Technical Theatre Arts BA(Hons)

Master your passion for bringing stage and live events to life.

Key Details

• Location: Penryn Campus
• Course duration: 3 years
• Attendance: Full-time / Professional Placement
• UCAS code: W484/PY63

Course Overview

Play a vital technical and creative role in the success of live performance productions. Working in our professional studios and production spaces, you’ll master the skills to captivate audiences.

You’ll learn from practising technical specialists and creative academic staff, becoming an expert in lighting, sound, visual technologies, set construction and stage management. With endless opportunities to work on real events – in collaboration with other students or through our public performance venue – you’ll graduate with real experience to take into industry.

You Will:

• Gain an all-round technical grounding in live sound, lighting, stage management, rigging and scenic construction
• Receive a critical insight into the cultural sector, exploring how performance technologies and professional practice influence each other
• Work in state-of-the-art facilities with access to both core industry technology and some of the latest equipment
• Broaden your skills by collaborating with students across a broad range of disciplines including popular music, contemporary dance, and musical, devised and traditional theatre
• Gain industry-recognised safety accreditations

Course Details

Technical Theatre Arts BA(Hons) | Falmouth University

On this Technical Theatre Arts degree, you'll have the opportunity to gain a BA(Hons) degree over three years or study Technical Theatre Arts BA(Hons) with a professional placement year option.

As part of this Technical Theatre Arts degree, you’ll be taught by practicing technical specialists, academic staff and creative technicians. You’ll also have the opportunity to gain nationally-recognised qualifications in equipment use, processes and health and safety.

Year One

• Stagecraft 1: You’ll develop studio and workshop-based technical and production skills in a range of disciplines, including conventional lighting, sound and theatrical set construction techniques.
• Performance, Culture and Contexts: You’ll explore critical theatre history, evaluating its cultural and cross-cultural impact.
• Professional Development: In this module, you’ll explore the core aspects of the role of a production practitioner.
• Stagecraft 2: Here, you’ll begin to specialise and develop further discipline-based practical and design skills, including:
  • The use of professional control systems and creation of media
  • Planning documentation, including the use of 3D computer-aided design and lighting visualisation software
  • Sound effect production and digital mixing
  • Contemporary stage rigging and construction techniques
  • Organisational stage management techniques and practices
• Practical Production: Through a range of live performance projects, you’ll examine ways in which you can enhance audience engagement and participation in theatre and cultural events.

Year Two

• Venue & Production Management: This module studies industry best practice in safety, compliance, sustainability and well-being. You will gain an understanding of UK Health and Safety law and how it applies to live performance venues and productions.
• Digital Performance Technologies: You’ll gain an understanding of emerging digital practices through engagement with research and practical experimentation. You’ll work with computer-based technologies such as projection mapping and motion capture, digital audio and video editing, post-production techniques and the use of networking and communication technologies.
• Design Project: You’ll explore design conceptualisation and innovation, developing large-scale creative design briefs to professional standards.
• Collaborative Project: Engaging with peers from other creative disciplines, you’ll collaborate to make an original piece of performance work, exploring new perspectives and techniques and operating as a technical creative maker.

Professional Placement (Optional)

You can choose to take an optional professional placement during your degree. You’ll be responsible for finding your own placement, with support from the Employability team. Choosing this option will enhance your industry experience and skills while studying.

Year Three

• Production Management, Design and Realisation: You’ll develop and hone organisational and managerial skills through the realisation of design and production briefs and larger-scale performance projects.
• Industry Horizons in Technical Theatre: You’ll undertake a research project or dissertation that identifies potential opportunities and new directions for technical theatre innovation. Research is also applied to real-world contexts, providing insights that will inform and guide you in your career choices and preparation for future industry demands.
• Professional Project: Practice: In your final year, you will plan, prepare and deliver a ‘professional project’. This can take a range of forms but is based on the study of and interaction with industry organisations through work-based learning, a placement and/or event projects.
• Professional Project: Research: This module, which is linked to the Practice module, allows you to engage with research into industry themes and approaches as part of your practice. Your Professional Project is an example of practice as research, and the two are entwined in your development as a practitioner.

How You'll Learn & Be Assessed

How You'll Learn

Through industry-focused lectures, practical workshops and learning projects, you'll gain the theoretical understanding, professional insights and practical skills to carve a successful career in stage and live events production.

