Summary

This hands on and professional focused course will develop your technical theatre skills in lighting, sound, AV projection, design, set construction and stage management in our state-of-the-art Olympus theatre and studio spaces. The College runs a varied programme of performances, which means that you will have the opportunity to work on dance, acting and musical theatre productions throughout the year. Work experience at local venues is also an important part of the programme.

Course Structure: Your course criteria will be covered through creative practical projects throughout your 2 years. Each project will provide an opportunity for you to produce and support in-house or public performance during BIPA’s Autumn showcase season, Winter Public and Community show Season, BIPA’s Spring Multi Media Fest and our final Summer Show Season.

YEAR 1:

Project 1: Skills Project – Introduction to essential and innovative Production Arts skills and technique. You will also develop your research, analytical and reflection skills.

Project 2: Contextual Performance – You will explore a range of production roles and design approaches within your discipline support and our public performance. You will also create showcase elements of your own technical work to be included in the overall production. You will base your work on a theme, cultural issue or social stimuli, and the work will be presented alongside that from other pathways within the department.

Project 3: Multimedia Collaboration – You will take part in the creation, conception and execution of a performance piece designed to be capture on film or camera. The overall show will incorporate live elements of performance in an exhibition of the evolution of performance engagement.

Final Major Project 1: You will work on a production in a specific technical theatre role. Working on new material from the start of the production process, you will run a public performance to round off your first year and complete the Diploma portion of your overall course.

YEAR 2:

Project 1: Progression and Professional Context – you will work on core personal presentation skills and interview technique to help lead you to your next stage in your training. We will prepare you for UCAS submission, university or production arts school interviews including support with developing a professional portfolio. We will also give you lots of insight into the professional working of the industry and routes into employment.

Project 2: Specialist study – This project will see you taking more control over the running of a production project. You will support the work of our Performance pathways, working collaboratively to create theatrical experiences with a specific aim, focus or target audience. Your creative ideas, problem-solving and production skills will really come into their own in this project.

Final Major Project 2: You will work again on a full-scale production in a specific technical theatre role. Working on new material from the start of the production process, you will run a public performance.

How will I know how I am doing?

Your work will comprise of a mix of practical assessments and writing portfolios for digital submission. All your written and research tasks will support your creative projects, and you will have many opportunities to discuss your feedback and progress with your tutor throughout the year. 

What Qualification will I get? 
Upon successful completion of your course you will be awarded a UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts – Production Arts Pathway. This Qualification offers either 72, 120 or 168 UCAS points dependant on final grade – this is equivalent to 3 A Levels. All of our FE courses are accredited by the University of Arts London. To find out more, and to read the full specifications, please visit: Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Performing & Production Arts | UAL
https://www.arts.ac.uk/partnerships/ual-awarding-body/qualifications/performing-arts/level-3-diploma-and-extended-diploma-in-performing-and-production-arts

What do I need to join?

You will need to have demonstrated your Production Arts design skills at interview. You will also need at least four GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C) or above, including English or a Merit grade (or above) at Level 2. Exceptional entry may be possible if a high level of skill in Technical Theatre can be demonstrated. People aged 19 – 25 without formal qualifications will also be considered.

Get to know us: We have open days, interactive taster days and public performances throughout the year for you to come and see what we do, get involved and get inspired. Follow this link to see our current productions Shows and Performances (sgscol.ac.uk)

Getting onto a course: If you are interested in applying for one of our performing arts training routes, then you will be invited to a BIPA Experience Day where you will work with tutors, demonstrate your skills and talent and get a chance to meet others who share the same dream as you.

What can I do next?

What can I do next? You will leave this course with a broad knowledge of the production arts industries. This may lead you to a higher level of education at university, theatre schools or indeed our own HE BIPA course - or a job with a professional theatre, events management company, technical theatre supply company or as a freelance specialist.