Level 2 Diploma in Performing and Production Arts (Live Events and Theatre Production)

This course provides an exciting and hands-on introduction into the world of live events and the backstage theatre industries.

The course supports college performances, productions, events and external live briefs throughout the year. Students learn a wide range of production skills and are able to specialise in more specific skills for progression to Level 3 Performing and Production Arts.

Working initially as a crew member, students will be introduced to staging, health and safety, lighting design, sound design and set design. Students will work with a range of hardware such as the GrandMa lighting desk, intelligent lighting fixtures, vision mixers, video cameras and a range of digital sound mixing desks.

The diploma supports you to develop practical skills, industry knowledge and transferable qualities through collaborative and vocational learning. It is suitable if you are interested in the creative industries and want to build confidence, experience and readiness for progression into further study or employment. Throughout the course, you will be introduced to activities essential to performing and production arts, including backstage setting, rehearsal processes, skill development and the importance of collaboration. 

You will explore the wide range of roles and responsibilities within the performing and production arts sector, including the importance of health and safety and the personal and professional behaviours expected in creative industries. Communication skills form a key part of the course, helping you develop confidence in engaging with audiences and contributing effectively to staged performances. 

The course also offers opportunities to demonstrate your learning through the production of staged performance work. You will research the history and context of performing and production arts and learn how contextual research informs creative practice. As the course progresses, you will build on existing skills and begin to explore more specific techniques for both performance and production. A final major project allows you to take greater responsibility for managing your own work and developing an area of personal interest. 

By the end of the course, you will have developed creativity, collaboration, self‑reliance and adaptability, supporting progression to Level 3 Performing and Production Arts or continued training within the creative sector.