BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Production Arts

Production Arts/Technical Theatre includes stage lighting and sound, video projection, stage management, set construction and painting, technical maintenance and electrical installation. Our students frequently work on productions, building their portfolios for the next stage of their professional careers. The course is mainly based in the College’s two fully equipped theatres, the ACT and Studio 101, but also partly at The Questors Theatre (Europe's largest community theatre) where the set-building workshop, computerised box office and the extensive wardrobe (as well as the large number of high-quality shows) provide additional training and show experience opportunities for students on the course. We actively seek out opportunities for students to work in a range of venues. These have included the Savoy (West End), Richmond Theatre, the Rose (Kingston), the Finborough, the Cornerhouse and the Secombe.

Entry Requirements

Normally a minimum of four GCSE passes at grade C or above, usually including English. A Merit profile on the BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Performing Arts is also a relevant qualification. Experience in some aspect of technical/backstage work is useful. Successful interview and satisfactory reference.

International Entry Requirements:

High School Leavers Certificate at C grade or above or other related comparable qualification. IELTS 5.0 or equivalent English Language Certificate. Satifactory reference. Telephone interview may be required.

Content

All BTEC Performing Arts courses consist of core and specialist units. Parts of the core are common to all courses - the parts dealing with the background to Performing Arts and professional practice in the industry, for example. For Technical Theatre, students are involved in technical production processes and projects. These give students opportunities to extend and practice their technical skills in real working contexts. Specialist units include: Stage Management, Costume Design and Making, Make-Up, Live Sound for the Stage, Scenic Construction, Scenic Painting, Prop Making, Events Management, Set Design, Working Freelance, Stage Lighting Operations/Design, and Stage Sound Operations/Design.

There will be numerous opportunities for involvement in projects with Performing Arts students from other areas in the College theatre, as well as opportunities to work with Media Studies students who regularly make films as part of their courses and Music students who frequently perform their own gigs in local venues as well as at the College. In addition to the main units, we also give you the chance to combine your course with additional qualifications. This might mean a GCSE re-sit or the opportunity to study an AS/A2 Level.

Progression

The course is taught by experienced lecturers and practitioners, many of whom are professionally active in the Performing Arts industry. They will help you to gain new skills, experience and insight to enable you to enter a competitive industry or to go on to Higher Education, including Drama School or a relevant degree at University. Past students have been offered places on degree courses at drama schools including Central, Guildhall, LAMDA,LIPA, Rose Bruford, Royal Welsh College and Mountview, as well as Universities.