Scenic Arts (Construction, Props and Painting) BA (Hons)

You will be introduced to the academic and intellectual skills that you will need for study and professional development. Modules you will undertake during year 1 include but are not limited to:

Materials and Techniques

In seminars, workshops, practical demonstrations, field trips and classes, you will be introduced to the core craft and practical skills required in a range of theatre, events and performance-related industries.

You will also work with a range of software platforms to develop skills relevant to a range of Scenic Arts functions within the theatre, events and performance-related industries.

You will work with tutors to explore and develop your understanding of complementary fields of practice.

Module Options:
Areas of study are likely to include, but are not limited to:
1. Scenic construction and carpentry skills
2. Metal working techniques
3. Scenic painting, materials and techniques
4. Upholstery and soft furnishings
5. Design principles and model making
6. Three-dimensional modelling
7. Prop making and sourcing
8. General drawing skills
9. Technical drawing and drafting skills
10. The use of AutoCAD or other design software
11. Historical accuracy and traditional techniques

Industry Study and Professional Preparation 1

In class, you will be introduced to the business environments, structures, models and hierarchies that exist within the theatre, events and performance related industries.

You will also be introduced to the requirements of the workplace and encouraged to consider possible goals and career paths in a range of fields.

Your skills will be further developed towards a level appropriate to professional work. You will be given experiences that simulate professional contexts. Modules you will undertake during year 2 include but are not limited to:

Advanced Materials and Techniques

With tutorial support and using field trips and independent research to inform your practice, you will further explore the range of advanced materials, techniques and technologies used in theatre, events and performance related industries, being given the opportunity to specialise in a primary area of Scenic Arts, with a secondary specialism in support.

Module Options:
Options for study might include, but are not limited to:
1. Advanced prop making
2. Advanced paint and texturing techniques
3. Scenic construction
4. Automation
5. Stage engineering
6. Venue design and architecture
7. Drapery and fabric skills
8. Make-up and prosthetics
9. The advanced use of AutoCAD or other design software

Primary and secondary options can be articulated in a number of ways. For example, Construction with CAD, or Prop making with Paint Techniques.

Study might take place at a partner institution or with an outside company. It might alternatively take place with a partner international institution or industry organization.

Industry Study and Professional Preparation 2

With briefings and tutorial support, having considered possible goals and career paths in a range of fields, you will go on to further consider relevant business models and environments.

Taking two or three modular options pertinent to your skillsets and ambitions will allow you to focus on particular areas of your chosen industry, conducting research and field work in order to better understand the context in which it exists.

You will have the opportunity to explore an area or areas of your chosen industry by engaging in a short placement or internship, thereby gaining first-hand experience of that environment.

Module Options:
Possible topics could include, but are not limited to:
1. Comparative workshop practices
2. Digital tools
3. Industrial design and implementation
4. Specialist materials
5. Specialist techniques
6. Sustainable practice and environmental impact within the broader arts sector

You are expected to be a self-directed learner at year 3. Module study options include, but are not limited to:

Production Practice 2

You will work on one or more realised projects or productions, either within the College, with a partner organisation, or in industry. Here you will apply your skills, further extending and broadening your knowledge and understanding of Scenic Arts functions, roles, relationships and structures in a variety of contexts.

As you engage with these projects or productions, you will continue to develop your understanding of the sustainability agenda and work within appropriate Health & Safety and other regulatory frameworks.

Indicative Roles:
Depending on scale and scope of project, possible roles could include, but are not limited to:
1. Scenic Workshop Manager
2. Scenic Project Manager
3. Scenic Department Manager
4. Construction Lead
5. Paint Lead
6. Props Lead
7. Prop Maker
8. Designer and builder or maker

These roles might take place on College events or productions, on events or productions at partner institutions, or with an outside company. They might alternatively take place with a partner international institution or industry organization.

You will discuss role options with your programme tutors. You will be expected to take the lead in determining which will be the most appropriate, but the final decision rests with the College.

Industry Study and Professional Preparation 3

With tutorial support, you will further consider business models and environments relevant to your chosen field or fields.

Taking one or two modular options pertinent to your skillset and ambitions will allow you to focus on a particular area of your chosen industry, conducting research and field work in order to better understand the context in which it exists.

You will have the opportunity to explore an area of your chosen industry by engaging in a placement or internship, thereby further developing your understanding of the environment in which it operates.

Module Options:
Possible topics could include, but are not limited to:
1. Scenic Arts and the business environment
2. Legislation and regulation within the wider arts sector
3. Sustainability and environmental considerations within the wider arts sector
4. New materials
5. Developing practices and technologies

In your first year, you will complete around 350 hours of indicative scheduled learning and teaching activities and 850 hours of independent learning on projects, productions, placements or self-directed study. Assessment will be through: Coursework, presentations, assessed tutorials and portfolios

In your second year, you will complete around 160 hours of indicative scheduled learning and teaching activities and 1040 hours of independent learning on projects, productions, placements or self-directed study. Assessment will be through: Coursework, presentations, assessed tutorials and portfolios

In your third year, you will complete around 30 hours of indicative scheduled learning and teaching activities and 1170 hours of independent learning on projects, productions, placements or self-directed study. Assessment will be through: Coursework, presentations, assessed tutorials and portfolios

Scenic Arts Programme Specification