SouthamptonSouthampton
Entertainment is one of the largest industries in the UK with a wide range of careers spanning Film & TV – Theatre – Gigs, Concerts & Festivals – Live & Corporate Events This varied industry includes a wide range of specialities including sound work, lighting design and programming, AV design, stage management, set design and prop making. Production Arts is the ideal course if you are looking for an exciting creative and technical career working behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. You will be taught by industry professionals and will benefit from our outstanding facilities, gaining hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art hub theatre as well as external venues. The course is designed for students of all ages and abilities – we just ask you have a passion for the industry. This two-year course has a 100% pass rate, is equivalent to three A Levels and successful completion will provide you with the same UCAS points to enter university. UCAS Tariff – Earn up to 168 UCAS points for university entry Spotlight on Production Arts booklet cover 1st Choice College in the area logo. Source: Vector Rankings 2022
On this course you will follow a full-time Study Programme made up of the following four compulsory elements to best prepare you for progression to employment, apprenticeships, further study or applying to university/drama school: The main subject qualification Work experience for a minimum of 37 hours or, on some courses, up to 50 days over an academic year. You will be expected to find placements by researching companies, contacting employers and speaking with college staff. English and maths where students have not yet achieved GCSE grade 4 or above in these subjects Additional enhancing activities such as tutorials and work-related learning, including careers fairs, site visits and guest speakers, to help further develop the personal skills relevant to your progression goals The Production Arts qualification Over the two-year course two thirds of your time is spent on hands-on projects which include working on studio installations, at events and in the theatre. You will be creatively involved in working on the production of a variety of performances including the annual pantomime, a contemporary arts showcase and final major production with the Performing Arts students. You will also have the opportunity to participate as a venue technician for the college’s in-house professional venue, including working on our Oscar-style annual awards ceremony. Year 1 (Diploma) Your first year will be spent exploring the different roles within the industry. You will learn the skills to operate a variety of equipment including light, rigging, AV and sound. You will also learn about set design and the basics of event management including how to successfully produce a show. Lighting skills – rigging and operation Sound skills – operation and design Stage management Set construction and scenic painting Prop making Studio project Lighting and sound show Roles within a production team Health and safety within events industry Legal aspects of public performance If you successfully complete the first year of study you will gain a Level 3 Diploma qualification. In order to progress to the second year you will need to pass the first year of study. Year 2 (Extended Diploma) In your second year you will choose the area you want to specialise in. You will focus your creative ideas and skills learnt in year 1 to work towards more senior roles and responsibilities within production arts. Producing a range of professional shows Large scale lighting and sound for concerts Specialist assignment Production of final major performance Final major production Trips, visits and activities As part of the course you will also take part in industry trips and activities including networking events, studio visits and guest lectures. Previous events have included: Two-day training at ChamSys HQ on their industry standard MagicQ software for light programming Tours of facilities and careers talks including Mayflower and MAST theatre, cruise ships, trade shows, production companies and studio tours Progression coaching including visits to drama schools and universities Industry networking opportunities through work experience and a dedicated industry week Guest lectures from a wide range of industry professionals
Professional full-size medium scale theatre with the latest equipment Fully equipped sound and lighting studio Recording studio for voice overs productions State-of-the-art TV studio for AV production Set and prop construction workshop You will benefit from a dedicated project space that is equipped with a wide range of industry standard facilities. With these facilities and equipment, you will be able to explore all the creative and technical elements of the course.
College is not just about your course – it’s an opportunity to have fun, meet new people and explore your interests! You can socialise with friends in the café and comfy seating areas, join a club or sports team or attend exciting events around the college. Many of our enrichment opportunities are also great on your CV or UCAS application to demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm outside of your studies.
Your time at college can also be affected by life or health difficulties, and it’s okay to need support. Our specialist teams are here every day to listen and give advice, whether it’s about career planning, financial support, mental health, or something else. And if you have a long-term support need or medical condition, we’ll work with you on personalised learning support to help you achieve your full potential.
