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Free Level 3 Production Arts Course in Canterbury

CostFREE
Duration360 hours
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 3 Production Arts Course in Canterbury. Classes run at The Canterbury Academy.

The course is full-time and covers the technical side of live performance. Around 360 hours of study take you through lighting design, set and prop construction, costume making, make-up, and stage management. You'll work on real productions, including musicals, plays, dance shows, and concerts. Entry is preferably with a GCSE grade 6 in Music or a BTEC Level 2 Performing Arts or Drama qualification at Merit or above.

You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Diploma in Production Arts.

Who this course is for

The Technical Theatre Programme is CPA's greatest asset to support the tremendous amount of musicals, plays, dance shows and music concerts we put on throughout the sets and props, design and operate a theatrical lighting rig, design and create costumes and make up, as year. This course is ideal for students who are interested in working 'backstage' in the world of professional theatre. Students studying on the CPA Technical Theatre Programme will learn how to design and build well as the organizational skills of Stage Management. In their second year, students will be able to specialize on specific professions and skills within Production Arts (Costume, Set Design, Stage Management, Sound Technology, Lighting Design and Operation, and Arts Management). Students must show a passion for theatre, in particular working as part of a team to mount a production. Experience is desired but not mandatory. As well as the practical aspects of learning, students will conduct written research tasks to demonstrate their knowledge of the specifications of the equipment they are using during productions.

Entry requirements

Preferably, a GCSE 6 grade in Music or a BTEC Level 2 Performing Arts / Drama qualification at Merit or above. A keen interest in theatre technology and careers in the performing arts industry in general is also desirable.

What you will learn

  • You'll design and operate a theatrical lighting rig.
  • You'll design and build sets and props for live productions.
  • You'll create costumes and apply stage make-up.
  • You'll support the organisation of musicals, plays, dance shows, and concerts.
  • You'll develop skills in theatre technology used in professional venues.
  • You'll gain experience working backstage on full-scale productions.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions and hands-on practical work on productions at The Canterbury Academy. Assessment is through coursework, project work, and practical tasks completed during live shows and events. You'll build a portfolio of work across the course to demonstrate your skills in lighting, set design, costume, and stage management.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. The Canterbury Academy will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Lighting technician, operates lighting rigs for theatre and live events.
  • Stage manager, coordinates all technical elements of a production.
  • Set designer, creates and builds stage sets for theatre companies.
  • Costume technician, makes and maintains costumes for productions.
  • Make-up artist, applies stage and theatrical make-up for performers.
  • Production assistant, supports the technical crew on live shows.
  • Theatre technician, maintains and operates technical equipment backstage.

What you could study next

  • Higher National Certificate or Diploma in Performing Arts or Technical Theatre, for deeper specialist training at Level 4 or 5.
  • Degree in Theatre Production or Stage Management, for those aiming for senior production roles.
  • Apprenticeship in Creative and Cultural Skills, combining paid work with structured training in a live venue or production company.
Apply on kentprospectus.co.uk →
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