Entry Requirements

GCSE in Drama / Art / in a Design Technology subject at Grade 4, or Merit profile at BTEC Performing or Production Arts Level 2. In exceptional circumstances, students who have not previously studied these subjects may be admitted if they show a particular aptitude and enthusiasm for the subject. These applicants will be invited to attend an additional interview with their portfolio -  specific details for this will be sent on receipt of application.

Exam Board: Pearson / Edexcel

Why Study Production Arts?

This course will give you insight into the varied employment opportunities in the production arts industry such as lighting, sound, stage management and costume. The course can be adapted to your interests, abilities and aspirations. The Foundation Diploma is equivalent to one and a half A levels. Students could combine Production Arts with courses such as – A Levels/BTEC in Art, Photography, Product Design, Media, Drama and Theatre Studies, English Literature etc.  They could also combine the course with other BTEC’s such as Music, Performing Arts Acting or Performing Arts Dance. Having an understanding of technical theatre is a valuable skill for any performer and these skills are desirable for students applying for performing arts courses at universities or specialist performance schools. In recent years a number of RR6 Production students have continued their studies at top drama schools, such as the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

What Topics Will I Study?

For the Foundation Diploma students will study 4 units over the 2 years of study. These units are called Developing Production Skills, Responding to Production Requirements, Contributing to a Production and Planning a Career in the Industry.  During these units students will focus on a range of production elements which can be flexible based on the student's interests. This year we are focusing on Lighting, Props, Costume and Assistant Stage Management.

These core units involve working on the whole school production or a project in a professional theatre. In the past students have worked on the lighting design for our Dance Showcase, costume design and assistant stage management for Ricards production of Frozen the Musical, and props design and construction for the King's College Community Production. Students studying the course will be essential and valued members of the creative team behind the whole school musical production.

How Will I Be Assessed?

All completed units are internally assessed at RR6 and graded Pass, Merit or Distinction.  A variety of methods are used including case studies, projects, portfolios, sketchbooks, witness statements, recorded presentations and crewing performances.  Students are assessed constantly over the two years and major assessments centre around real productions within the school calendar. 

What Careers or Higher Education Follow from this Subject?

There are a wide range of careers that can be explored including stage management, events management, TV and radio production, directing or technical work such as lighting design.  Production Arts is an ideal pathway to further study at higher education.  Universities value the experience which students bring from the course and where students achieve Merit or higher they are able to apply through UCAS for degrees in a variety of Production Arts or other Technical or Arts courses.  In previous years our students have gone on to attend prestigious Universities and Drama Schools around the country including Queen Mary's Belfast, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and The Royal Central School Of Speech and Drama. There are also a number of apprenticeships that students can apply for which involve training with the technical crew in a theatre setting. A former student continued their training at the Royal Opera House on an apprenticeship programme (see video below).  

Other Opportunities Available Whilst Studying this Course

Students will have responsibility for the production aspects or a number of performances to a variety of audiences and in a range of venues.  Any student who wishes to form their own theatre company and perform at the fringe festival will be encouraged to do so.  Students studying the course regularly complete work with the Donmar Warehouse, attend National Theatre Workshops, see a number of productions in the West  End and major arts venues, complete community work (e.g. crewing community events in Wimbledon).

This year students have taken part in the National Theatre Backstage tour and will visit the National Theatre Prop and Costume Departments later in the course. 

There are also opportunities to make links with and receive high quality training from London-based arts companies and specialist professional practitioners.  An example of one such opportunity is attending TheatreCraft, the country's biggest technical theatre careers fair.

In recent years we have supported students to secure work experience placements at the Donmar Warehouse and the Polka Theatre.