The Technical Theatre programme at the Guildhall School has long been recognised as providing some of the most innovative vocational theatre training in the UK and beyond. With the opening of the Milton Court development in the spring of 2013, the School will boast the best resources in the country, and amongst the best in the world. The teaching is practical and production based; you will work on public productions with professional directors, designers and conductors participating in the creation of acclaimed dramas, musicals and operas.
 
The Guildhall School has five professionally equipped performance venues, state-of-the-art equipment and professional production values. These allow the programme to keep completely in line with current practice and new theatre technology. You will use the School’s on-site theatres, rehearsal rooms, workshops and costume department to collaborate in the production of 15 major dramas and operas each year together with a range of smaller projects and events.

The syllabus has been designed to involve you completely in the complex art of theatre; bringing together writers, designers, actors, musicians, composers, choreographers, technicians and administrators to create a production. Your training will provide you with a firm practical knowledge of theatre crafts and managerial skills and prepare you for a professional life in the theatre. This programme has delivered an excellent record of graduate success in theatre, film, television and related industries.

BA Honours Degree in Technical Theatre Arts

3 years (full-time)

• 108 students across the programme
• 24 full-time staff
• 130 applications/36 places

Closing date for applications (2012 entry)
28 May 2012
Please note that places are offered throughout the year, so early applications are advised.

Open day
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Contact: tt@gsmd.ac.uk

The programme is 3 years full-time and requires a high degree of commitment. 

Students select one of three pathways, each with a different emphasis: Stage & Costume Management, Design Realisation and Theatre Technology. Within each Pathway it is possible to study elements of the other two, so for example if you want to learn about props and scenery construction, but retain an interest in lighting you can choose accordingly, or if you’re interested in stage management, but still want to gain some experience in sound, that’s fine too. Of course, if you prefer to dedicate the bulk of your study to a particular area you can do that. The course is flexible enough to permit a wide range of interests or a more specialised approach. 

In the first year of the course Pathway areas are taught through practical exercises with students collaborating together without the pressure of public performance. All students also share a broad-based core of essential subjects covering Theatre History, Period Style, Contemporary Theatre, Health & Safety, Computer Aided Design, Stagecraft & Production Process. 

From the second year onwards students are totally immersed in the Guildhall’s extraordinary productions, working alongside professional directors and designers on a full time basis.

In their final year all students undertake leading roles in their chosen fields and may have the opportunity to lead the whole team by taking on a Production Management role. Students also complete a Graduation Project presented either as a portfolio or a written paper, and a six week secondment to a professional theatre or trade. Throughout the course students are encourage to engage with students from other programmes to generate their own projects.

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This programme is subject to re-validation by City University, London.

This programme is accredited by the National Council for Drama Training (www.ncdt.co.uk) and the Guildhall School is a member of the Conference of Drama Schools (www.drama.ac.uk).