• Production Arts.
  • Arts Colleges logo.
  • Production Arts students on sound and lighting desks.
  • Production Arts students setting the scene!.
  • Designing a lighting scheme.
  • A Production Arts student checking lighting before a performance.
  • A Production Arts student operating the sound desk.
  • Inside the 'nerve centre’of sound and light.

Curriculum Leader

Miss Michelle Sinclair

Awarding Body

Pearson Course Specification

Entry Requirements

Drama GCSE or equivalent Performing Arts/Music Technology/Media qualification. Experience in performance or technical theatre desirable. Those with no prior experience or Drama qualification should see the Head of Drama before opting. You must be able to work with others. High levels of attendance and a commitment to working outside lesson time are essential.

Why choose Pearson BTEC National Extended Certificate in Performing Arts?

To complement most other subjects and to improve a wide range of skills. If you are interested in a career in the performing arts, in any technical or support role, or to enhance your opportunities as a performer, then this course will develop your skills in preparation for further study or employment.

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What will I learn in BTEC National Certificate in Production Arts (Year 12) and how will it be assessed?

Technical Stage Operations
Students will develop an understanding of the use and operation of lighting, sound and video equipment. They will then apply their skills to fulfil a role in a performance.
Assessed through a portfolio and practical application of skills.

Students will then study a further two optional units from a choice depending on the interest of candidates opting for the course. These units will allow students to develop and apply their skills in lighting and sound.
Both units assessed through portfolios and practical application of skills.

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What will I learn in BTEC National Subsidiary Diploma in Production Arts (Year 13) and how will it be assessed?

Production Arts Workshop
Students will learn about the technical and support roles in the industry and will then work as a team to develop ideas for a piece based on research, design and control the lighting or sound for a performance and then evaluate their individual performance.
Assessed through a portfolio and practical application of skills.

Students will then study a further two optional units from a choice depending on the interest of candidates opting for the course. These units will allow students to develop and apply their skills in lighting and sound.
Both units assessed through portfolios and practical application of skills

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How will I learn?

You will learn through opportunities to:

• Work independently as part of a team to organise and support a range of performances for a public audience
• Develop your technical theatre skills through lessons and workshops
• Attend workshops to develop skills and knowledge of performing arts
• Gain in depth understanding of the performing arts industry through
research, practice and work experience
• Work in a vocational context using superb facilities and resources

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Performing Arts, Drama, Dance, Expressive Arts, Event Management, Business, any degree course which requires well-developed teamwork, communication, creativity, independence.

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This course is ideal experience for anyone wanting to pursue a career in any aspect of performing arts or for anyone intending to continue to a degree course in any area of the arts. Any career which requires organisational, communication or creative skills would be a good progression route.

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Further Course Information

As part of your course, you will take part in a range of performances and workshops. There are regular opportunities to go on theatre visits and to get involved in school productions.

You will have the opportunity to function as a professional performing arts company. This will include taking part in at least four performances and developing an understanding and a range of skills across the sector. This is an ideal course for any student with an interest in any aspect of the performing arts. There is a voluntary after school coursework club with targeted staff support associated with this course.

This course meets a need in the industry for qualified theatre technicians as there is a current shortage of candidates trained to this level.

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Extra Curricular Opportunities in Production Arts

As part of your course, you will take part in a range of performances and workshops with professionals. There are regular opportunities to go on theatre visits and to get involved in school productions and other events. You will also be offered a range of opportunities to develop your production skills in all aspects of the performance work of McAuley.

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