About the course

The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to access and progress to degree level study or employment in the production arts. It provides an opportunity for those who have an interest in the performing arts to explore, develop and test their creativity. Within a qualification structure which is stimulating, demanding and provides a supportive transition from general to a more specialised level of study.

Entry requirements

5 GRADE 4’s (or above) at GCSE level and a successful interview.

It would be ideal for applicants to have a portfolio of work but this is not necessary. Just a passion to create and work as a team.

How much does it cost?

Free to those aged 16-18. If you are aged 19+ you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.

There is a range of financial support that you may be entitled to, including: Learner Support funds, grants and bursaries and employer support.

Workshops and trips – approx. £150 per year. 

Uniform – £50 (named t-shirt and hoodie with Glassbox Theatre logo and name embroidered on).

Who is it suitable for?

Anyone who has a drive and desire to work in the production arts industry! Or go to university/vocational college, to study theatrical arts, backstage production or technical theatre. You will also need to provide a portfolio of production material/ideas (i.e. sound; set; costume; lighting etc) to show you have a reasonable production ability at interview.

Why study?

An introduction to technical and production arts covering Lighting, Sound, Stage Design, Scenic Art, Costume Design and Management, Stage Management and Production Management. The course will also cover transferable skills to work in any part of the events industry or other industries from health and safety training (including working at height, completing risk assessments and method statements). Great life skills are explored by creating and working to a budget, enhancing time management and teamwork.

In the first year, students will start to learn the basics of each field in technical production; taking on roles such as stage crew, dressers, lighting and sound operators for productions. In the second year students will take a more managerial role and stream line their desired careers for example assistant production electrician, wardrobe assistant, deputy production manager, scenic co-ordinator.

A 3-4 day working week, including independent project time.

Students will be involved in seven productions a year with opportunities to assist on college wide corporate events.

Kit list issued upon successful enrolment.

Trips to professional theatre performances and backstage tours throughout the year.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS 

• Studying Production Arts can provide you with a diverse set of valuable skills, both technical and interpersonal.
• Technical Proficiency
• Basic Electrics
• Basic Carpentry
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Attention To Detail
• Communication Skills
• Creative Problem Solving
• Leadership and Responsibility
• Adaptability
• Safety Awareness
• Project Management
• Creativity
• Networking
• Numeracy
• Digital Literacy
• Observe and Record
• Analyse and Evaluate
• Self Care
• Respectfulness
• Growth Mindset
• Empathy
• Self Management
• Resilience
• Independence

Overall the involvement in Production Arts not only provides practical experience but also fosters positive growth, teamwork and a deep appreciation for the arts.

These skills are transferable to various careers, including theatre production, event management and other technical industries beyond the arts.

Where will this course take me?

Students can progress to higher vocational training/university to study production arts further or head straight into employment with our fantastic opportunities working with industry leaders.

Core modules

The Level 3 Diploma in Performing and Production Arts is made up of 8 mandatory units. The qualification will be delivered through 12 units over a nominal two-year period.

• Unit 1: Principles of Performance
• Unit 2: Engaging with an Audience
• Unit 3: Introduction to Professional Practice
• Unit 4: Critical and Contextual Awareness
• Unit 5: Production Skills and Context
• Unit 6: Performance Skills and Context
• Unit 7: Preparation for Specialist Study
• Unit 8: Collaborative Performance Project.
  (The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts Students must complete units 1-8 of the Diploma in addition to Units 9-11 and either Unit 12 or Unit 13)
• Unit 9: Developing Performance and Production Skills
• Unit 10: Preparing for Progression
• Unit 11: Exploration of Specialist study and Context
• Unit 12: Extended Project
• Unit 13: Extended project

How will I be assessed?

Verbal and written formative and summative feedback, through a variety of methods: Practical work; production based portfolios; classroom observations; Showbie app: Padlet app; WIX pages; presentations; logbooks; viva voca; rehearsals; blogs; diaries; essays etc.

Will I have to provide anything?

Pens, pencils, diary, highlighters, A4 folder. 

Workshops and trips – approx. £150 per year. 

Uniform – £50 (named t-shirt and hoodie with Glassbox Theatre logo and name embroidered on).