Production Arts

If you like the sound of a career working backstage to make a performance or event come to life this course is for you. You will assist with producing a variety of performances including the theatre production, lighting and sound show and a contemporary arts showcase.

You will learn the skills to operate kit and equipment including lights, rigging, AV and sound as well as set design and the basics of event management.

On this course you will follow a full-time Study Programme made up of the following four compulsory elements to best prepare you for progression to employment, apprenticeships, further study or applying to university/drama school:

• The main subject qualification
• Work experience for a minimum of 37 hours or, on some courses, up to 50 days over an academic year. You will be expected to find placements by researching companies, contacting employers and speaking with college staff. 
• English and maths where students have not yet achieved GCSE grade 4 or above in these subjects
• Additional enhancing activities such as tutorials and work-related learning, including careers fairs, site visits and guest speakers, to help further develop the personal skills relevant to your progression goals

The Production Arts qualification

Over the two-year course two thirds of your time is spent on hands-on projects which include working on studio installations, at events and in the theatre.

You will be creatively involved in working on the production of a variety of performances including the annual pantomime, a contemporary arts showcase and final major production with the Performing Arts students.

You will also have the opportunity to participate as a venue technician for the college’s in-house professional venue, including working on our Oscar-style annual awards ceremony.

• ·         Lighting skills – rigging and operation

  ·         Sound skills – operation and EQ

  ·         Stage management

  ·         Set construction and scenic painting

  ·         Prop making

  ·         Roles within a production team

  ·         Health and safety within events industry

Trips, visits and activities

As part of the course you will also take part in industry trips and activities including networking events, studio visits and guest lectures. Previous events have included:

• Two-day training at ChamSys HQ on their industry standard MagicQ software for light programming
• Tours of facilities and careers talks including Mayflower and MAST theatre, cruise ships, trade shows, production companies and studio tours
• Progression coaching including visits to drama schools and universities
• Industry networking opportunities through work experience and a dedicated industry week
• Guest lectures from a wide range of industry professionals

• Professional full-size medium scale theatre with the latest equipment
• Fully equipped sound and lighting studio
• Recording studio for voice overs productions
• State-of-the-art TV studio for AV production
• Set and prop construction workshop

You will benefit from a dedicated project space that is equipped with a wide range of industry standard facilities. With these facilities and equipment, you will be able to explore all the creative and technical elements of the course.

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Explore our hub theatre facilities page

100% coursework / practical

4 GCSEs grade 3 or above (including English and maths)

Mature students considered depending on experience

You will need to attend a College interview. Find out more about How to Apply

If you will be aged 19 before the start of the second year of this course, you will be liable to pay a fee for that year. Please contact us for more information.

Uniform

You will be required to wear a uniform for this course.

• Black trousers – provided by you
• Branded t-shirt – purchased through the college for £15 (free if you’re eligible for financial support).

Details will be discussed at interview.