The UAL Level 2 Award/Diploma in Performing and Production Arts (Technical Theatre Pathway) is a course designed to develop students' potential for working in in theatre production and prepare them for future qualifications.
During this hands-on, practical one-year course, students will cover a wide range of technical skills, contextual activities related to theatre and will also be given the opportunity to be involved in the backstage production of our public performances. You will have the chance to technical support other L2 shows - for example, running the final external show for the L2 Performing Arts students at an external venue. The method of learning is a mixture of both tutor led and practical sessions. You will get the chance to work with L3 students. There are great opportunities linked to the Royal & Derngate, adn the National Theatre connection festival each year.
Students will develop a range of technical skills across theatre production, such as stage maintenance, set design and construction, theatre lighting and sound, and production health and safety. They will work in close collaboration with our acting, dance and musical theatre students in creating and realising thought-provoking and exciting stage performances. You will also get the chance to work with professional in community and civic events - for example the 2 years we have been a fundamental part of both Northampton Carnival and the Northampton Diwali Festival as puppeteers and technical support.
The course is taught by subject specialists, and you will be working both independently and in small groups, utilising our state of the art facilities. There may be opportunities for students to attend external performances or workshops with local theatres.
All students will take part in a six-week monitoring period at the start of their programme. Towards the end of this period, we?ll discuss with you the most suitable course level based on your progress.
**On Completion of the course, you will achieve a Level 2 UAL Award and Diploma in Performing and Production Arts (Technical Theatre)
-
What will I study?
The units you will study are likely to include:
- Introduction to performance
- Introduction to production
- Communicating with an audience
- Staging a performance
- Contextual research for performance and production
- Performance skills and practice
- Production skills and practice
- Personal project and presentation
- Producing and performing to an audience
All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn or amended by the awarding body.
-
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for students with a passion for theatrical production and performing arts, and are looking to progress to studying the subject at a higher level.
Students should be self-motivated and be willing to interact with a production team (including working with actors, dancers and musicians).
-
How is the course assessed?
If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme. We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can. All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you don't have a grade 4 (C) at GCSE, we will work with you towards achieving that goal (subject to specific entry requirements for particular courses). Work experience will be part of your study programme and complement your college study and prepare you for employment. You will also get involved in activities to help you develop life skills and to build your confidence so you can make progress in your career. Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which may comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.
-
Your Study Programme
If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme this could be a vocational or technical qualification. We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can.
Work experience will be part of your study programme and complement your college study and prepare you for employment. You will also get involved in activities to help you develop life skills and to build your confidence so you can make progress in your career.
If you have chosen to study for a T Level qualification, this will involve college-based theory and practice lessons along with relevant work placement to enable you to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours that employers are looking for.
Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which may comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.
All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you don't have a grade 4 (C) at GCSE, we will work with you towards achieving that goal (subject to specific entry requirements for particular courses).
-
Knowledge
You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:
-
The key elements and influences in your discipline (Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre or Technical Theatre) and refining an investigative approach to the Performing Arts industry
-
A range of activities and competences through in-depth subject specific study, enabling the practical, written, presented and evaluative academic work to further your reading, writing and digital skills
- Subject specific historical and create context; for example an awareness of equality and diversity in the performing industries and an up-to-date approach to casting, skills itineraries and CV writing.
-
-
Skills
You will have the ability to:
- Explore and enhance personal performance and technical skills through practical and research-based study and practical sessions including specialist disciplines of Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre & Technical Theatre
- Develop core specialist skills at relevant levels including taking director's notes in practical feedback, utilising performance & studio technology, critical listening skills around others work, communicating ideas with your peers, enhancing your skills levels both individually and collaboratively
- Integrate and develop previously acquired skills, alongside new and challenging work enabling a broader repertoire and experience, and therefore develop your own approaches to your directed and creative work.
-
Behaviours
What is required?
- Developing the behaviours and expectations to help you work in the industry that are specific to your discipline, such as reliability, time keeping and organisation, respect and communication skills
-
Taking responsibility in the management and commitment to rehearsals and production work or for an assignment of personal interest and prepare for progression within a chosen discipline
- Demonstrate professional and respectful behaviours that will help you network, develop connections in industry and contacts, including taking initiative, organisational skills and developing resilience.
-
General info
You may be required to go on trips or purchase a kit and uniform to undertake this course. Information about individual items and their associated costs will be sent to you in June/July before you enrol.
Some students may be eligible for support from the Student Bursary Scheme with the costs of coming to college. Applications are available on the college website under Student Support. If you require further assistance or would like to speak with a member of Student Services, please email financial.support@northamptoncollege.ac.uk or call 01604 734333.
If you are applying for financial assistance, please do not purchase any kit items. If your application is successful, the necessary items will be provided to you.
-
Progression and Career Opportunities
Upon successful completion of this course, students generally progress on to the Level 3 course in Technical Theatre Production.
With a technical theatre qualification, career pathways could include work as a stage manager, set designer, prop designer, lighting technician, sound technician or stage crew. There is however, an expectation from employers that students achieve higher level qualifications, a strong CV and a proven track record of experience before entering into performing arts employment.
-
Entry Requirements for new students
Four GCSEs at Grade 3 or above or a Level 1 qualification with English and maths at GCSE grades 1-3 or Functional Skills Entry Level 3.
-
Admissions Process
We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply.
These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements.
If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.
