Technical Theatre BA (Hons)

The course develops your understanding of all the different aspects of theatre making process. We’ll help you to develop high-level technical skills in lighting and sound, audio-visual technologies applied to theatre, cutting-edge interactive multimedia and live performance tools, model and props making (in cooperation with our engineering department), and stage management.

We encourage you to explore the exciting crossovers between theatre arts and technology through your own creative practice and critical reflection.

100% of modules are assessed by coursework; a mixture of written work, presentations and practical creative project work.

Year 1

Year 1 modules introduce you to the fundamentals of technical theatre, such as light and sound design, props design and model making, stage management, elemental video recording, and video editing skills.

• Introduction to light and sound
  This module introduces you to the fundamentals of technical theatre, with particular focus on theatre lighting and sound technology. In this module you will learn how to implement lighting in the overall stage design. You will learn how to assemble, rig, and focus lights. You will also learn how to make light plans and lighting scenarios. In the final part of the module, in your presentations (small productions), you will be expected to independently operate lights using electronic lighting boards. In the sound section of the module, you will learn how to record, mix and playback basic live sounds using standard theatrical sound equipment. You will also learn about placement of the microphones and other sound recording technology, as well as the position of the loudspeakers in the performance. Running through the scene changes (lighting and sound cues) will be mastered in the final presentation. We'll also develop your understanding of the specific risks associated with theatre production activity and safe-working practices. Assessment: practical project (60%) and portfolio (40%).
• Stage management
  This module will offer an introduction to the theory and practice of Stage Management in the context of theatrical work, focusing primarily on the roles of the Assistant and Deputy Stage Managers. It will do so partly through lectures, practical sessions, field visits, and the participation of students in industry standard productions of set texts.  Students will take responsibility for those productions as members of the stage management department, and work independently under the supervision of lecturers and technical staff. Across this period, students will execute the role and responsibilities of the stage management team across two separate productions in collaboration with Drama and Performance students.
• Video in performance
  This module is designed to offer foundation skills in digital video making for performance, from camera recording, editing, simple multimedia programming and projecting. Students will learn how to use different video and multimedia tools, editing software and interactive advanced video servers. The module is designed to sit alongside the Level 4 module Introduction to Light and Sound, focusing on video as an integral part of technical theatre alongside lighting and sound design.
• Performance histories
  This module introduces you to historical contemporary performance and methods of critical analysis.  Students will be introduced to a range literature from the dramatists of Ancient Greeks to the work of the Renaissance playwrights. You will learn how to form connections and draw distinctions between different historical periods and cultures and explore concepts relevant to the study of drama such as performance space, dramatic language and genre, the place of the stage in society and critical performance analysis.
  You will investigate the relationship between dramatic text and performance through video and stage productions, and become equipped with research and presentation skills – both written and oral.
• Creative studio
  Running as a follow up of the two practical modules delivered in the semester 1 – Introduction to Light and Sound and Video in Performance – this module enables students to extend the technical knowledge gained in the previous semester and apply it creatively in a practical project. This is a brief-led, project-centred module, based on the collaborative group work, with an emphasis on the three main principles of multimedia theatre production and design: integration, transformation and immersion.
• Performance lab 1
  This module forms an introduction to the field of performance studies. In the first part of this module you'll be introduced to the work based and created upon the form of ritual, play, games and performance in everyday life. You'll also be guided into the performance art and body art through a brief historical overview of the field.  However, the emphasis of the module will be on the actual live performance, the performer’s body and the relationship with the audience.  We'll introduce you to range of theories (ethnography, philosophy, semiotics etc.), in order that you can analyse this particular relationship. Assessment: 1000-word analysis  (40%) responding to one text chosen from the module core reading list. The Digital Log Book will be submitted as an appendix to the essay. Performance (60%) working in groups you'll choose a topical news story, and track its progress over six weeks. Using the text and the visual material gathered, to develop a 10-minute performance supported by formative assessment of the digital log.

Year 2

In Years 2 and 3 you’ll learn more advanced technical skills in the use of creative technologies for theatre production and theatre making, and be able to focus on your own particular areas of interest through practical projects.

