Production Arts (Stage) FdA Stage Management, Lighting & Electrics, Sound & Scenic Crafts
Student grinding metal in workshop

Courses

Production Arts (Stage) FdA

Key Information Term Dates

Course Overview

The Theatre School has suspended recruitment to its FdA Production Arts (Stage) and BA Production Arts (Stage and Screen) courses. This means that the last intake onto the Production Arts courses in their current structure will be in September 2023. The degree course structure and teaching for those students already on the course and those starting in September 2023 is unaffected by this change. If you require any further information, please contact us.

Stage Management, Lighting & Electrics, Sound & Scenic Crafts.

The FdA course is an intensive two-year programme for students who already have some knowledge of Stage Management/technical theatre or students that have already gained a degree.

The course provides students with advanced level skills and knowledge in Stage Management and technical theatre so that they can be employed directly on completion of the course in professional theatre companies and other related industries.

Teaching is integrated with the BA (Hons) Production Arts course, and students on the two programmes are usually taught together.

In the first two terms the course provides a grounding in all core production skills needed to work as a professional.

During this first year they learn theoretical and practical aspects of stage management, lighting, sound, prop-making and scenic construction.

They also learn a range of common skills: communication, problem solving, time management and leadership.

In the following four terms, the students are treated as professionals, with support and mentoring from tutors.

They work in Stage Management, prop-making, construction and technical teams on public productions and work closely with other production departments.

Silhouette of lights and people on stage Production Arts

Students will spend up to three weeks on placement with a professional organisation.

This is an integral part of this second year enabling students to match their career aspirations to the practical reality of a professional environment.

Students are also offered a series of interviews with professionals from the relevant industry.

Two students constructing wooden pieces, one holding a hammer Production Arts

Our success in graduate employment is excellent.

Graduates go on to have careers in a wide range of jobs including in stage management, lighting, sound, automation and construction working with companies such as the RSC, The Globe, The Royal National Theatre, Cameron MacIntosh, Welsh National Opera, Birmingham Royal ballet etc and numerous other UK regional rep companies and international theatre and production companies.

A copy of the rules and regulations governing the course is available here.

Testimonials

  • ‘Without a doubt the BOVTS all round tech and SM course set up for my life as a production manager and technical director.’

    Tom Attenborough (BA SM Course Alumnus) - MD and founder, Imagine Believe Global
  • ‘BOVTS training stood out because it was practical, disciplined and relevant. The skills I learnt and perfected there, from working professionals, enabled me to go directly into employment, secured before I even graduated. The name and the standards proceed themselves, no more needed to be said on my CV. I have since transferred my skills into live events so still to this day my training is in practise daily.’

    Laura Carus (BA SM Course Alumna) - Event Operations Director
  • ‘My life wouldn’t have been even half as amazing and fulfilling if I hadn’t been accepted on the Stage management degree at BOVTS. I was never out of work and every single interview I attended people were impressed by my BOVTS degree.’

    Emily Woolley (nee Burt) (BA SM Course Alumna) - Production Manager for TV
  • ‘Your influence on the students will resonate throughout their careers – thank you.’

    Mike Badley (BA SM Course Alumus) – Owner/Director Luminous Show Technology
The culture at BOVTS is encouraging, respectful, welcoming and empowering; the environment and buildings are beautiful and I found Bristol to be one of the most wonderful cities in which to spend summer! Lindy Yeates, Foundation Course Student