Free BTEC Level 3 Production Arts Course in Truro. Classes run at Truro College, full-time during the day. This two-year course covers the technical and creative skills behind live events, theatre, film, and music productions. You'll explore sound, lighting, stage management, set design, and production management. The course is free if you're 16 to 18 years old. Entry requires four GCSEs at Grade 4, including English Language or Literature and/or Maths.
Who this course is for
Creative industries are rapidly expanding in the UK and if you have ever envied the sound engineer, found yourself gazing at the lighting rig, or wondered what is going on backstage then this is the course for you.
For every music, theatre, and film production, for every exhibition, conference, community or corporate event, there are a whole team of backstage artists, designers, engineers, producers, managers, technicians, and crew. This course will allow you to develop the necessary skills to be able to assist backstage in a range of events. You will be taught with industry-standard equipment, and the opportunity to work on a variety of real events alongside your studies. Your achievement in this subject is dependent upon excellent attendance, teamwork, punctuality, and effort. You will learn in a friendly atmosphere, using a variety of assessment methods. Practical assessments are at the centre of course design and delivery.
Entry requirements
You will need four GCSEs at Grade 4 to include either English Language (or Literature) and/or Maths. A Level 2 Diploma at Merit in an appropriate subject can also be considered (plus GCSE English and/or Maths). Previous experience of backstage production would be beneficial.
What you will learn
You'll develop skills in stage lighting design and operation
You'll learn sound engineering techniques for live and recorded productions
You'll explore set design, construction, and scenic art
You'll study production management and event planning
You'll practise stage management and backstage crew coordination
You'll work on real productions to apply technical skills in context
You'll understand health and safety requirements for live production environments
How you will learn
Learning is classroom based and practical, combining studio and workshop sessions with hands-on production work. Assessment is through assignments, projects, and portfolio evidence rather than written exams. You'll build a body of work across the two years that demonstrates your skills in different production disciplines. Some units are assessed through observed practical performance in live or simulated production settings.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Truro College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Stage manager, coordinating all elements of a live production
Lighting technician, operating and programming lighting rigs
Sound engineer, managing audio for live events and recordings
Set designer or scenic artist, creating visual environments for productions
Production manager, overseeing logistics for events and shows
Backstage crew member, supporting touring theatre or live music
Events technician, working on conferences, exhibitions, and corporate events
What you could study next
BA (Hons) in Theatre Production or Technical Theatre, offered at many UK universities and conservatoires, deepens specialist skills in a chosen discipline.
HNC or HND in Performing Arts or Creative Industries, a shorter higher education route into technical or production roles.
Apprenticeship in Live Events and Promotion, combining paid work with structured training in a professional production environment.
