Bath Spa University

This page may contain additional navigation below.

Theatre Production

This course offers a totally unique opportunity within UK Higher Education. In association with Bath Spa Live the programme gives you the chance to study in a 'proto professional' environment, which is underpinned by strong and demonstrable links with industry.

For more information about this course please visit the School of Music and Performing Arts website.

The course is run across a variety of venues, including Theatre Royal's Main House, Bath, Ustinov Studio, and The Egg, as well as our two campus venues, The University Theatre, The Michael Tippett Centre, and our new Arts Centre, Burdall's Yard in Bath city centre.  The Theatre Royal is one of the most important and prestigious theatres in the UK outside London.

You will be introduced to virtually all of the disciplines involved in the mounting of professional performances, including lighting and sound, stage management, scenic construction and design, props and wardrobe, rigging, flying and special effects, computer-aided design and production management.

The course is led by vastly experienced industry practitioners. Course Leader Michael Budmani was a Stage Manager for the RSC, Birmingham Royal Ballet and Scottish Opera, where he latterly became Head of Technical. Lecturer Rob Sayer is one of Britain's most experienced and respected Lighting practitioners, and is the author and editor of On Stage Lighting,, an article website bringing the reality of professional stage lighting in the 21st century to those eager to learn more. Now known as a significant body of work for anyone interested in show lighting, On Stage Lighting enjoys tens of thousands of visitors per month, high profile contributors from the lighting world and even a few big name readers too.

Projects set are very comprehensive and of real use. It is clear that attention has been paid to what the profession says it wants from graduates.  Links with outside theatres are developing with great speed... This is such an important element for the right people.

External Examiners Report 2008-2009.

...development with outside partners like the Egg (Theatre Royal, Bath) and Salisbury Playhouse should be seen as proof that students are offering the required levels of skills to enter the industry.  Strengths are certainly links and partnerships with outside professional companies.

External Examiners Report 2009-2010.

Course Structure and Content

Over the 3 year programme, students will be introduced to virtually all of the disciplines involved in the mounting of professional performances, including lighting and sound, stage management, scenic construction and design, props and wardrobe, rigging, flying and special effects, computer-aided design and costume.

Year 1 (Core Skill Acquisition)

During the first year of the course you will study the following modules:

• Stage Management & Production Process;
• An Introduction to Stage Lighting, Sound and AV;
• Stagecraft (Construction Methods & Practice);
• An Introduction to Scenic & Costume Design.

You will be taught in a lecture and practical workshop basis, with the opportunity to work on productions, both internal and external, towards the end of the year.

Year 2 (Working on Productions)

Year 2 study is largely focussed on production work, both within and without the University. Modules studied are:

• Stage Management;
• Lighting, Sound and AV;
• Construction.

You will undertake a variety of production-based roles including Stage Manager, Deputy Stage Manager, Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, Chief Electrician, Sound Technician, Prop Maker, Technical Stage Manager, Costume Technician and Head of Construction.

Year 3 (Industry Integration and Production Leadership)

• Design & Construction;
• Lighting, Sound and AV Design;
• Applied Management in Theatre Production;
• Meeting Industry.

In Year 3, the student will take on an increasing level of responsibility, allowing them to provide leadership on a variety of productions and projects. Production roles include those of Costume Designer, Scenic Designer, Lighting Designer (Large Scale), Sound Designer and Production Manager. There is increasing interaction with the professional theatre industry, culminating in a professional industry work placement of four weeks. Professional placements are available at Salisbury Playhouse and Theatre Royal Bath, amongst many more.

Construction of Miss Havisham's room for a production of Great Expectations.

Teaching Methods and Resources

Particular emphasis is placed on project and production work, with students also undertaking practical workshops, seminars and directed study.

All lecturers are leading specialist Theatre Production practitioners, ensuring that your learning is to current industry standard.

The course is run across a variety of venues, including Theatre Royal, Bath one of the most important theatres in the UK outside London. Students will support production work across its three venues - Main House, the Ustinov Studio and The Egg - as well as the University Theatre and Michael Tippett Centre concert at Newton Park and our recently acquired Arts Centre, Burdalls Yard, within Bath City Centre.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is largely by coursework including practical work, presentations, evaluations, group projects, individual reports and written assignments. There are currently no written exams on this course.

Typical Offers

240-280 UCAS Tariff points (eg BCC; BB+ASa), plus a demonstrable interest in some aspect of theatre production.