• Theatre, performance and technology: critical frameworks
  This module looks critically the intersections between theatre, performance and technology. We'll introduce critical approaches and issues that are relevant to practices of performance and technology, such as: liveness, intermediality, interactivity and participation. The critical frameworks offered will be contextualised in an overview of developments in new media technologies in the 20th and 21st century, and key theories in media studies. You'll be introduced to the environmental contexts of relevant developments, and learn to examine the social, political and economic influences of technological experimentation in the arts. Through this module we'll interrogate different practices and applications in areas such as: theatre architecture, theatre scenography, automation and robotics, video and image making, and interactive environments. Assessment: 10-minute presentation (20%) and a  3,000-word essay (80%).
• Collaborative production
  The module will involve a large number of students participating in an industry-standard production of a set text. You'll be expected to demonstrate your ability to work to the highest standards of personal and professional discipline and to work collaboratively to stage a full-length production of a selected text or texts. You'll develop your skills to a high level building.  This module is designed to reflect the way in which a production might be mounted in the theatre industry. Assessment:  100%  tutor assessment of performance and creative contribution.
• Working in the creative industries (placement)
  This module gives you the opportunity to gain work experience in theatres and other relevant cultural organisations. You'll complete 252 hours (the equivalent of 36 x 7-hour working days) of work in a theatre or other cultural organisation. The placement arrangements will take place prior to the commencement of the module. Placements will be organized by the module coordinator (we are in conversations with the Old Vic, Young Vic, Lyric Hammersmith and British Youth Opera to secure a number of placements for LSBU students) but students will be encouraged to display initiative and approach organisations directly when appropriate. You'll be encouraged to relate the practical experience gained through your work placement to the theories and concepts covered in other Level 4 and 5 Modules, such as 'Introduction to Light and Sound', 'Stage Management', and 'Theatre Technology Collaborations'. Assessment: 3,000-word placement journal.
• Shared film performance
  Students on the SFX, VFX, and Theatre Technologies courses work together to stage a fantasy scene, to film the live action, and to then add post-production. You'll work across the complete process from start to finish, and become involved in every aspect of the creative work and its realisation. Genres can range (but not be limited to) SciFi, Horror, fantasy, hyper-realism and so on. It'll be important for you to consider the live action (sets, costume, script, lighting, props, special effects), as well as the post-production (simple CGI and Compositing). The cross-disciplinary nature of the module fosters an understanding of the range of techniques that are being used creatively in the entertainment industry. Assessment:  practical project (80%) and reflective journal (20%).
• Professional practice and new business models in the creative industries
  This module introducing current concepts, debates and practices in the field of arts management and entrepreneurship. We'll explore current ideas, theories and practices in creative entrepreneurship, and core literature from the field of arts management. We'll combine theoretical and critical approaches, practical skills, and application through the development of your own art management or creative enterprise project in response to an identified problem or opportunity. And we'll use case-studies of creative entrepreneurship both at institutional and grass-roots levels, combining corporate, governmental (policy) and creative approaches to the subject. Assessment:  applied creative enterprise project (50%) , and a 2,000-word essay (50%).

Year 3

• Research project
  This module allows you to undertake detailed research into a specific area of theatre history, theory or practice. You'll select an area for in-depth study and be assigned a tutor who will help you plan, research and structure your work. The Research Project will enable you to acquire a wide range of research and analytical skills. Assessment:  presentation (25%) written report (75%).
• Interactive technologies
  This module provides a practice-based environment to explore and practice the use of interactive technologies for performance and installation art, grounded in critical reflection on the roles of technology in culture. Production and extends these with elementary programming techniques in the award-winning interactive media presentation tool Isadora. You'll learn to control digital audio and video with a range of pre-made sensors.Assessment: practical project (50%) and a 2,000-word essay (50%).
• Portfolio (shared)
  At the beginning of the third year it is important you focus on your professional ambitions for life after graduation. In this module, students from three programs will come together to form interdisciplinary collaborations. Together you'll be guided through an interdisciplinary creative process in order to plan and create a collaborative piece of work in which your own practice can be developed, informed and enriched by the experience of working across disciplines. Assessment: practical project 80% and reflective journal (20%).
• Independent practical project
  A 60 credit creative practice module. Your final project will be developed over several months with the support of the teaching staff and will be showcased to the industry at the end of your degree. The final performance will need to demonstrate a high level of performance confidence and technique and is expected to reveal a fully engaged artistic and creative process.  The work should further articulate an original and innovative approach within the performance conventions explored.  You'll work under the supervision of a tutor throughout the module but are expected to be entirely responsible for the development and realisation of the project. Assessment: creative project (100%).

With a teaching team of skilled academics, professional industry practitioners and industry-trained theatre technicians, the very latest facilities and a central London location, you’ll leave us with future-proof skills that will ensure that you’re genuinely industry-ready.

This course will leave you equipped for a career as a lighting or sound designer, digital effects designer, technical director, deputy stage manager, creative digital artist or practitioner.

Throughout your studies, you will collaborate with drama students working on a number of productions, both with the external professional directors and the internal staff. Your role in these projects is both technical (rigging and operating lights, sound and video, stage management), but also creative (design, devising and directing).

You’ll also undertake a placement in a theatre company where you will be able to apply your skills and knowledge in an industry setting.

Employability Service

We are University of the Year for Graduate Employment - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018.

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

• An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
• Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

To us, your professional career begins as soon as you start the course, so we continuously prepare you for real-world challenges from the first day of your study.

Because of our location, we have established links with theatre venues such as: the National Theatre, Lyric Hammersmith, Southwark Playhouse, and theatre company Complicite. Our students also have the opportunity to work in the set and prop production with the Footprint Scenery.

