BA (Hons)
Technical Theatre Arts
A fast track to work in the production arts industry, in association with Bristol Old Vic Theatre and Tobacco Factory Theatres.
Degree
BA (Hons)
BA (Hons) Technical Theatre Arts
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
A MAXIMUM OF 12 STUDENTS PER YEAR
Such a small number gives you unrivalled levels of 1-2-1 teaching and support.A COURSE PARTNERED WITH 2 PROFESSIONAL THEATRES
The course runs in association with Bristol Old Vic Theatre and Tobacco Factory Theatres, giving you the opportunity to work in 4 different professional spaces.WORK IN A PROFESSIONAL SETTING
From day 1 you’ll be in an independent production office working with a professional team, feeling more like you’re on an apprenticeship.PATHWAYS
You can take control of your own pathway in either stage management, lighting design or sound design.A 2 YEAR COURSE
Designed to give you the skills and contacts to get you out to work in the industry faster.
BRISTOL
UCAS Code: TTA1
Duration: 2 years full time
Start date: September 2027
Location: Tobacco Factory Theatres
Capped at 12 students to ensure you work as a real production team in a working theatre.
Intensive training in stage management, lighting design, sound design and production skills.
Work alongside current industry professionalsincluding designers, performers, technicians and artists.
Comprehensive career preparation for work in theatre, with extensive transferable skills for the broader live events industry.
This fast track degree, taught by current industry professionals, provides a two year route into the theatre production industry whether in stage management, lighting, sound or AV across theatre, festivals and events. In association with Tobacco Factory Theatres and Bristol Old Vic Theatre, you experience two working theatres and learn technical theatre crafts from experienced professionals in a way that’s more similar to an apprenticeship.
The course is limited to just 12 students to re-create a professional working environment and culture from day one. There is a national shortage of skilled technical staff in the theatre and live events industries and Technical Theatre Arts graduates are in high demand. BSA’s strong industry networks help open doors to a rewarding career.
Designed as an accelerated pathway, this two-year degree packs 40 weeks of teaching into each year, matching the total teaching time of traditional three-year degrees. This means you enter the workforce sooner whilst saving more than £10,000 in tuition fees and living costs combined.
YEAR ONE.
You are introduced to the fundamental principles of technical theatre artistry through an immersive programme that establishes professional working practices and collaborative skills. The year covers lighting, sound and stage management whilst exploring how technical arts contribute to the artistic vision of contemporary theatre.
You develop practical and design expertise using industry-standard technologies and professional control systems, including 3D design software, digital sound creation and contemporary construction techniques. Technical skills are combined with creative design processes to build your professional toolkit.
Throughout the year, you work alongside acting students under professional directors, rotating through key production roles to gain comprehensive industry experience. You take on initial production roles, rotating through different responsibilities to gain comprehensive experience.
YEAR TWO.
You advance your creative practice through sophisticated design conceptualisation in lighting, sound and projection, developing professional-standard design briefs whilst mastering advanced industry tools and techniques.
Working collaboratively across creative disciplines, you contribute to original performance works whilst exploring innovative practices and emerging technologies. You also undertake independent research that examines future opportunities and new directions within the evolving technical theatre landscape.
The majority of the year is dedicated to taking senior production roles across multiple BA Acting for Stage and Screen productions in both professional theatres, working directly with professional designers and gaining extensive hands-on experience in real performance contexts. Additionally, you complete a professional placement in an approved theatre or events venue, applying your skills in industry settings whilst developing essential career networks and professional practice.
The degree is delivered in partnership with Plymouth Marjon University. To apply, you will need to register with UCAS by visiting www.ucas.com/apply and apply using the course details below.
On UCAS, you’ll need to search for Plymouth Marjon University rather than Bristol School of Acting.
All applicants are invited to an interview (see below for details about the interview process).
We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential. We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you’ve specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities. If you are doing or have done an Extended Diploma in production arts to please bring a portfolio of work to the interview. The portfolio could be photographs of a made up DSM Book, rehearsal notes, photographs of model boxes, props or lighting that you’ve designed or sound effects you’ve created. It could also be a journal you’ve had to keep as part of your course.
UCAS course code: TTA1
Institution code: P63
Campus name: Bristol School of Acting
Campus code: A
Entry onto the course is by interview. You will be interviewed by the Head of BSA, Stuart Wood and the Technical Theatre Arts Programme Leader, Becky Vowles.
The interview will be in person however we can make alternative arrangements if travelling to Bristol will be difficult.
You can book your interview by clicking Apply Now.
Our standard offer is:
3 A Levels at grades CCC or above
Level 3 BTEC/UAL triple grade MMM or above
lowever, applicants are considered on an individual basis, taking into account ny skills and experience that may not be reflected in A-Level scores. The most important consideration is that you have the qualities and potential to succeed, so f you don't meet our published offer criteria, do get in touch with us. As a minimum you must have GCSE English at grade 4 or above.
Continuous assessment, practical skills assessment, written assessment and self-assessment.
£12,060 tuition fee per year (subject to annual inflationary increases). You can apply for the full amount through the usual Student Finance route. An accelerated 2 year degree is fully funded in the same way as a standard 3 year degree and saves you money both on fees and living costs by being completed in a shorter time. For more information, click here.
Student Finance Wales
The guidance around designation within the Welsh government has changed. BSA’s degree courses are not automatically designated by the Welsh Ministers, which means BSA would have to adhere to a fee cap of £6,355 per year for all Welsh students who will be using Student Finance Wales to fund their tuition.
We know we cannot fairly offer the same service at a lower rate for Welsh students and still charge the standard £12,060 for students across other principalities of the UK. Therefore, we have been forced into a difficult position and are unable to accept new applications from Welsh students who intend to use Student Finance Wales to fund their tuition and who are interested in enrolling at BSA from September 2026 onwards.
We understand this is disappointing, and we resonate with that too. If you are Welsh and in a position in which you are able to fund the course tuition through an alternative method, we would warmly welcome an application from you. However, if you would need to use Student Finance Wales to fund your tuition, we would be unable to proceed with your application. Should you want any further information, you can contact Student Finance Wales.
Term 1:
7 Sept – 18 Dec
(Welcome Week, w/c 14 Sept)
Term 2:
4 Jan – 29 Mar
Term 3:
19 Apr – 30 July
If you’d like to talk to us or ask any questions about the course you can email us at hello@bristolschoolofacting.com
