Production Arts

This course will give you insight into the varied employment opportunities in the production arts industry such as lighting, sound, set design and construction or crewing. The course can be adapted to your interests, abilities and aspirations. The Subsidiary Diploma (Stage Management) is equivalent to one A level. Students could combine Production Arts with courses such as – A Levels/BTEC in Art, Photography, Product Design, Media, Drama and Theatre Studies, English Literature etc. They could also combine the course with other BTEC’s such as Music, Performing Arts Acting or Performing Arts Dance. Having a understanding of technical theatre is a valuable skill for any performer and these skills are desirable for students applying for performing arts courses at universities or specialist performance schools.

GCSE in Drama / or Art /or in a Design Technology subject at Grade 4, or Merit profile at BTEC Performing or Production Arts Level 2. In exceptional circumstances, students who have not previously studied these subjects may be admitted if they show a particular aptitude and enthusiasm for the subject. Applicants will be invited to attend an additional interview with portfolio - specific details for this will be sent on receipt of application.

For the Subsidiary Diploma (Stage Management) you will study two core units in Production Arts Workshop and Assistant Stage Management. These core units involve working on the whole school production or a project in a professional theatre. In the past students have worked on productions at The Lyric Hammersmith, Soho Theatre and Greenwich Theatre. In addition students will study units which explore designing masks, costume or props and units which focus on technical elements of theatre such as lighting, sound and visual effects.

All completed units are internally assessed at RR6 and graded Pass, Merit or Distinction. A variety of methods are used including case studies, projects, portfolios, sketchbooks, witness statements, recorded presentations and crewing performances. Students are assessed constantly over the two years and major assessments centre around real productions within the school calendar.

There are a wide range of careers that can be explored including stage management, events management, TV and radio production, directing or technical work such as lighting design. Production Arts is an ideal pathway to further study at higher education. Universities value the experience which students bring from the course and where students achieve Merit or higher they are bale to apply through UCAS for degrees in a variety of Production Arts or other Technical or Arts courses.