Free Level 3 Performing Arts Course in Grays

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body

About this course

Free Level 3 Performing and Production Arts Course in Grays. Classes run at South Essex College of Further and Higher Education. The course is free for UK students under 19 years old who are not in employment.

You'll train for careers in live events, theatre, music, and corporate production. The course covers lighting, sound, set design, stage management, and production skills. You'll also develop performance skills and work on collaborative projects with performance students and external clients. The course runs full-time over two years.

You'll finish with a University of the Arts London Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts.

Who this course is for

This course provides an exciting and hands-on learning experience, preparing students to work in live events and the backstage theatre industries.

Students will learn all aspects of the industry in the college’s state-of-the-art auditorium at the Grays campus, building skills and knowledge in a supportive and energetic environment.

To meet the emerging needs of the entertainment sector, in particular the crucial behind-the-scenes careers that make the magic happen, the course trains young people for the theatre, music, event and corporate sectors.

Students will develop knowledge of lighting, sound and set design whilst enhancing their production and stage management skills. There will be opportunities and projects to work with current performance students at the college and external clients.

Entry requirements

  • Level 2 qualification or GCSEs x 4 at grade 4/C - one to be grade 4/C in ENGLISH OR MATHS dependent on vocational subject to be studied
  • A relevant performing arts qualification is desirable, but not essential
  • Successful attendance at interview event

What you will learn

  • You'll develop skills in lighting design and operation for live events and theatre.
  • You'll learn sound design and audio production techniques.
  • You'll study set design and the principles of staging.
  • You'll build stage management and production coordination skills.
  • You'll explore the principles of performance and how to engage an audience.
  • You'll gain an understanding of professional practice in the entertainment industry.
  • You'll work on collaborative production projects with performance students and external clients.

How you will learn

You'll learn through hands-on, practical sessions in the college's auditorium. The course is internally assessed and moderated against set assessment criteria, with external moderation also applied. Units cover areas including production skills, performance skills, and professional practice. You'll take part in live projects and work with external clients alongside your classroom study.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. South Essex College of Further and Higher Education will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Stage manager, coordinates all technical and production elements of a live show.
  • Lighting technician, designs and operates lighting rigs for theatre and events.
  • Sound technician, manages audio equipment for live performances and events.
  • Set designer, creates and builds stage sets for theatre and live productions.
  • Production assistant, supports the production team on live events and theatre shows.
  • Event technician, provides technical support for corporate and music events.
  • Theatre technician, maintains and operates technical systems backstage.

What you could study next

  • A degree in Theatre Production or Technical Theatre, for deeper specialist training in a chosen area.
  • A degree in Live Events Management, building on production skills for large-scale events.
  • A Higher National Certificate or Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts, a shorter higher-level route into the industry.
  • An apprenticeship in Live Events or Theatre, combining paid work with further structured learning.

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