We strongly believe that your training should suit your own career aims. For this reason our programme offers each student a choice of pathway in either Stage and Costume Management, Technology (Sound, Lighting, Projection, Automation and Stage Technology) or Design Realisation (Scenic Construction, Props and Scene Painting). 

These pathways are each supported by a first year of broad-based study covering the theory and practice of theatre production.  As well as working on public productions you will get the opportunity to learn about the contemporary theatre scene and the history behind it, Health and Safety legislation, specialist software applications, stage craft, period style and much more.  You will also work in small groups on project work designed to enhance your learning. 

Your second year is spent almost entirely on productions, developing your skills within your chosen pathway with a programme of study designed to suit your personal aims.

The third year gives you the opportunity to lead and run the School productions and have first-hand contact with performers and the professional creative team. This provides you with true exposure to professional theatre and the opportunity to make contacts that will be useful to your future career. In this year you also undertake a period of outside work experience through a secondment to a professional company or practitioner.

Year 1

Brings all students to the same minimum threshold of knowledge and provides the student with:

• an overview of how a production is put together
• specialist pathway studies in either Stage and Costume Management, Technology or Design Realisation
• a broad-based practical foundation, introducing all aspects of Technical Theatre including the skills in the other two pathways.
• both theoretical and hands-on, production-related learning which takes place in dedicated teaching rooms as well as in the theatres, rehearsal rooms and workshops
• backstage theatre visits
• experience working with actors and singers as part of the team running public productions
• the opportunity to shadow year two and three students as they work on productions
• practical exercises which allow you to gain experience and confidence without the pressure of public performance.

Year 2

Develops skills and knowledge through practical applications, providing the student with:

• specialist development in your pathway related to your career aims
• hands-on, production-related training
• experience of being part of the team preparing and running public productions
• preparation for your work in Year 3 and beyond

Year 3

Prepares you for entry into the profession. You will undertake:

• specialist allocations leading and running the School productions working directly with performers and the professional creative teams. This provides you with true exposure to professional theatre and the opportunity to make contacts that will be useful to your future career.
• a Graduation Project, which can be in your area of specialisation and will further develop your contacts and knowledge
• a 6-week secondment with a professional company or production or theatre trade. This again develops your contacts and often leads to employment opportunities.

Key areas of development throughout the programme include:

• Health and Safety. You will be taught and encouraged to apply, manage and develop a culture of safe working at all times in line with current professional practice and legislation.
• Information Technology is used by every department in planning, managing and achieving productions. You will acquire transferable skills in the latest office software as well as using specialist packages in many departments
• Current theatre knowledge and interest is essential for employment, and it is expected that you will develop your initial interest in theatre and acquire a detailed knowledge about the industry, its development and its key players
• The Technical Theatre department has good links to London theatres and visits to performances, rehearsal and backstage areas are arranged as part of the programme