In the Theatre Technology Pathway you will learn about Lighting, Sound, Projection and Stage Technology. In each year you will develop your skills across all four areas, and by the final year you will be able to negotiate just how much you want to specialise as you take a leading role in productions to a completely professional standard.

"Electrics at Guildhall is very impressive as the amount and quality of equipment is amazing. I've just been on The Sound of Music UK tour as number 3 LX. Guildhall helped me both in my personal qualities (managment, time keeping) and also my technical knowledge." Nick Woolley, Technical Theatre 2009

What you will study

Year One

Along with all other students in the programme the Theatre Tecnology students take classes in a broad range of core subjects. These include: Theatre History, Period Style, Contemporary Theatre, Health & Safety and Stagecraft & Production Process.  Classes are usually project based and wherever possible have a hands-on, practical approach. For example when studying trends in contemporary theatre we’ll take you to see some shows, and when we’re looking at period styles we’ll take you to galleries and museums to look at examples.

In this year you will also take a core module called Associated Studies, which allows you to take three short courses in other areas of technical theatre such as Prop Making, Stage Management, Scenic Construction, Event Management, Costume Supervision, Scenic Art etc.

Besides the core subjects you’ll be spending a lot of time in classes and working on projects to develop your knowledge of rigging, electrics, flying and stage automation as well as lighting, sound and projection design. These classes and exercises give a preparation for the responsibilities to come, and later in the year you will begin to work on Guildhall productions alongside second and third year students.

Year Two

Your second year is entirely practical and you will spend the bulk of your time operating the lights, sound, projection, flying system and effects for the School's drama and opera productions. You will also spend half a term working in one of the areas you studied in Year One Associated Studies. 

Year Three

Third Year students spend two terms in leading production roles. You may choose to take the opportunity to design lighting, sound or projection or act as Production Electrician, Sound Number One or Technical Stage Manager. You will lead teams of second year students and take responsibility for productions from the earliest design through to the final performance.

You will also undertake a six week industry secondment and complete a Graduation Project.

See some recent secondment examples

Read about career possibilities after graduation