The UAL Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Performing & Production Arts (Technical Theatre Pathway) is a course designed to be studied over two years and aims to support progression to a range of sector-related degrees with the goal of leading to higher education and employment in theatre production.
During this practical and vocational course, students will cover a range of technical theatre skills, contextual activities related to theatre design and production, and will also be given the opportunity to be involved in the backstage production of live performances, support Music gigs and cross college events . It will provide students with an understanding of theatre production through engagement with the key aspects of technical theatre: stage management, health and safety conventions, set design and construction, theatrical & music lighting and sound. The method of learning is a mixture of both tutor led and practical sessions and the qualification combines practical and theory-based assignments.
The course will provide an opportunity for those who have an interest in the performing arts to explore, develop and test their creativity within a qualification structure that is stimulating, demanding and provides a supportive transition from general to more specialised study. Students enrolled on the course will work in close collaboration with our acting, dance and musical theatre students in creating and realising thought-provoking and exciting stage performances. The course will also prepare students for next steps, such as applying for specialist technical or production courses or apprenticeships as well as university level study.
The course is taught by subject specialists, and you will be working both independently and in small groups, utilising our state of the art facilities. There may also be opportunities for students to attend external performances or workshops with local & national theatres, venues and practitioners.
In some sessions, skills development or projects, you will work alongside other Performing Arts or Music students . This reflects industry practice and behaviours.
**On Completion of the course, you will achieve a UAL L3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts Performing & Production Arts (Technical Theatre )
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What will I study?
The units you will study are likely to include:
- Principles of performance
- Engaging with an audience
- Introduction to professional practice
- Critical and contextual awareness
- Production skills and context
- Performance skills and context
- Preparation for specialist study
- Collaborative performance project
- Developing performance and production skills
- Preparing for progression
- Exploration of specialist study and context
- Extended project
All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn or amended by the awarding body.
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Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for students with a passion for acting and performing arts, and are looking to progress to studying the subject at a university level or gain entry level employment in a performing arts related career.
Students should be self-motivated and be willing to interact with a production team (including working with actors, dancers and musicians).
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How is the course assessed?
All units are assessed and graded internally through a portfolio of practical and theoretical work. The final unit is moderated externally. The final unit grade determines the overall grade for the qualification.
If you are studying maths and English, you will sit these as external exams.
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Your Study Programme
If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme this could be a vocational or technical qualification. We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can.
Work experience will be part of your study programme and complement your college study and prepare you for employment. You will also get involved in activities to help you develop life skills and to build your confidence so you can make progress in your career.
If you have chosen to study for a T Level qualification, this will involve college-based theory and practice lessons along with relevant work placement to enable you to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours that employers are looking for.
Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which may comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.
All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you don't have a grade 4 (C) at GCSE, we will work with you towards achieving that goal (subject to specific entry requirements for particular courses).
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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 historical and creative 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 production and technical skills through practical and research-based study and practical sessions including working alongside specialist disciplines of Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre & Music
- Develop core specialist skills at relevant levels including taking Director's notes, running production meetings, practical & technical skills 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 production and creative work.
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Behaviours
What is required?
- 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
After being interviewed, applicants will be invited to a taster day in the summer. The course lead contact for all Technical Thetre courses is Josh Green. Email; Josh.Green@northamptoncollege.ac.uk
Students will be expected to purchase some basic equipment relevant to the course and have access to IT at home. This will be conveyed to them in the form of a kit list, sent via email during the summer before they enrol. For those eligible, bursary applications are available to cover the cost.
There may be opportunities to go on trips throughout the year, the cost of these will be discussed with students ahead of time.
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Progression and Career Opportunities
Upon successful completion of this course, students have had the opportunity to further their training at universities, drama schools, stage schools and performing arts colleges. They can also choose to apply for our HNC/HND Technical Theatre course at Northampton College.
With a technical theatre qualification, career pathways could include work as a stage manager, set designer, prop designer, lighting technician, sound technician or stage crew.
Through the links you will make with industry professionals whilst studying the course there may be opportunities to gain employment directly with theatre companies, music venues and even film production companies, working in a backstage capacity.
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Entry Requirements for new students
4 GCSEs Grade 4 including English, or L2 Diploma in Technical Theatre plus GCSE English and maths Grade 3, complete the tasks that you will be sent & attend the onsite/online Taster Day. You may be offered a place on another level to your original application.
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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.
