Technical Theatre Arts BA(Hons)

We’ll explore stagecraft techniques, equipment, technology, and processes, as well as modern performance practices and the industry’s history. You’ll have the chance to take on junior roles on live performances, work on our summer schools, conferences, events and artist residencies, and gain nationally recognised health and safety training. You’ll be working in state of the art facilities with access to both core industry technology and some of the latest equipment.  

Modules

Stagecraft 1

You’ll develop studio-and workshop-based technical and production skills in a range of disciplines, including conventional lighting, sound, and theatrical set construction techniques. 

Performance, Culture and Contexts

In this module, you’ll explore critical theatre history and its cultural and cross-cultural impact. 

Professional Development

This professionally-focused module offers a practical insight into the core aspects of a production practitioner’s role. You’ll consider the contemporary practices, behaviours, knowledge and skills required for you to work as an individual and as part of a team-based production process. 

Stagecraft 2

You’ll begin to specialise and develop further discipline-based practical and design skills, including: use of professional control systems, and creation of artefacts: planning documentation including 3D CAD and lighting visualisation software; sound effect production and digital mixing; contemporary stage rigging and construction techniques; and organisational stage management techniques and practices. 

Practical Production

In this module, you’ll examine ways in which you can enhance audience engagement and participation in theatre and cultural events, through involvement in a range of live performance projects. You will also develop an understanding of the interconnection of a range of technical and production disciplines, and how they impact upon the delivery of performance. 

Venue Management and Technical Standards

You‘ll investigate the importance of industry standards and norms including health and safety and risk assessment, legislation and management practices. You will evaluate and reflect upon the impact of these standards and practices through engagement with work-based learning. 

Digital Performance Technologies

Explore a range of emerging digital practices through engagement with research and practical experimentation. You’ll work with computer-based technologies such as projection mapping and motion capture, digital audio and video editing, post-production techniques, and use of networking and communication technologies. You will identify how such technologies are being developed, adapted and integrated into contemporary practice. 

You can choose to take an optional placement year during your degree. You’ll be responsible for finding your own placement, with support from the RealWORKS employability team. Choosing this option will enhance your industry experience and skills while studying. 

How you’ll study during your placement year 

You’ll spend time working in a professional context, as part of a business or organisation. This can be in one role, or up to three, and must be for a minimum of 24 weeks. 

You’ll develop in-demand workplace skills, deepen your insight into industry and grow your network of contacts, all of which could help you get ahead in your career after graduation. 

Throughout this year, you’ll develop a portfolio of work that includes critical self-reflection on what has been learned from the experience. You’ll be required to evidence your experiences, the skills you’ve learned and your professional growth. 

You’ll have the chance to collaborate with other courses on a performance project, work with professional staff on events on- and off-campus, and take on a work placement with one of our professional partners. You’ll also work on written projects focusing on design, project management, or both. 

Modules

Design Project

You’ll explore design conceptualisation and innovation, developing large-scale creative design briefs to professional standards. Alongside this, you’ll nurture advanced skills in technology-based design tools such as 3D CAD modelling and multimedia manipulation, along with traditional methods. You will examine stage, set, lighting and sound design through a range of lectures by visiting specialists. 

Collaborative Project

Engaging with peers from other creative disciplines, you’ll collaborate to make a piece of performance work, exploring new perspectives and techniques.  

Production Management, Design and Realisation

Develop organisational and managerial responsibility with the realisation of design and production briefs, through larger-scale performance projects. The skills, knowledge and contextual understanding you’ve developed in previous modules will be applied to lead a production department to achieve a specific design and management brief. You will gain knowledge, experience and practice in management techniques including organisation, planning, delegation, motivation and conflict resolution. 

Industry Horizons in Technical Theatre

You’ll undertake a research project or dissertation that identifies potential opportunities and new directions for technical theatre innovation. Research is also applied to real-world contexts, providing insights that will inform and guide you in your career choices and preparation for future industry demands. 

Professional Practice Project

Interaction with industry organisations through work-based learning, placement and/or event projects, as well as other spheres (e.g. research, education, community outreach), will provide real world experience and insight on production and employment. You will also deploy your combined communication and production skills to develop a public ‘showcase’ of your work.