Technical Theatre (Higher National Diploma)

Level 6 NQAI
Equivalence
FETAC Code: EPATD

The aim of this two year course in technical theatre is to provide the student with the skills and experience necessary for employment in professional theatre. The course should appeal to those who are interested in backstage work, stage management, lighting, sound or construction.

Description

We offer two major awards in the technical theatre department. The FETAC Level 5 award in Theatre Production and the BTEC Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts (Production). Students have the opportunity over the two years of the course to specialise in any of three major areas:

• Stage Management
• Sound and Lighting
• Set Design and Construction

Students are encouraged to gain skills in all aspects of stagecraft and technical theatre. Practical experience is to be gained by students supporting the college’s Performance and Dance productions. Work experience and professional placements are arranged, as appropriate, for second year students.

Course assessment is by project work, continual assessment and examinations. Emphasis is placed on the practical aspects of the course and the student’s ability to work as part of a team. Students must pass all areas of the first year programme to progress into the second year.

Course Content

FETAC Modules:

• Theatre studies
• Stage Management and Administration
• Technical Skills for Theatre
• Production Design for Theatre
• Communications
• Work Experience
• Sound Engineering and Production
• TV and Video Production
• Wigcraft and Maintenance
• Computer Aided Drafting (2D)
• Business Administration
• Web Authoring
• Spreadsheet Methods
• Word Processing
• Event Production

BTEC Units:

• Basic Staging
• Sound Design
• Workshop Construction Skills
• Costume Design
• Lighting Design
• Stage Management
• Set Design
• Small scale Touring
• Small Scale Company Management
• Music Notation
• Contextual Studies
• Arts Management
• Professional Practice
• Process and Production
• Project Realisation
• Research

Course content may be revised for educational or organisational reasons

Certification

The course is certified by the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee and FETAC. Successful students qualify for BTEC Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts (Production).

Progression

Many students have found this course to be an ideal platform for a career in the challenging and enjoyable arena of professional theatre.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and have reached Leaving Certificate standard. Applicants must show a keen interest in the Vocational area. Entry to the course is by interview.

Course Director

Colm O’Driscoll

When Sarah Kivlehan completed her secondary education in Sligo, she enrolled on the Technical Theatre course in Inchicore. She was an enthusiastic student on the programme and played a major role in the staging of many productions in both the College and in other venues in the city.

Since graduating she has worked in the Technical Management Staff at the Olympia Theatre, Dublin and has been the chief lighting technician for the Riverdance tour.