University Centre Leeds (UC Leeds) is celebrating the introduction of two brand-new, two-year foundation degree courses that will give students invaluable real-world training for the backstage and production arts industries. In line with the ethos of UC Leeds, the course’s focuses are in producing highly employable graduates, ready to step into a booming sector that’s eager for creative, practical staff with the right skills and knowledge.
The courses are unique in terms of the state-of-the-art facilities, industry-focused training, and breadth of partnerships that will structure the courses around live collaborative projects while ensuring students have the most relevant skills possible.
The Foundation Degree Production Arts (Technical Theatre & Stage Management) boasts partnerships from the likes of AC Entertainment Technologies, one of the largest single-source providers of equipment for the Entertainment Industry. This course will develop students’ skills in all aspects of lighting, sound, video and stage management.
The second Foundation Degree that’s being launched, Production Arts (Design Realisation for Events, Stage and Screen), has partnerships with EPH Creative, one of the UK’s largest manufacturers and suppliers of themed installations. This practical course will develop students’ skills in costume, scenic arts, and prop making.
Both courses allow for students to specialise in areas that interest them the most while providing sought-after qualifications that will kickstart their career as a production professional such as Pyrotechnic Safety, Mobile Elevated Work Platform training, First Aid at Work, a H&S qualification, etc.
Amongst spending significant time on industry placements, students will have full access to state-of-the-art sponsored facilities in Leeds’ cultural quarter including Leeds Playhouse, Red Ladder’s Albion Works, Prime Studios, EPH Creative’s base at Thorpe Arch, and Leeds Conservatoire.
Paul Graham-Bell, Programme and Production Manager for Theatre Design and Production, said: “we are thrilled to be launching two new Production Arts degrees. The production elements of a show enrich the storytelling, enhance the mood and add spectacle. All under the careful management of our dedicated Stage Management students who will ensure the smooth running of each performance.”
Upon being asked about the course’s partnerships, Paul stated: “We are really excited that our students will get the opportunity to work on live projects. This will include working with the talented performance students at Leeds Conservatoire. We look forward to making some amazing theatre together.”
Students will also attend lessons in the Quarry Hill Campus; home to the professionally equipped Chroma-Q Theatre, construction workshop, costume room, mac suite and recording studios. The BLANK_Gallery on the ground floor, HE library and technical centre are all areas of support and enrichment for the course found at this campus.