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Level 3 Production Arts Course in Merton for 16 to 18 Year Olds

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

A sixth-form course for 16 to 18 year olds. Aged 19 or over? See Performing Arts Courses in Merton.

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About this course

Free Level 3 Production Arts Course in Merton. Classes run at Ricards Lodge High School, full-time over two years.

The course covers lighting, sound, set design, construction, and stage crewing. You can shape it around your own interests and strengths. It sits alongside A Levels or BTECs in subjects like Art, Drama, Media, or Product Design. You'll need a Grade 4 GCSE in Drama, Art, or a Design Technology subject, or a Merit at BTEC Performing or Production Arts Level 2.

You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel Subsidiary Diploma in Production Arts.

Who this course is for

This course will give you insight into the varied employment opportunities in the production arts industry such as lighting, sound, set design and construction or crewing. The course can be adapted to your interests, abilities and aspirations. The Subsidiary Diploma (Stage Management) is equivalent to one A level. Students could combine Production Arts with courses such as - A Levels/BTEC in Art, Photography, Product Design, Media, Drama and Theatre Studies, English Literature etc. They could also combine the course with other BTEC’s such as Music, Performing Arts Acting or Performing Arts Dance. Having a understanding of technical theatre is a valuable skill for any performer and these skills are desirable for students applying for performing arts courses at universities or specialist performance schools.

Entry requirements

GCSE in Drama / or Art /or in a Design Technology subject at Grade 4, or Merit profile at BTEC Performing or Production Arts Level 2. In exceptional circumstances, students who have not previously studied these subjects may be admitted if they show a particular aptitude and enthusiasm for the subject. Applicants will be invited to attend an additional interview with portfolio - specific details for this will be sent on receipt of application.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop practical skills in stage lighting design and operation.
  • You'll learn sound design and audio equipment operation for live performance.
  • You'll explore set design and scenic construction techniques.
  • You'll practise stage management and crewing for productions.
  • You'll build an understanding of the production arts industry and its roles.
  • You'll develop a portfolio of practical work across your chosen specialism.

How you will learn

You'll learn through practical, hands-on sessions in the classroom and on stage. Assessment is based on coursework, practical projects, and portfolio evidence. You'll work on real productions and tasks that reflect the production arts industry. Applicants are invited to an interview and may need to bring a portfolio as part of the application process.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Ricards Lodge High School will confirm anything else you need before you start. At application stage, you will need a passport-sized photograph and your most recent school report.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Stage manager, coordinates all technical elements of a live production.
  • Lighting technician, designs and operates lighting rigs for theatre or events.
  • Sound technician, manages audio equipment for live performances.
  • Set designer, creates and builds stage environments for productions.
  • Production assistant, supports the technical team on stage and film sets.
  • Theatre crew member, handles rigging, props, and backstage logistics.
  • Events technician, provides technical support for concerts and live events.

What you could study next

  • A Level Drama and Theatre Studies, deepens your understanding of performance and production.
  • BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Performing Arts, a broader performing arts qualification at the same level.
  • Level 4 or Level 5 Higher National Certificate or Diploma in Production Arts or Technical Theatre, the next step toward a degree or industry role.
  • A degree in Technical Theatre, Stage Management, or Production Design at a specialist conservatoire or university.
Apply on ricardslodge.merton.sch.uk →
Apply now →

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