Free Level 3 Performing Arts Course in Liverpool – The City of Liverpool College Arts Centre – Daytime – Full-time

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start8 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body

About this course

Free Level 3 Performing and Production Arts Course in Liverpool. Classes run at The City of Liverpool College Arts Centre, full-time during the day.

The course covers the backstage world of the entertainment industry. You'll study lighting, sound, video and projection, stage management, set design, scenic construction, and prop making. Throughout the year you'll support live productions including musical theatre, dance shows, music gigs, and film and TV events. The course takes one year to complete at Diploma level, with a second year available to extend your qualification.

You'll need five GCSEs at grades A to C, plus some previous performance or technical experience. You'll finish with a University of the Arts London Diploma in Performing and Production Arts.

Who this course is for

This two year course covers all aspects of the backstage world of the entertainment industry including lighting, sound, video/projection, stage management, set design, scenic construction and prop making. Throughout the academic year you will support a wide range of innovative performances and events including musical theatre/acting productions, music gigs, dance shows and film and TV events. In year one (Diploma) you will cover the technical operation of productions, deputy stage management and assistant stage management plus scenic construction and prop making. In year two (Extended Diploma) you will take responsibility for lighting and sound design, production management, set/props design and complete an extended project of your choice. As well as working on in-house shows you’ll also be given opportunities to work with industry specialists as part of work experience projects.

Entry requirements

5 x GCSE Passes - A-C grades Some previous performance/technical experience If you are unsure of the entry requirements, or if you don't meet the criteria, please contact our Careers Advice and Guidance team who will be happy to help you find the best option for you. Email [email protected] or call 0151 252 3607.

What you will learn

  • You'll operate lighting, sound, and video equipment for live productions.
  • You'll learn the principles of stage management and deputy stage management.
  • You'll develop skills in set design and scenic construction.
  • You'll create props for theatre and live events.
  • You'll support a range of performances, from musical theatre to film and TV events.
  • You'll understand how backstage departments work together on a production.

How you will learn

You'll learn through practical, hands-on work supporting real productions and events at the college. Classroom sessions cover the technical and creative theory behind each discipline. Assessment is through practical projects, portfolio work, and performance support tasks completed across the academic year.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. The City of Liverpool College Arts Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Stage manager, coordinates all technical elements of a live production.
  • Lighting technician, operates and rigs lighting for theatre and events.
  • Sound technician, manages audio for live performances and recordings.
  • Set designer, creates the visual environment for stage productions.
  • Prop maker, builds and sources props for theatre, TV, and film.
  • Production assistant, supports the technical team across live events.
  • Theatre technician, maintains and operates equipment in a venue.

What you could study next

  • Foundation Degree in Theatre Production or Technical Theatre, a natural next step into higher education.
  • BA (Hons) in Stage Management or Production Arts, offered at many conservatoires and universities.
  • Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts (Year 2), deepens your technical specialism before applying to university.

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