Course summary

The FdA Live Performance Technical Production programme is an exciting two-year, practical technician training course to introduce and develop the knowledge and skills required to work in the live theatre and live sound industry as a technical crew member. Informed by a team of industry experts in the field of Theatre, Live Music and Live Events, this programme offers a unique opportunity to undertake a course which encourages a holistic approach to technician training, synthesising lighting, sound and stage management for live performance. Throughout the programme you will develop your skills as a lighting operator, lighting designer, sound technician, AV operator, stage manager, and production manager as well as in a range of related production roles to ensure a thorough understanding of what it takes to fully realise a live performance. Your technical skills will be practiced and refined within a variety of work-based situations in The Performance Academy’s 250 seat Peter Sarah Theatre, Music Venue, Studio Theatre and Master Suite recording studios, as you technically support a range of student Dance, Acting, Musical Theatre and Music performances and events. As part of your ‘industry integrated’ Foundation Degree programme, you will experience a range of industry talks, workshops, projects and placements to provide up to date industry knowledge and practical experience. You will have the opportunity to increase your industry confidence as your lighting, sound and stage management skills are transferred to new contexts within regional theatre and music venues across Newcastle. To ensure you are work-ready as you graduate you will experience working at a range of venues such as Dance City, Alphabetti Theatre, Live Theatre, Gosforth Civic Theatre, Durham Gala, The Tyne Theatre, Northern Stage, The Baltic, and Generator, NX, The Cluny 1 & 2, and the Theatre Royal Newcastle. This course is ideally suited to students who will thrive following an intensive practical environment and who are technically minded and enjoy working backstage. You should be inquisitive in the development of your skills, knowledge, creative and leadership abilities. So, if you are keen to develop a breadth of skills and knowledges including sound, lighting, stage management and video then this is the course for you. Previous students from the Performance Academy technical programmes have successful careers in both the music and theatre industries, working within live performance production, as technicians, lighting and sound operators, lighting and sound designers, in addition to related careers in the cultural and creative arts sectors.

This Higher Technical Qualification is approved against occupational standards decided by employers. Learn more about Higher Technical Qualifications.