Theatre Technology
Lighting | Sound | Video | Automation
In Theatre Technology you will learn about design and production in lighting, sound, video and stage technology (automation and technical management), with opportunities to specialise in your final year. Theatre technicians need to be good team players and have a proven interest in an area of theatre technology.
As you develop your skills, you will progress from learning about technology and software to programming and show operation, to finally managing and designing productions.
Find out more from our students and staff by watching the video above!
What you will study
Year One
As a Theatre Technology student, you will be working on projects to develop your knowledge of rigging, electrics, flying and stage automation as well as lighting, sound and video design. These classes and exercises will prepare you for the responsibilities to come when you'll be helping to rig equipment for Guildhall productions.
Along with all other students in the programme, the Theatre Technology students also 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.
Associated Studies
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 production arts such as Prop Making, Stage Management, Scenic Construction, 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 video design. These classes and exercises give a preparation for the responsibilities to come; throughout the year you'll be helping to rig everything for Guildhall productions.
Year Two
Your second year is entirely practical. 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 on Guildhall productions such as Production Electrician, Production Sound Engineer, Sound Number One, Technical Stage Manager or Production Manager. You will also be given the opportunity to design Lighting, Sound, Video or Automation for various school productions. 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 work placement and complete a Graduation Project.
Recent work placements
Recent work placements undertaken by Theatre Technology students include:
- Automation for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in the West End
- Production management at the National Theatre, Cirque du Soleil and Autograph Sound
- AV/video at Glyndebourne Festival Theatre
- Lighting department at the Kiln Theatre and for The Prince of Egypt in the West End
- Rigging department for The House of Dancing Water, Macau
See some recent work placement examples.
Future careers
Potential careers for Theatre Technology students include:
- Production manager
- Technical manager
- Automation programmer
- Sound designer and operator
- Live mixer
- Lighting designer and programmer
Read about career possibilities after graduation.
What our students say
"Guildhall has provided so many opportunities that I didn't expect when I applied. We are taken to see a huge amount of theatre, invited to work on some really interesting external creative projects, as well as having the chance to both be a part of and lead a team of people. The mentor programme has also been hugely valuable to me - I can contact my industry professional mentor with any questions and I will receive an insight into how the industry operates."
– Andrew McDonald, Theatre Technology pathway 2017
What our Lighting Designers say
"I thought I would just take a moment to say that out in the industry Guildhall is considered the best technical theatre course in Europe and coming back to be a part of it again really shows why. Keep up the good work."
- Tim Lutkin, Lighting Designer
"I have no hesitation in recommending the calibre of the production and technical BA degree courses offered by the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. As a freelance Lighting Designer I have lit 4 musicals, 2 operas and a play for Guildhall so I have had the opportunity to work closely with 1st, 2nd and 3rd BA students and to see the development of students as they progress through the different years. The standard of teaching and tutor support along with the facilities available are exemplary. I think this one of the few courses that provides regular opportunities for students to experience making drama, opera and musical production. The final result makes the students employable in the finest drama, opera and ballet companies as I often find when I work elsewhere.
If asked where an aspiring student should go to study I would recommend Guildhall without hesitation."
- Mark Jonathan, Freelance Lighting Designer and Deputy Chair, Association of Lighting Designers
Theatre Technology Instagram
See what our students have been up to on our Theatre Technology Instagram.
Find out more and apply
