Curious about studying Technical Theatre and Production Arts - CertHEat University of Essex? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
Certificate of Higher Education - CertHE
Colchester Campus
Full Time
Oct 2026
1 Year
Based at our Colchester Campus, the course mirrors the first year of training on the BA (Hons) Stage Management degree offered at our Loughton Campus. You’ll pursue high-quality, vocational training that prepares you for entry-level backstage roles in theatre and the wider creative industries, or progression to further undergraduate study.
Why this course?This course offers an intensive, practical introduction to the technical and production skills that underpin live performance. With strong emphasis on learning through doing, you’ll be embedded in production teams from early in the course, gaining hands-on experience in a range of backstage disciplines. You’ll study at our Colchester Campus, home to the fully equipped 200-seat Lakeside Theatre, where you’ll work on public productions and practical projects. Supported by professionally experienced staff, you’ll develop a broad technical skillset while gaining insight into how professional theatre is made. The course also provides clear progression routes, with opportunities to move directly into the second year of training on East 15’s BA (Hons) Stage Management or BA (Hons) Creative Producing (Theatre and Short Film).
Who should apply?- Students seeking a practical, vocational introduction to technical theatre and production arts - Aspiring stage managers and backstage technicians at the beginning of their training - Those interested in construction, lighting, sound, costume, props, or scenic arts - Learners who want a one-year higher education qualification with progression opportunities - Individuals considering further undergraduate study in stage management or creative producing
What you’ll learnThroughout the year, you’ll develop essential skills across the technical theatre landscape through lectures and working on public productions. Areas of training include: - Stage management - Construction and design - Lighting and sound - Costume, prop making and scenic painting
Your learning experience- Practical learning: learn through hands-on involvement in productions from early in the course - Professional facilities: Work at the Lakeside Theatre, workshops, IT suite, seminar rooms, and specialist teaching spaces - Experienced staff: Training delivered by industry professionals with extensive experience - Public productions: Gain real-world experience by supporting performances presented to live audiences - Creative environment: Study at the University of Essex’s 200-acre Colchester Campus, close to regional theatres and arts centres
View Foundation Skills in Lighting and Sound on our Module Directory
View Foundation Skills in Production Arts on our Module Directory
This module will enable you to; take on stage management roles within productions with more responsibility, develop further their understanding of the production process in a professional environment, develop their use of working with a script as a source for information, develop the ability to interpret Design, and apply a range of techniques and practical skills when working on a practical productions
View Stage Management Skills 1 on our Module Directory
Use a working script as a source for scenic information. Use hand and power tools and bench machinery safely. Construct scenery using a range of materials including timber, ironmongery, adhesives, and canvas. Apply a range of techniques in the making of scenery including joinery, fastening and canvassing. Develop relevant computer literacy. Fit up and secure scenery safely, including flown scenery. Move and assemble scenic units safely. Use appropriate theatre and workshop terminology. Use further processes, following construction, required to finish scenery. Understand the use of rehearsal notes. React positively to changes communicated throughout the rehearsal process. Interpret ground plans in relation to staging and rigging. Participate in get-ins, fit-ups, strikes and get-outs.
E Grades/points required
Not currently available, please Contact University for up to date information.
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