How You'll Be Assessed

• Assessment Methods: You’ll be assessed through a combination of practical skills, competencies and written work.
• Facilities: You'll have access to:
  • 11 equipped performance studios
  • Recording studio with four control rooms
  • 11 practice rooms
  • Computer labs for CAD and audio software design
  • Scenery workshop
  • Technical resource stores with a wide range of microphones for recording and live voice and music as well as a range of other performance technologies and emerging technologies, such as VRML and Motion Capture
  • Digital Audio Workstations, PA Systems, mixing desks, lighting kits, portable dimmers, cameras, projectors and musical instruments

Careers

Our technical theatre graduates have worked as:

• Lighting designers and programmers at Indigo at The O2, St Just Ordinalia, the Tim Minchin tour, Wireless Festival and for Bianca del Rio
• Venue technicians at The Royal Opera House, The Guildhall School of Music and Drama and Harlequin Theatre
• Sound designers/operators at Cascade Theatre and Millstone Sound
• Set and prop designers/makers at Hall for Cornwall
• Festival and production company stage managers at Glastonbury Festival, WOMAD, Miracle Theatre, Rock Oyster Festival, Hall for Cornwall and Falmouth International Festival

Fees, Costs & Funding

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for students starting the course in September 2025

• Annual Tuition Fee: £9,535 per year (Full-time UK)
• Annual Tuition Fee: £17,950 per year (Full-time EU/international)
• Annual Tuition Fee: £1,905 per professional placement year (Full-time UK and EU/international)

Typical Course Costs

• A laptop will be an essential piece of equipment along with a reliable broadband connection
• Personal Protective Equipment: Protective footwear (steel toe cap boots / shoes or equivalent) and gloves
• Personal toolkit: Adjustable spanner, screwdrivers, torch, clothing for practical classes
• Books and consumable items: Approx £100 - £150
• £80-£150 - optional subsidised formal industrial training
• £500-£1,000 - optional placements
• Public Programme season tickets (student rate) costs found: AMATA Live Pass
• £25 - Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) student membership

Ask a Student

What better way to find out about life at Falmouth University than by asking our current students?

From course details and academic support, to the social scene and settling in, our students are ready and available to answer any questions you might have. Simply set up your account, send them a question and they'll get back to you within 24 hours.

Similar Courses

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• CertHE Music Courses
• Musical Theatre BA(Hons)
• Theatre & Performance BA(Hons)
• Acting BA(Hons)
• Music BA(Hons)
• Popular Music BA(Hons)
• Creative Music Technology BA(Hons)
• Dance & Choreography BA(Hons)

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Technical Theatre Arts BA(Hons)

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Degree Overview:

• Play a vital technical and creative role in the success of live performance productions.

• Work in professional studios and production spaces, mastering the skills to captivate audiences.

• Learn from practising technical specialists and creative academic staff, becoming an expert in lighting, sound, visual technologies, set construction and stage management.

• Gain real experience through working on real events, in collaboration with other students or through the program's public performance venue.

• Graduate with the skills and experience to launch a successful career in the industry.

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Outline:

• Year One:
• Immerse in modern performance practices and industry history.
• Participate in live performances, work at summer schools, conferences, events, and artist residencies.
• Gain nationally recognized health and safety training.
• Modules:
• Stagecraft 1
• Performance, Culture and Contexts
• Professional Development
• Stagecraft 2
• Practical Production
• Year Two:
• Collaborate with other courses on performance projects and work with professional staff on real events on and off-campus.
• Modules:
• Venue & Production Management
• Digital Performance Technologies
• Design Project
• Collaborative Project
• Professional Placement (Optional):
• Opt for an optional professional placement year and gain valuable industry experience.
• Year Three:
• Develop a practical and forward-thinking set of skills for professional practice.
• Formulate personal lines of enquiry and projects in collaboration with other performance and live events courses.
• Explore new technologies and advanced digital processes.
• Produce a major professional practice project of your choosing.
• Modules:
• Production Management, Design and Realisation
• Industry Horizons in Technical Theatre
• Professional Project: Practice
• Professional Project: Research

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Assessment:

• A diverse range of assessment methods are used, including:
• Practical skills
• Competencies
• Written work
• Reflective presentations
• Reflective critical reviews of learning
• Creative portfolios

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Teaching:

• Immerse yourself in an immersive learning environment that utilizes an "industry-focused lectures, practical workshops and learning projects" approach.
• The program uses a "digitally enhanced learning & teaching" approach, offering a blend of in-person and online modules.
• Learn from industry-leading academics and technicians with practical experience in the theatre industry.

