Technical Theatre HND

Course overview

Technical Theatre is a creative and innovative course that will teach you behind-the-scenes of the theatre and live events industry. 

Performing Arts Studio Scotland (PASS) has exceptional, professional standard, facilities including a studio theatre that seats up to 128 people as well as dance, acting and aerial studios.

Technical Theatre students will have access to professional studios where they will bring their set/lighting/sound designs to life and will learn skills in stage lighting, sound, stage management, props and set construction. Upon completion, you will be qualified for further study at the university level or direct entry into the industry. 

What you will learn

In your first year, explore your creative potential and discover backstage theatre disciplines such as; stage management, props sourcing, scenic painting, professional development, stage sound and lighting operation. You will complete a practical work placement in industry, with a company of your choosing, and you will be able to utilise our established industry connections to aid your decision. You will gain essential experience in working environments and make crucial connections with industry professionals.

Advancing onto your second year you will discover dynamic skills in advanced stage management, advanced lighting, advanced sound, audiovisual studies and prop making. You will oversee and manage the technical departments during PASS theatre shows and mentor the year one students on productions.

A qualification in Technical Theatre and Production Arts opens the doors to many different career opportunities within the theatre, events as well as related industries such as live events, outdoor events, live music, conferences, cruises, film and television.

Placement information

• You will undertake an assessment on a work placement in the first year 
• You will be given the opportunity to get additional work experience during your course in both 1st and 2nd year 
• Previous work placements have been on Edinburgh Zoo 'Spooktacular',  Castle of Light at Edinburgh Castle, Churchill Theatre, Traverse Theatre & NL Productions to name but a few. Many Placements have led to students securing paid work within the industry whilst still studying. 
• Students have also had the opportunity to participate in Cultural Exchange Trips with Edinburgh Festival Carnival to South Africa, Brazil, Costa Rica and Cuba where they have worked with arts organisations in a variety of contexts. 

How the course is assessed

• Assessment will take place throughout the course, with regular feedback from lecturers and your tutor
• Some assessments will take the form of short written pieces and checklists, workshops and short tests
• The main bulk of assessment is based on your performance in practical performance situations under the observation of your lecturers

Number of days per week

• 3 to 4 days per week (you will be busier during live productions)
• You will be expected to work some evenings out with college class hours
• You will be expected to complete self-directed study tasks between your scheduled classes

Entry requirements

• Two Highers or equivalent SQA qualifications, or a relevant NC programme such as dramatic arts or technical theatre or perhaps a relevant NPA
• Relevant theatre experience
• Mature applicants with appropriate experience will be considered on their merits
• The final selection is by interview

If you wish to apply for direct entry into second year, to complete your HND, you must already hold a HNC in technical theatre. Please state in your personal statement that you applying for HND second year. 

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

As part of your application to the course, please send a portfolio of evidence using the digital file transfer link: https://www.transfernow.net/en/ 

Portfolio Guidance

 The portfolio evidence could include:

• stage management documentation,
• lighting design plans, 
• a digital folio of artwork,
• sample images of a stage prop or technical drawings.  

The course staff will read through your application and portfolio of work. You will then be invited to an individual interview on with a member of the technical theatre team at our Granton Campus. 

We shall be trying to assess your suitability for a demanding, theoretical and ‘hands on’ course to measure your interest in working in technical theatre and your understanding of what that entails.  

All applicants should also bring copies of relevant certificates to interview including information of Core Skills achieved to date. 

English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

• BA Technical Theatre at university or conservatoire level
• On to a degree course at various universities in many different specialisms  
• Various courses at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
• Directly into working in industry on live events, theatre productions and more. 

Career options

• Sound/lighting/set design 
• Prop making 
• Sound operation and engineering 
• Lighting programming and operating 
• Set/stage construction  
• Audiovisual performances and conferences 
• Many varying positions in technical theatre at various levels 
• Many varying positions in related industries such as live events, TV and film at various levels