time, Mrs Forster, were the ones who originally introduced me to the world of theatre in Year 9, when we started Matilda the Musical. This production reignited my love for music and the performing arts, encouraging me to study a Certificate II in Music, where I first learnt how to set up and operate sound for the band, my very first taste of what would develop to be the first part of my career.
There are many other teachers who changed the trajectory of my life for the better, and for that I will be forever thankful.
What is a memorable moment from your time at Our Lady of Mercy College?
My most memorable moments have been the incredible performances and opportunities I was given within the performing arts. The most special would have to be playing Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in 2023, this was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. It wasn’t just the performances that were significant to me, it was the entire process, from meeting amazing people during rehearsals to the voice lessons and costume fittings.
What lessons or values from your time at the College do you still carry with you?
The Mercy Value of Respect has always been, and continues to be, incredibly important to me, especially now that I’m collaborating with others, working with clients, and operating in high-pressure environments. Respect for yourself, others and simply just being a good person is what has gotten me so far so quickly.
If you could give advice to a student at Our Lady of Mercy College about preparing for life after high school, what would it be?
Expect the unexpected. Say yes to everything. High school forces us to plan for everything and confines us to certain ways of thinking about how things work after high school. I thought I was going to be an electrical engineer until I spontaneously said yes to being a part of Matilda the Musical. Keep an open mind and try new things.
What has been the biggest challenge since leaving school, and how have you handled it?
Changing from having a timetable that you follow every single week to being in charge of my own weekly calendar. Working four jobs with varying hours, studying an arts course full time, and trying to maintain a social life requires a high level of organisation and the ability to make sacrifices. Missing just one commitment can be detrimental to your career or reputation.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
After having worked on the incredible shows that Crown has hosted and having worked as a head lighting tech on slightly smaller productions, I would love to be given the opportunity to tour with a musical theatre production as their head of lighting. This is much harder than it sounds and takes a lot to build up to.
Right now, all I can do is take things year by year. Things are changing so rapidly and dynamically every day that I could be absolutely anywhere in five years.
We wish Kade all the best in his future endeavours.
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Come to our Anniversary Reunion
In just 10 years, our Mercy Campus has grown into a vibrant and connected community.
To celebrate, we’re marking 10 years of the Mercy Campus with a special Anniversary Celebration and Reunion.
When: Saturday, 9 August 2025
Time: 4.00-7.00pm
Where: Xavier Read Gymnasium
Who’s invited:
- Graduating students (2015–2024) and their families - Ex and current staff
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