During your second year you'll spend a semester on a placement in industry. Your work placement will enable you to apply your skills in the context of a professional theatre environment. This will also help you to build a professional network of contacts while still studying at university. Theatre staff have a wide range of professional links, which will provide you with an existing network of contacts when finalising your placement choice.

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  Edric Theatre

  A dedicated performance and rehearsal space with a 90-seat capacity that can be set up in numerous configurations. The main auditorium, 30-seat studio and backstage facilities are used by drama, performance and technical theatre students. Facilities are available for commercial hire.

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  Editing Suites

  The seven Editing Suites are ideal for editing video, sound and recording quick voice-overs. All suites are networked with ultra-fast 10Gb/s network, making it possible to edit and grade, whilst sharing production files at speed.

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  Sound Studio

  The Sound Studio features a control and live room, ideal for post-production work, mixing and recording small bands. Both rooms are acoustically treated and isolated.

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  Mac Lab

  The Elephant Studios at LSBU Mac Lab is fitted with Quad-Core and Dual GPU MacPros, available for digital media workshops and unsupervised student work.

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  Film Studio and Soundstage

  The Film Studio is a double-height room with a lighting grid, DMX lighting control, green screen backdrop, air conditioning, green room (for make-up and wardrobe) and sound isolation for use as a soundstage.

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  Screening Cinema

  This 36 seat cinema features a 4K projector and 5.1 sound playback, and is ideal to preview production work before it goes out to the public.

Your Lecturers are leading practitioners in their fields, so everything we do is industry relevant. Inspiring guest speakers from renowned theatres and production houses will give you further industry insight and build your professional connections.

Your practical work will be supported by a team of Technical Demonstrators and you’ll have access to cutting-edge facilities.

Each semester follows a similar pattern of production and skills based modules, and a contextual module with additional support and tutorials. Each module is typically taught in four-hour sessions consisting of production workshops, seminars and presentations.

Personal Tutoring

As an undergraduate Arts and Creative Industries student, you will be allocated a named tutor during your first three weeks at LSBU.  The role of your tutor is to be your primary contact for academic and professional development support.

Your tutor will help you get the most out of your time at LSBU, providing advice and signposting to other sources of support in the University.  

Your tutor should be the first person at the university that you speak to if you are having any difficulties that are affecting your work. These could be academic, financial, health-related or another type of problem.

You will have appointments with your personal tutor at least twice a semester throughout your course.  You can contact your tutor for additional meetings or support by email.

2018 Entry

• A Level BCC or;
• BTEC National Diploma DMM or;
• Access to HE qualifications with 9 Distinctions 36 Merits or;
• Equivalent Level 3 qualifications worth 106 UCAS points
• Level 3 qualifications must include a drama or performing arts subject or you must have demonstrable relevant experience.
• Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths and English or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above)
• We welcome qualifications from around the world. English language qualifications for international students: IELTS score of 6.0 or Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced Grade C.

International (non Home/EU) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.

For full-time courses, please send your applications through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) using our code L75. UCAS is the organisation responsible for managing applications to higher education courses in the UK.

For part-time courses, you can apply directly to the University.

For more details on how to apply (full-time and part-time) see our how to apply page.

International students can either apply through UCAS or directly to LSBU. See the international how to apply page for details.

Accommodation

Once we have made you an offer, you can apply for accommodation. You can rent from LSBU and you’ll deal directly with the university, not third party providers. That means we can guarantee you options to suit all budgets, with clear tenancy agreements and all-inclusive rents that include insurance for your personal belongings, internet access in each bedroom and on-site laundry facilities.

Or, if you’d rather rent privately, we can give you a list of landlords – just ask our Accommodation Service.

Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.

Finance

You don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as an undergraduate student.

Fee prices

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a home, EU or international student for fee-paying purposes by reading the UKCISA regulations.

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any governmental guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually, and additionally the University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in line with inflation up to 4%.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.

• 

  Claudia Van-Nimwegen, Live Portal, BA (Hons) Theatre Technologies

  Claudia used her time working with a team from across LSBU and Ryerson in Toronto, Canada on the Live Portal project to gain industry contacts, ready for when she graduates.

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  LSBU Student Theatre Company

  LSBU Drama and Performance students form the Student Theatre Company, which regularly puts on shows and work with professional theatre companies.

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  Edric Theatre

  A dedicated performance and rehearsal space with a 90-seat capacity that can be set up in numerous configurations. The main auditorium, 30-seat studio and backstage facilities are used by drama, performance and technical theatre students. Facilities are available for commercial hire.

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  Nick Ward, alumnus, BA (Hons) Drama and Performance, career success

  BA (Hons) Drama and Performance graduate, Nick Ward, made the most of his hands-on experience to launch his career in the Performing Arts.

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  Frantic Assembly, three week residency with professional practitioners

  Second year Drama and Performance students work with pioneering theatre company Frantic Assembly to produce a show in just a week.

Applicant events

After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course. 

Enrolling

Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our new students pages.