BA (Hons) Theatre and Production Technology

Throughout the module you will be encouraged to develop deep learning through participation in debates and seminar discussion, extending your cultural reference points and developing vocational critical analytical skills.

This module introduces the basic theories, practice, skills, and technologies used in the core backstage professions of stage management, lighting, sound, stage rigging, scenic construction and prop making. This allows you an opportunity to experience a broad range of fundamental practical technical skills, underpinned by industry and discipline specific health and safety regulations and safe working practices.

This module is a practical collaborative project with the Level 4 Theatre and Performance Design students that asks you to create and realise an exhibition, installation, or event. This project allows you to develop and practise your planning, management, creative and fabrication skills, as well as developing the communication skills needed for creating, planning, and delivering productions.

Experiential learning is a core activity, and this is the first production-based introduction to this form of assessment. You will choose two backstage production technician or assistant roles to undertake and apply the skills learnt in semester one.

Technical drawing is a fundamental skill for all backstage production disciplines, from creating scenic construction drawings or stage and lighting plans and models with clear and accurate information, to creating animated environments for video production or creating 3D printed elements for costumes and props. This module will introduce drafting and CAD skills, and industry-recognised layouts of technical drawings for performance.

This module will build on further broadening and deepening your awareness of cultural context by understanding how the performing arts are influenced by the social and political environment in which they operate. Through a series of lectures, masterclasses, field visits and research study you will develop an appreciation of key theatre practitioners, directions, genres and national and local contemporary cultural, social and political issues in related areas of study. This aims to place you, as a practitioner, at the centre of this hub of information, to enhance your professional role and methods of practice within the Performance Industry.

The Industry Placement module is an exciting and important opportunity to gain industry experience in your chosen field of work, while developing your employability and increasing your professional network. Through a series of lectures and tutorials with your module leader you will explore researching suitable placements that will allow you to independently contact and complete a minimum of two full weeks with an organisation or company involved in the performance, design, and production industries. This will provide you with a deeper understanding of industry practices within your discipline, increase your curriculum vitae experience and allow you to reflect upon your career aspirations.

You will be allocated a more significant production role within your chosen department with which will come more responsibility and extensive challenges. You will participate in production meetings and extend your collaborative work whilst managing responsibilities within a team.

This specialist pathway offers in-depth study and practice in the design and technical aspects of lighting for performance. You will develop your analytical and creative approach to lighting design for theatre and live performance, as well as your skills and knowledge in technical lighting, electrics, and lighting control programming. This will give you the understanding and experience needed to become an accomplished Chief Electrician/Head of Lighting or Lighting Designer.

This specialist pathway offers the in-depth study of two key aspects of live sound production the technical and the creative. The technical covers areas such as advanced sound system design, deployment, and optimisation for live sound performance along with other key topics which are central to successful live events, such as communication and wireless microphone and monitoring systems. The creative element explores the concepts and processes involved in theatrical sound design along with the complexities, subtleties, and challenges of the role of Theatre Sound Designer. Practical processes in content creation will be examined including techniques such as the use of Foley as well as the application of these to live performance with show-control and playback systems.

This specialist pathway offers the in-depth study of stage management and includes aspects of production management and event planning, in preparation for a career backstage in theatre and live events. You will develop understanding of the entire process of stage management by engaging in practical workshops, lecturers, and work on a live performance, either within LIPA or an external venue.

This specialist pathway offers in-depth study and practice in technical stage management and scenic construction. You can develop skills and understanding, in stage operations, rigging and flying technologies, set building carpentry, welding and fabrication, prop-making and scenic sculpture, construction management and industry-related regulations; equipping you with the hand-on experience to become a skilled Scenic Carpenter, Technical Stage Manager or Head of Stage.

In this module you will undertake senior production roles on our professional-standard public season productions, external productions or individual projects which reflect your own career aspirations. This enables you to apply your specialist skills to realise a production or project in full, strengthening your self-management skills and working practices.

In this module you will continue working on exciting, professional level shows and events at LIPA, refining your practical skills and personal attributes, performing as part of a backstage production department related to your specialist field.

This module will allow you to consider your personal and professional skills and strengths and prepare you for your future career after graduation. You will cover business management and financial skills, such as tax self-assessment, public liability and indemnity insurances, unions, and organisations, and you will identify and complete a professional development activity to support your personal career portfolio.

This module allows you to investigate an idea at the forefront of your own practice and career aspirations, using and building upon the theoretical knowledge and research skills developed throughout the course.