BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Production Arts Practice
Creative industries are rapidly expanding in the UK and if you have ever envied the sound engineer, found yourself gazing at the lighting rig, or wondered what is going on backstage then this is the course for you.
Top Course highlights
- Live events
- Course trips
- Practical course work
- Links with industry
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
For every music, theatre and film production, for every exhibition, conference, community or corporate event, there are a whole team of backstage artists, designers, engineers, producers, managers, technicians and crew. Your achievement in this subject is dependent upon excellent attendance, teamwork, punctuality and effort. You will learn in a friendly atmosphere, using a variety of assessment methods. Practical assessments are at the centre of course design and delivery. We will often observe, video and grade a broad range of practical activities. You will need to develop production portfolios, which could include a range of evidence (i.e. annotated screen shots, annotated scripts, stage plans, set lists, technical riders, diagrams, risk assessments, photographs, production diaries, drawings and evaluations etc).
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
This course will support you to develop the technical and creative skills required for a broad range of Backstage, Production Arts and Live Events roles. You will have access to industry standard equipment and the opportunity to work on a variety of real events from Theatre to Festivals.
During your first year you will develop skills in Rigging, Lighting, Live Sound, Visuals and Set/Stage Design. Much of this will be assessed practically, but you will also learn how to create industry-specific documents, such as stage plans, technical riders and risk assessments. By the end of year one you will have the chance to apply to work backstage at a national festival during the summer.
Once you feel confident with the equipment you will get the chance to push your creativity to the limit. Second year study puts you in the driving seat. You will have the opportunity to manage your own crew, create your own designs and choose which specialisms you would like to be assessed in. Many learners combine assessments with paid work and all learners will get the opportunity to work in local venues, building your portfolio and strengthening UCAS and job applications.
WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?
Our learners progress on to a range of university courses, past students are currently studying at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Backstage Academy and Rose Bruford. Other learners have completed apprenticeships, and some have headed straight out into the industry. Former Production Arts students are currently working for Fineline Lighting, Ibiza Rocks (Production Manager), Snowbox Festival (Stage Manager), Glastonbury (Lighting/Crew), Gron Koncert Touring (Crew) and others are touring across the USA and Europe with signed acts.
You will need four GCSEs at Grade 4 to include either English Language (or Literature) and/or Maths. A Level 2 Diploma at Merit in an appropriate subject can also be considered (plus GCSE English and/or Maths).
