Production Arts

Entry requirements

5 in English literature.

Ideally one of the following: BTEC Level 2 Acting, GCSE Drama or AQA Technical Award in Performing Arts (however not essential) GCSE Art and Design, BTEC 3D Design.

What will I study

This course is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a love of Production Arts such as: Set design, Costume, Lighting, Sound, Properties management, Stage Management and Events management. This course allows the learner to create a tailor made course specialising in areas of interest. During the course you will work alongside actors in order to create small productions for studio audiences. For each unit you will be able to select a production arts skill and job role that you will learn and undertake.

Below are some of the current units that are delivered. However there is also an option to complete units in: Events Management

302: Technical Production  

Learning outcomes: 

-Plan for a live performance

-Work in a collaborative environment to prepare a live performance

-Demonstrate technical skills required for a live performance

-Evaluate the performance and their contribution

378: Lighting Design

Learning outcomes:

-Understand the artistic principles of lighting design

-Plan a lighting design for a performance

-Lead a team in implementing the lighting plan

-Review the effectiveness of the plan and their leadership skills 

384: Set Design

Learning outcomes:

-Analyse performance/production requirements

-Create a set design for a performance/production

-Evaluate the set design

387: Sound Technician Skills 

Learning outcomes:

-Design and set up a sound system for a performance

-Supervise the operation of the sound system during the performance 

389: Stage Management

Learning Outcomes:

-Understand the role of the stage manager in a production

-Co-ordinate stage management activities during a production 

381: Properties Management

-Understand the role of the properties master and the use of props in productions/performances

-Understand how to source props for a production/performance

-Make, organise and use props in a production/performance

How will I be assessed?

This is a completely practical course comprised of six Units in total. 1 Core Unit and 5 optional ones. For each unit there will be: a coursework component, a performance component and and evaluative component.

Assessment evidence can be completed in one of the following ways: hand written, typed, Vlogs, video footage of rehearsals and practical explorations.

Is this subject for me?

This course is ideal for someone who has a genuine interest in developing their skills behind the scenes. If you love theatre, working as part of a team, creative thinking, designing and learning new skills then this is the course for you.

It is also fantastic for people who want to further develop their confidence, analytical thinking and problem solving skills.

Where can this lead me?

Production Arts courses can lead into many different fields:

- Floor manager and other roles in TV and film production

- Design roles in theatre and TV/film ( set, props, costume, lighting, sound)

- Community arts roles

- Events management careers

- Freelance theatre maker jobs

- Stage management

- Tailoring/costume design and construction for TV/Film/Theatre/Opera

What else is there?

There are numerous high profile performance opportunities including the National Theatre Connections programme in which you will have the opportunity to work with new scripts and perform in The Alan Strong Theatre and at the Minerva Theatre in Chichester.

Participation in performing arts productions in December, February and July.

There is an annual Performing Arts Tour which takes students overseas to perform in a wide range of venues.

Plus, we run a number of trips and work with guest speakers and participate in a range of workshops, including working with the Chichester Festival Theatre, West End shows and industry professionals.