BA (Hons) Technical Theatre

Inside Information
This course is rather different in that it offers students the opportunity of gaining an honours degree in two years instead of the usual three. This degree has exactly the same amount of weeks as a three-year degree. A three-year degree is comprised of two semesters a year, whereas our degree has three semesters.

Yes, it is hard work, especially as the holiday periods are shorter to accommodate the third semester. But it has lots of advantages. Many of our students want a faster route into employment and so the two years is very attractive to them. Others are interested in taking a masters degree when they leave which means potentially two degrees can be fitted into the time it normally takes to complete one. This course also attracts people either returning to work or deciding to change careers but cannot afford to study for more than two years.

How is the course structured?
The first year is devoted to giving students the theory, skills and knowledge, which will enable them to work effectively on productions. For the first two semesters, all students study our five main areas which are Construction, Lighting, Sound, Design and Stage Management and then in semester three students follow the area, which interests them most. The third semester provides everyone with a range of exciting and interesting projects and also involves some production work.

In the second year, students work solely on the public productions. Mountview has a very busy production schedule which is a mix of drama and musicals. Although some of the productions are performed in our own theatres, many of our productions are performed in theatres around the London area. Students really enjoy working in outside venues, as each theatre presents its own challenges. It is also an ideal way to network.

Why do we study all the different areas?
Theatre is a collaborative art form and it is important to have an understanding of how all the different departments work. Although students usually have some knowledge in one or two areas, there are many skills that you will never have tried before. Also, the theatre and the related industries like multi-skilled individuals, it makes you so much more employable.

Are there lots of exams?
Our students do not take exams, instead there are assessments points at the end of each semester. These assessments are varied, for instance you might be asked to make a prop, build a piece of furniture, create a soundscape or research Victorian architecture.

Anything else I should know?
Yes. The theatre is hard work and demands that everyone has a professional attitude to his or her work. Our course reflects this but you will study in a very supportive, friendly environment and also all the teaching groups are small.

Lastly, our employment record is good and we currently have graduates working as Stage Management on Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang, at The Palladium, carpenter/metalworker at The Royal Opera House, in the sound department on Anything Goes, at The Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Carpenter/Metalworker at The West Yorkshire Playhouse and Master Carpenter at The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon – these are only a few of them!