Level 3 Extended Diploma in Production Arts Practice (Technical Theatre)

Course Code

Technical Theatre

Course Type

Course Duration

2 years

Location

Central Campus

Start Date

1 September, 2025
Sandwell College performance Adams Family

This Level 3 Extended Diploma in Production Arts Practice (Technical Theatre) course is aimed at students who want to continue their learning via the world of technical theatre, stage management, theatre design, and events.

The nature of the course demands total commitment and high levels of energy from students. Full-scale productions are staged each term. You will develop your skills in sound design and operation, stage lighting design and operation and stage management.  The opportunity to develop skills as a set, props, costume or make-up designer is also available for those wanting to specialise in theatre design.

This two-year, full-time course is the equivalent of 3 A Levels and offers the opportunity to cover the practical as well as the theoretical areas of theatre production.

You’ll need four or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English, or a related Level 2 equivalent qualification.

Some experience and ability in at least 2 of the 3 disciplines is required.  All prospective students will be invited to attend an interview and an audition workshop.

Modules covered are the following;

Year 1:

  • Production Arts Skills Development
  • The Production Arts Industry

Year 2:

  • Personal Production Arts Profile
  • Collaborative Production Arts Project

Facilities:

Students on our Performing Arts courses benefit from state-of-the-art facilities including:

  • Air Conditioned Dance Studio
  • Drama Studio/ Rehearsal Rooms
  • 170-seat Capacity Theatre
  • Backstage and Green Room/ Dressing Area
  • Fully-equipped recording studio
  • Sound-proofed music rehearsal rooms
  • Professional stage lighting, sound, set, props and costumes

Employers:

We’re proud to work with a number of employers so our students can leave with real-world experience. Some of the employers we work with include:

  • Birmingham Hippodrome
  • Create Britain
  • ERIC Creative Careers
  • Wolverhampton Grand
  • Powered by CAN

Students have a range of enrichment opportunities on our course including:

  • Watch a range of professional performances and participate in workshops
  • Engage with community and local authority organisations
  • Take part in projects with the National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company
  • Take part in public performances
  • Work as Front of House staff for events in the theatre

When you’re not studying, there’s a wide range of enrichment activities to get involved in – perfect for making new friends, building confidence, and gaining experiences that will boost your CV or university application.

Through the Student Union and college committees, you can take part in everything from sports teams, enterprise and volunteering projects to fundraising campaigns and even the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

There’s something for everyone – from joining a debating society, to attending inclusive cultural events and festivals, or enjoying one of our regular film nights and theatre trips.

Learning methods include practical drama workshops, theatre productions, private study, tutorials, theatre visits and class work.

Learners are assessed by completing assignments throughout the course.  Work is graded against specific assessment criteria, in which learners may be awarded a Pass, Merit or Distinction.  Learners must achieve a Pass grade or higher for each criteria in order to pass the unit.  Learners must achieve an overall Pass grade or higher for all units in order to achieve the full qualification.

A sample of learner work is moderated by the exam board each year to confirm the work meets national standards.

Most students have university or further training as a target at the end of their studies, and past students have gone on to join degree-level courses across the country, including

  • The Guildhall School of Acting
  • Rose Bruford College
  • Guildford School of Acting.

Students also progress direct to industry, working as a freelance technician or at a theatre or events venue.  Apprenticeships are also available in technical theatre.

Career routes could include;

  • Lighting Technician

  • Sound Technician

  • Stage Manager

  • Set Designer Assistant

  • Props Technician

  • Costume Assistant

  • Make-Up Artist for Theatre

  • Production Assistant (Theatre/TV/Film)

  • Rigging Technician

  • AV Technician

Course Details

Qualification

Exam Board

Study Mode

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