Technical and Production Management, BA

This course is no longer available

UCAS code

Institution
C35

About this course

The Technical and Production Management course is no longer open for new applications and has been replaced with our Stage Management and Technical Theatre course.

You can also find out more about all of our undergraduate courses.


Studying on the Technical and Production Management specialism of the BA (Hons) Theatre Practice degree course, you will:

  • Receive intense training in fundamental theatre technology and management practice
  • Prepare for a career in technical management, production management, or associated fields within the entertainment industry
  • Learn hands-on skills and techniques of theatre technical work through to managing the collaboration of the whole production team of designers, engineers, artists and technicians.

What is Technical and Production Management?

As live theatre and performance becomes an increasingly important part of the global economy, there is a huge demand for Technical and Production Management professionals. This course trains students in the specialist skills and knowledge of managing creative processes from initial concept through rehearsal to realised performance.

As a Technical and Production Management student, you will expand your contextual and critical understanding of performance, through examining and challenging contemporary philosophies, theories and issues surrounding the industry.

Alongside work within Central, you will direct your learning towards the areas of the entertainment industry that interest you.

Make Industry Connections

You will develop career focus by engaging directly with performing arts professionals, including access to long-established and emerging industry companies, venues, manufacturers and suppliers.

By the end of the second year, you will be encouraged to make strong connections within the industry which may ultimately lead to work, extending your learning and supporting your transition from education to full-time employment.

You will have opportunities in the final year to undertake placements to further build your network of contacts as well as exploring and understanding up-to-the-minute challenges, projects and developments for productions in the sector.

Accordion

  • Course Detail

    Year 1

    Developing hands-on skills and building knowledge: Developing hands-on skills and building knowledge of the core technologies and techniques used in theatre production, including set construction, lighting, sound, technical drawing, risk assessment, counterweight flying and rigging.

    Working closely with students from other courses at Central on a number of practical projects, developing teamwork and leadership skills

    Learning key principles of health and safety, budgeting and timekeeping.

    Year 2

    Continuing to hone organisational and management skills: Undertake roles which are pivotal to the creation of public productions, progressively taking on greater responsibility and challenges, as appropriate; for example, you may be the Technical Manager or Head of Flying and Rigging.

    You will be guided by specialist staff and mentored by visiting professional practitioners, working alongside mixed student and professional creative teams.

    You will continue to receive taught sessions in specialist topics e.g. AutoCAD, health and safety legislation, pyrotechnics and automation.

    Explore self-marketing and employment issues, as well as unions and industry associations, pay and work conditions, and insurance requirements will help prepare you for your career.

    Year 3

    Focus on professional development: Undertake activities such as managing budgets, ensuring the highest standards of health and safety are maintained and creatively solving complex logistical or technical problems.

    You will be assigned roles individually, which may include being the Production Manager on a public productions. These challenges offer experience as Technical and Production Managers through working in a ‘real world’ context.

    Preparation of a portfolio and a career plan which sets out the next steps in your professional life, including a presentation to a panel of leading industry figures, who will offer you suggestions and advice to support you on your chosen path.

  • Professional Focus

    The course has a range of relationships at all levels and in many areas of the performing arts industry:

    London theatre companies include:

    • National Theatre
    • English National Opera
    • the Young Vic
    • Hampstead Theatre
    • Tricycle Theatre
    • Unicorn Theatre for Children

    As well as receiving houses such as:

    • Sadler’s Wells
    • Hackney Empire
    • the Pleasance Theatre
    • many West End theatres.

    Touring theatre companies include:

    • Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures
    • English Touring Opera
    • Kneehigh Theatre
    • Ambassador Theatre Group

    Smaller, more radical companies such as:

    • dreamthinkspeak
    • Shunt
    • Goat and Monkey
    • Walk the Plank
    • The World Famous
    • Emergency Exit Arts

    Technical Equipment Manufacturers and Suppliers

    In addition to performance companies, Central has connections with a range of technical equipment manufacturers and suppliers, for example TAIT Stage Technologies (automation), Flying by Foy (people flying), Unusual Rigging (rigging and suspension), White Light and Stage Electrics (lighting and sound), J&C Joel (stage fabrics) and Scott Fleary (scenery construction).

    The course also has links with performance venue designers including architects Keith Williams (Unicorn Theatre), Tim Foster (Tricycle Theatre) and Jason Flanagan (Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama) and theatre consultants (Theatre Projects, Charcoalblue and Theatreplan).

Quote layout column

“My time at Central taught me how to work with a wide range of people and disciplines. It was there that I was able to transition into working on real live projects. Working on projects within Central with fellow students and later with the freedom to develop my own work and contacts outside, gave me opportunities that shaped my future development!”

Gary Beestone

Graduated 2002, established Gary Beestone Events & Theatre providing production and project management for clients such as Disney and Sonia Friedman Productions, as well as worldwide Technical Director for Harry Potter And The Cursed Child.

Share this page