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Careers:

• Potential career paths include:
• Lighting designers and programmers
• Venue technicians
• Sound designers/operators
• Set and prop designers/makers
• Festival and production company stage managers
• Recent graduates have found roles at institutions such as:
• Indigo at The O2
• St Just Ordinalia
• Tim Minchin tour
• Wireless Festival
• Bianca del Rio
• The Royal Opera House
• The Guildhall School of Music and Drama
• Harlequin Theatre
• Cascade Theatre
• Millstone Sound
• Hall for Cornwall
• Glastonbury Festival
• WOMAD
• Miracle Theatre
• Rock Oyster Festival
• Falmouth International Festival

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Other:

• Technical Theatre Arts students benefit from:
• 11 equipped performance studios
• Recording studio with four control rooms
• 11 practice rooms
• Computer labs for CAD and audio software design
• Scenery workshop
• Technical resource stores with a wide range of microphones, lighting kits, portable dimmers, cameras, projectors, musical instruments, and other performance technologies.
• Digital Audio Workstations, PA Systems, mixing desks, and more.
• The program fosters collaboration with courses across disciplines like popular music, contemporary dance, musical, devised, and traditional theatre.
• Students gain industry-recognised safety accreditations.

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Summary

The Technical Theatre Arts BA(Hons) program at Falmouth University equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experience to launch a successful career in the live performance industry. Through a rigorous curriculum, a focus on real-world projects, and access to industry-standard facilities, graduates emerge as versatile practitioners with a deep understanding of the technical and creative aspects of live performance. The program is designed to cater to students' individual interests and career aspirations. The optional professional placement year and flexible module choices allow students to tailor their learning experience to their specific goals. By the end of the program, graduates are fully prepared to contribute to the success of diverse live performance events, demonstrating the ability to adapt to various roles and environments while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and creativity.

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Annual tuition fee Student Full-time UK £9,250 per year Annual tuition fee Student Full-time EU/international £17,950 per year Annual tuition fee Student Full-Time UK and EU/international £1,850 per professional placement year Tuition fees for September 2025 will be confirmed in summer 2024. Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible. The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs

Falmouth University

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Overview:

Falmouth University is a public university located in Cornwall, England, renowned for its creative arts and design programs. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as online study options. The university is known for its strong industry connections, professional-grade facilities, and inspiring location.

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Services Offered:

Falmouth University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus accommodation options are available, offering modern and well-equipped spaces.

Student Support:

The university offers a variety of support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.

Employability Service:

Falmouth University has a dedicated Employability Service that helps students develop their career skills and find employment opportunities.

Student Voice:

The university encourages student feedback and participation through its Student Voice program.

Study Abroad Exchanges:

Students have the opportunity to study abroad at partner institutions around the world.

Virtual Experience:

Falmouth University offers a virtual experience platform for prospective students to explore the campus and learn more about the university.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Falmouth University offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience, with:

Accommodation:

Modern and well-equipped accommodation options on and off-campus.

Open Days:

Open Days are held regularly, allowing prospective students to experience campus life and meet staff and current students.

Freshers' Week:

A dedicated week of events and activities designed to help new students settle in and make friends.

Student Clubs and Societies:

A wide range of clubs and societies cater to diverse interests, providing opportunities for students to connect with like-minded individuals.

Location:

Falmouth is situated in a beautiful and inspiring location, with easy access to the coast and surrounding countryside.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Industry Connections:

Falmouth University has strong industry connections, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.

Professional-Grade Facilities:

The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including studios, workshops, and labs, designed to support creative learning and practice.

Inspiring Location:

Falmouth's location in Cornwall offers a unique and inspiring environment for creative study, with access to stunning beaches, coastal landscapes, and a vibrant arts scene.

Focus on Employability:

Falmouth University is committed to preparing students for successful careers, with a dedicated Employability Service and a strong focus on practical skills development.

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Academic Programs:

Falmouth University offers a wide range of academic programs, with strengths in:

Art & Design:

The university is renowned for its art and design programs, including animation, film, photography, graphic design, fashion, and textiles.

Games:

Falmouth University has a dedicated Games Academy, offering programs in game design, development, and production.

Business & Marketing:

The university offers programs in business, marketing, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on creativity and innovation.

Computing:

Falmouth University offers programs in computing, including data science, robotics, and software development.

English, Journalism & Writing:

The university offers programs in English, journalism, and creative writing, with a focus on practical skills and industry connections.

Performance, Theatre & Music:

Falmouth University offers programs in performance, theatre, and music, with a focus on practical training and professional development.