Technical Theatre Course
An intensive two-year programme, resulting in a Gold Arts Award.
Only a few places are available each year, making this Technical Theatre Course unique in its close individual attention, studying, learning and training within an environment of actors, dancers and musicians.
Designed with employability in mind, this two-year technical theatre course at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts provides hands-on training in a range of technical and production skills, focusing on stage management and supporting live performances.
For young people with some experience or interest in making live shows happen, from theatre to live-events, the Technical Theatre Course provides the personal, technical and artistic training to help them achieve their goal.
Meeting the needs of the skills demand in the creative industries, this course is wide ranging, providing students with an opportunity to try out every core aspect of live performance management before deciding on which area to specialise in.
Course Summary
Designed with and by industry experts, the course aims to equip students for direct employment in the live performance and events industry. Students might also choose to continue specialising by joining an apprenticeship scheme, or to develop their careers through further education at university.
The course features direct partnerships with prominent industry organisations like ATG Entertainment, Garsington Opera, Imagine Theatre, and Royal & Derngate Theatre. With around 20 different productions each year at Tring Park School, students on this course will receive hands-on training through practical exercises, workshops, and participation in school productions; rotating through different production roles, including production management, stage design and construction, costume, props, lighting, sound, and stage management.
A key component of the course is regular contact with professional theatres and companies, providing real-world experience and networking opportunities. The course culminates in a Gold Arts Award, a Level 3 Qualification equivalent to 16 UCAS points, along with relevant Health and Safety at Work practical qualifications making access to direct employment even easier. Students can combine the course with up to three A-Levels.
Course Structure
Year 1 focuses on foundational training and exposure to various technical theatre roles and culminates in the Silver Arts Award. You’ll gain practical experience through an end-of-term production project and by taking on assistant roles in school productions, and participate in skills workshops, guest speaker sessions, and individual projects related to areas such as:
- Stage Management
- Prop Making
- Wardrobe
- Set Design
- Costume
- History of Theatre
- Health and Safety
- Front of House
- Sound
- Lighting
Year 2 allows students to specialise in two chosen areas and take on leadership roles in school productions whilst working towards their Gold Arts Award, which involves observation and assessment of their practical work, production files, and evaluation reports. In addition, students will be advised on practical aspects of managing their employment. Students will also deepen their access and networks with professional theatre companies. The specialisms offered include:
- Stage Management: Company Manager, Stage Manager, Deputy Stage Manager
- Production & Technical Management: Assistant Production Manager
- Electrics: Production Electrician, Chief Electrician
- Lighting Design: Lighting Designer
- Sound 1: Sound Designer (for drama productions)
- Sound 2: Sound No. 1 (mixing live sound on the summer musical)
Overall, the course structure progressively builds students’ skills and knowledge, from foundational training to specialised roles and leadership experience, preparing them for a career in the technical theatre and live events industry.
Fees & Funding
The School offers Scholarships for the Performance Foundation, Musical Theatre, Acting, Technical Theatre and Commercial Music Courses and Music & Dance Scheme and Dance & Drama Awards for Dancers.
Apply
Following your application, you’ll be invited to an informal interview where you’ll meet other staff and students involved in live performance production at the school. Candidates will be asked to make a short presentation about an aspect of live theatre that is of particular interest to them, and sit an academic assessment to display competency in English and Maths.
Find Out More
James Smith | Tutor
Please get in contact if you have any queries regarding our sixth form musical theatre course.