Technical Theatre – UAL Level 3 Diploma in Performing and Production Arts


  • Start Date: 01/09/2026
  • Course is for: School Leaver
  • Course Length: 1 Year
  • Funding Support Funding Support:
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Are you passionate about technical theatre? Want to know what goes on behind the scenes and to be part of the integral team that brings live productions to life? This course offers a unique combination of lighting, sound design and operation, set design, prop making, rigging and maintenance, production and stage management skills.

Throughout the course, you will build your skills as a technician, lighting designer, audio and live events manager through a mix of collaborative and independent working. The course is designed to give you a real hands-on experience of producing a wide range of live performance events.

It develops your creative and technical knowledge and skills, gives you real industry experience and prepares you for a successful career in this exciting, ever-changing and dynamic profession.

This program will give you a comprehensive understanding of theatre production by focusing on essential technical theatre elements, including stage management, health and safety protocols, set design and construction, as well as theatrical and music lighting and sound. The learning approach combines both tutor-led instruction and hands-on practical sessions, with the qualification incorporating both practical and theoretical assignments.

You will gain real industry experience in both lighting and sound design, stage and production management. Live Events students at Gateshead College are an integral part of all the performances we stage, both in-house and venues across the region.

Students will collaborate closely with peers in acting, dance, and musical theatre to create and bring to life exciting and thought-provoking stage performances. Additionally, the course will equip students for future opportunities, including applications for specialized technical or production courses, apprenticeships, or university-level studies.

The course is delivered by subject experts, and you will have the opportunity to work independently as well as in small groups. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to attend external performances, workshops, as well as go on trips and visits to venues, both regionally and nationally.

You will work collaboratively with the Performing Arts, Dance and Music Performance students to bring to life performances to audiences. This reflects industry practice.

The UAL Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Performing & Production Arts (Technical Theatre Pathway) is a two-year, full-time vocational course, equivalent to 3 A-Levels.

You will work on the following practical projects:

  • Industry led commissions
  • Lighting and sound design
  • Maintenance and operation
  • Set and prop design and building
  • Stage management
  • Set up and operation for live performance

Required Entry Qualifications

Four GCSE grades at 4 or above, including either English or maths, or a relevant qualification at Level 2 or appropriate experience.

Each term, you will participate in classes delivered by subject specialists, additionally you will have the opportunity to attend external performances and workshops.

You will also work on regular industry led performance commissions. Gateshead College has a long history of working with both Northern Stage and Live Theatre and a number of our students have gone on to work in a professional capacity at both these North East venues, as well as for companies nation-wide.

On completion of this course, you will have the skills and knowledge to embark on a career in this creative and exciting industry.

Many of our graduates have secured places at some of the nation’s leading drama schools and HE institutions, including RADA, Mountview, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, LIPA and Backstage Academy.

Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college.

We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.

Our specialist teams can help with:

  • Learning difficulties
  • Physical and sensory disabilities
  • Dyslexia, dyspraxia, neurodiversity or other specific learning difficulties
  • Mental health and well being
  • Exam access arrangements
  • Money, finance and bursary advice
  • Careers advice, job and university applications

See here for more information, pop into one of our enrolment events, call us on 0191 490 4627.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH A QUALIFICATION IN TECHNICAL THEATRE – UAL LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN PERFORMING AND PRODUCTION ARTS?

  • Photographers, Audio-visual and Broadcasting Equipment Operators
  • Arts Officers, Producers and Directors

Knowledge

Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Telecommunications: Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Communications and Media: Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Fine Arts: Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Median Salary
£29,033

Average Qualifications
Level 3 NVQ; A Levels

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Knowledge

Communications and Media: Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Telecommunications: Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Median Salary
£37,865

Average Qualifications
Honours, Bachelor's degree

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Skills

Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Skills

Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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School Leaver Course Guide 2026/2027

View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.

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