Technical Theatre and Production Arts Level 3

Set, lighting, sound, props, costume. These are a few of the considerations required to put together a production. The Production Arts Extended Diploma course programme focuses on developing the broad range of skills necessary for progression to work or further study at degree level in technical theatre. The qualification has been designed to meet the needs of the creative and cultural industries.

This course looks at each of these and more develop skills that are transferable from an arena sized concert or a theatrical production all the way to small scale touring theatre. Employment has grown alongside technology in this area and so there are job and higher education opportunities for students who complete this course of study.

The emphasis is on practical skills underpinned by theoretical understanding and industry standard health and safety practices. Much of the work will be in support of the wide range of performances in theatre, dance and music that take place each year as well as having opportunity to speak to industry professionals, take part in production workshops and visit local and regional theatres. Each project you complete is designed to be realistic to what you would expect in industry.

In addition to your main programme, you will also engage in activities to develop your English, maths and employability skills.

Course Info
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Technical Theatre and Production Arts Level 3
LevelLevel 3
LocationColchester
DurationTwo years | Year 1: Foundation Diploma | Year 2: Extended Diploma
Study ModeFull-Time
Campus / Adult Skills CentreColchester Campus
Start DateSeptember 2025
Fee(s)16-18 year olds: Free
19+: £8,583 (This fee covers the whole two year course)
Welcome to Production Arts

Course Content

You will complete the National Foundation Diploma in your first year and continue to the Extended Diploma in your second year.

Learners taking this qualification will study four mandatory learning and teaching modules:

  • Production Arts Skills Development
  • The Production Arts Industry
  • Personal Production Arts Profile
  • Collaborative Production Arts Project

Production Arts Level 3 Diploma modules will cover aspects including:

  • Production Arts Planning
  • Stage Management
  • Technical Stage Operations
  • Lighting and Sound
  • Design and Operations
  • Scenic Construction
  • Automated Stage Lighting
Entry Requirements

5 GCSEs (9-4) including English and Maths, or Level 2 Functional Skills equivalent, or satisfactory results in a relevant Level 2 qualification (Merit/Distinction), and an interview.

What Can I Do Next?

The creative and cultural industries are one of the country’s major employers.

There are many opportunities in the field of production arts including stage management, sound operation, lighting design and operation, rigging and set construction.

This may involve working in a theatre, an arts centre, schools and colleges, conference venues or touring.

This qualification offers learners the opportunity to develop their technical and performance skills over their course of study through a process of self-evaluation, practice and review, which are key skills for progression to higher education

Successful students could progress directly into work or on to higher education courses. This qualification carries UCAS points and meets the admission requirements for many relevant courses, for example degrees in:

  • Technical theatre
  • Design
  • Stage management
  • Lighting

Learners have progressed onto courses at RADA, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Birmingham Conservatoire, Mountview and Back Stage Academy.

Fees and Finance

Students’ college education is funded for three academic years after leaving secondary school in year 11. Please click the button below which will apply to your age on the 31st August 2025 in order to find out more information about fees and finance relating to your course.

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Disclaimer

All fees, prices and funding information shown on this page are for courses starting in the 2024-25 academic year unless stated otherwise, and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change due to factors outside of our control. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.

Courses fees are generally not confirmed for September until June / July due to the above factors.

The course information describes programmes offered by Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.

The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.