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Free BTEC Level 3 Production Arts Course in Burton-on-Trent

CostFREE
Duration36 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Free BTEC Level 3 Production Arts Course in Burton-on-Trent. Classes run at Burton Town Centre Campus, full-time over 36 weeks. This is a non-performing course focused on the technical and backstage side of live productions. You'll develop skills in lighting, sound, make-up, costume, and set design. Workshops and theory sessions cover stage management, team roles, and working with different production types, from musical theatre to community shows. You'll work on live briefs and in-house performances alongside acting, dance, and musical theatre students. To apply, you'll need at least four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English or maths, or an equivalent Level 2 qualification.

Who this course is for

This course will allow you to develop skills within the performing arts industry that explore the technical stage management elements from the backstage production team (the course is a non-performing course). You will explore and develop knowledge through workshops and theory sessions, using technical, process and design skills. You will understand stage management in different contexts and team roles related to a production. You will work with a range of technology and prepare for different stage settings and audiences, such as musical and immersive theatre, acting or dance shows and community theatre. You will develop lighting, sound, make-up, costume and set design skills by working on live briefs and performances in a real work environment and being assigned job roles for each performance. Learners will work alongside Acting, Musical Theatre and Dance pathways to engage and understand the industry and specialist areas within performing arts. You will also have the opportunity to work on in-house productions and performances.

Entry requirements

Applicants will be expected to have a minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade 4 including either English or maths (or) A level 2 subject specific qualification including a level 2 or equivalent in either English or maths (or) An equivalent occupational experience including a level 2 or equivalent in either English or maths

What you will learn

  • You'll develop lighting, sound, make-up, costume, and set design skills through live productions.
  • You'll learn stage management techniques across different performance contexts.
  • You'll understand backstage team roles and how productions are organised and run.
  • You'll work with technical equipment and prepare stage settings for different audiences and show types.
  • You'll apply design and process skills through workshops and theory sessions.
  • You'll gain experience working on live briefs and in-house performances alongside performing arts students.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a mix of practical workshops and theory sessions in the classroom. Assessment is through assignments, live briefs, and performance projects. You'll be assigned job roles for real productions, giving you hands-on experience of backstage and technical work. You'll also work alongside acting, musical theatre, and dance students on in-house shows.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Burton Town Centre Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Stage manager, coordinating all technical elements of a live production
  • Lighting technician, operating and programming stage lighting rigs
  • Sound technician, managing audio for live performances and events
  • Set designer, creating and building stage environments for productions
  • Costume assistant, supporting wardrobe for theatre and live shows
  • Make-up artist, working on productions in theatre or live events
  • Production assistant, supporting the backstage team on touring or venue shows

What you could study next

A Level 3 Extended Diploma in Production Arts or a related performing arts subject lets you deepen your specialism before moving into work or higher education. A Higher National Certificate (HNC) or degree in Technical Theatre, Stage Management, or Production Design is a natural next step if you want to work at a higher level in the industry. Some learners also pursue specialist training in lighting design, sound engineering, or costume and set design.

Apply on bsdc.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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