The HNC and HND in Technical Theatre is aimed at people who would like to work behind the scenes in the performance industry. It develops skills in a variety of technical roles and offers the opportunity to work at a local theatre to gain skills and experience within the working environment.
Key facts: The course is taught in a highly practical way using workshop style classes in which students work individually and in groups to develop and refine their skills, supported by lecturers with extensive experience in all areas. Work placements at local entertainment venues will be set up at the start of the programme and most learning will take place either on placement or at college supporting in-house performances. After two years you will able to look for work in a theatre or other live performance venue or progress to the third year of a degree to specialise and hone your skills.
Part-time study may be available for this course and these options will be discussed at your interview.
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What will I study?
The units you will study are likely to include:
Core Units:
- Automated lighting for live performance
- Employability skills
- Facilities operation in the theatre
- Lighting design and operation for live performance
- Performing arts rigging
- Production management in the performing arts
- Production skills for performance
- Set design
- Stage management in practice
- Theatre sound design and operation
- Work-based experience
All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.
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Who is this course for?
The HNC and HND Technical Theatre is for students who have an interest in the technical side of theatre, including sound and lighting design, set design and construction and stage management. You may have already studied electrical or sound engineering, IT or performing arts to Level 3, or have had some work experience in this area. The course will enable you to develop further technical competences both in college and on placement at a local theatre or venue.
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How is the course assessed?
This is a modular course and you will be assessed throughout the course rather than through examination. Practical projects, assignments, presentations and essays will be set for each module. The course will culminate in a final major project in which students take responsibility for the management of a major piece of assessed work showcasing their skills and specialisms.
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Knowledge
You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:
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The key elements and influences in your discipline (Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre or Technical Theatre) and refining an investigative approach to the Performing Arts industry
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A range of activities and competences through in-depth subject specific study, enabling the practical, written, presented and evaluative academic work to further your reading, writing and digital skills
- Subject specific context; for example an awareness of equality and diversity in the performing industries and an up-to-date approach to casting, skills itineraries and CV writing.
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Skills
You will have the ability to:
- Explore and enhance personal performance and technical skills through practical and research-based study and practical sessions including specialist disciplines of Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre & Technical Theatre
- Develop core specialist skills at relevant levels including taking correction (in Dance and Musical Theatre for example) practical feedback, critical listening skills around others work, communicating ideas with your peers,enhancing your skills levels both individually and collaboratively
- Integrate and develop previously acquired skills, alongside new and challenging work enabling a broader repertoire and experience, and therefore develop your own approaches to your directed and creative work.
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Behaviours
What is required?
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Developing the behaviours and expectations to help you work in the industry that are specific to your discipline, such as reliability, time keeping and organisation, respect and communication skills
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Taking responsibility in the management and commitment to rehearsals and production work or for an assignment of personal interest and prepare for progression within a chosen discipline
- Demonstrate professional and respectful behaviours that will help you network, develop connections in industry and contacts, including taking initiative, organisational skills and developing resilience.
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General info
There will be an expectation that students on this course will take on work placements in local theatres/venues throughout the two years of the programme and this may mean working some evenings and weekends as part of the qualification at times. Health & Safety Footwear and clothing required for the course will be detailed at interview.
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Progression and Career Opportunities
Career opportunities include:
- Lighting technician
- Sound engineer
- Set design
- Stage management
- Progression to L6 (BA Hons) Top up degrees offered at various Universities
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Entry Requirements for new students
48 UCAS points which are equal to two D Grades or above at A Level, pass grades at BTEC Extended Diploma Level or Merit pass at Level 3 Diploma, plus a 4 Grade in English & Maths GCSE and complete the practical tasks that will be sent to you. Applicants aged 21 or over who do not have the entry requirements may be eligible for acceptance based on application ad interview. All applicants will need to complete a practical task that will be sent to them.
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Admissions Process
We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply. These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements. If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.
