Backstage Theatre & Design
Home »
Blocks
1
Level
Vocational
Course Length
2 Years
Timetable
Full Time
Key Skills:
Reasons to study Backstage Theatre & Design
Priestley College has an outstanding reputation for preparing students to progress into Backstage Theatre courses at some of the most prestigious universities and theatre schools. Students benefit from excellent preparation for careers across a wide range of backstage disciplines, including Stage Management, Lighting Design, Set Design, Prop making, Costume, Sound Design, Puppetry and Theatrical Makeup. The course provides hands-on experience in all aspects of production, enabling students to develop a broad and versatile skill set while contributing to live performances without appearing on stage. In addition, there are numerous opportunities to take on varied backstage theatre roles both within college and in external settings, allowing students to build valuable practical experience and professional confidence.
What you will study
Develop your skills across a wide range of specialist areas, including prop making, projection, puppetry, set design, sound, stage lighting, and theatre makeup. You will have the opportunity to design, build, operate and stage manage performances, gaining hands-on experience throughout the course. By working on numerous live productions, you will apply and refine your skills in real-world contexts, while also developing expertise in your preferred area. Alongside this practical experience, you will explore potential career pathways, helping you prepare for progression to university, theatre schools or apprenticeships within the industry.
What you will need
You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for your chosen pathway.
4 GCSE’s to include Math and English at grade 4
Interest in theatre and wider production genres
Ability to take part in essential rigging, workshops, technical rehearsals and performances outside of normal college hours
Willingness and ability to work in a team and independently
How you will be assessed
Gain practical experience through a range of production roles, working on both live performances and scenario-based projects. Assessment is completed through coursework in the form of an online portfolio, incorporating written, video and verbal responses, alongside photographic evidence to demonstrate and support the work you have undertaken.
Priestley extra
Students benefit from a wide range of enriching experiences designed to enhance their backstage theatre skills. Weekly twilight technical sessions provide bespoke lighting and sound workshops using industry-standard equipment, while specialised enrichment sessions run throughout the academic year to include stage makeup and puppetry. Students also have the opportunity to take part in diverse trips that explore different performance genres, including a London residential featuring a West End theatre production, as well as a visit and workshop at the Harry Potter Studios in Leavesden. In addition, there is the option to join the wider Priestley School of Performance trip to New York where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural landscape of this iconic city while experiencing its world-renowned theatre scene.
Progression
Students can progress to a wide range of university courses, including Lighting Design, Prop Making, Set Design, Stage Management, Stage Makeup, and general Technical Theatre degrees. Recent students have gone on to secure places on prestigious programmes in areas such as makeup artistry, technical theatre, prop making and set design across the country. This course can be effectively combined with other creative subjects, including Dance, Fine Art, Performing Arts, Music and Textiles, while also offering the flexibility to be paired with a broad range of non-creative subjects.
How to Apply
Demand for places at Priestley College has been exceptionally high in recent years. We recommend you apply for your place early to avoid disappointment.Â
Study Programme
A-Level and Vocational (Level 3) students are expected to follow a full study programme of three plus one AS-Level courses/equivalents. Your study programme can, however, include a Specialism as one of your choices.