BA Honours in Technical Theatre Arts (Design Realisation)

Introduction to the Programme

• 3 years (full-time)
• 90 students across the programme
• 17 full-time staff lecturers
• 100 applications/30 places

Students select one of three pathways, each with a different emphasis: Stage Management, Design Realisation and Theatre Technology. Within each Pathway it is possible to study elements of the other two, so for example if you want to learn about props and scenery construction, but retain an interest in lighting you can choose accordingly, or if you're interested in stage management, but still want to gain some experience in sound, that's fine too. Of course, if you prefer to dedicate the bulk of your study to a particular area you can do that. The course is flexible enough to permit a wide range of interests or a more specialised approach.

In the first year of the course Pathway areas are taught through practical exercises with students collaborating together without the pressure of public performance. All students also share a broad-based core of essential subjects covering Theatre History, Period Style, Contemporary Theatre, Health & Safety, Computer Aided Design, Stagecraft & Production Process.

From the second year onwards students are totally immersed in the Guildhall's extraordinary productions, working alongside professional directors and designers on a full time basis.

In their final year all students undertake leading roles in their chosen fields and may have the opportunity to lead the whole team by taking on a Production Management role. Students also complete a Graduation Project presented either as a portfolio or a written paper, and a six week secondment to a professional theatre or trade. Throughout the course students are encourage to engage with students from other programmes to generate their own projects.

Design Realisation Pathway

Year One (120 credits)

• Design Realisation (Prop Making, Scenic Art, Scenic Construction)
• Production Practice
• Personal & Professional Development
• Contextual Theatre Studies
• Health and Safety
• Stagecraft & Production Process
• Associated Studies (a selection of "taster" courses from a wide range of topics)

Year Two (160 credits)

• Production Practice (Prop Making, Scenic Art, Scenic Construction)
• Personal & Professional Development
• Choose one from:
  • Technical Management
  • Electrics
  • Sound
  • Stage Management
  • Costume

Year Three (160 credits)

• Production Practice (Prop Making, Scenic Art, Scenic Construction, Optional role carried on from Year Two)
• Personal & Professional Development (Graduation Project)
• Contextual Theatre Studies (Industry Secondment)