Technical Arts for Theatre and Screen
Technical arts for theatre and screen is a discipline focused on the craft skills, design principles and technical knowledge that bring theatrical and screen productions to life behind the visible surface of performance. Scenic construction and painting, prop-making, costume construction, wigs and make-up, special effects, rigging and stage management are all part of the territory, as are the technical systems of lighting, sound and automation that underpin live performance. Without skilled technical artists, the visions of directors, designers and writers cannot be realised, and the technical arts are the hidden engine of every professional theatre, film and television production.
University of the Arts London's programme in technical arts for theatre and screen runs over three years full time and includes a sandwich year with embedded work placement opportunities, giving you direct professional experience in the theatre and screen industries alongside your academic studies. UAL's position in London, with exceptional proximity to the West End, film and television studios, opera houses, touring companies and fringe venues, gives students access to a unique professional environment during their studies. The typical entry tariff is around 136 UCAS points.
You will develop specialist skills in at least one technical discipline, whether scenic construction, costume, make-up and hair, or production technology, alongside a broader understanding of the full range of technical crafts and their coordination on professional productions. Materials knowledge, drawing and design communication, production management principles and professional practice are all likely to feature, and the programme develops your ability to work collaboratively within the creative teams that produce theatre and screen content.
Graduates of technical arts programmes work as scenic artists, prop-makers, costume supervisors, wig-makers, make-up artists, production electricians, sound operators, stage managers and production managers across theatre, film, television, live events and music touring. Many graduates build freelance careers, working across multiple clients and production types. The UAL connection and the work placement experience typically establish professional networks that support employment after graduation.
Postgraduate study in production design, costume, theatre production or arts management is available for those wishing to develop specialist expertise.