Technical Arts for Theatre and Performance (Hons) University of the Arts London (UAL)

Overview

The BA Technical Arts for Theatre and Performance (Hons) course at the University of the Arts London (UAL) introduces you to a wide range of processes, techniques and practices within this field. The course covers 4 key areas: 

• Concept and design
• Materials used within the field
• Design fabrication and assembly
• Interactive and applied technical arts practices 

You will experience a range of techniques used within current industry. This will enable you to select and use appropriate methods and materials.  

You will learn the art of efficiently developing suitable prototypes for the field and be able select the most effective way of realising a variety of design ideas as you progress through your studies. 

Alongside practical work you will also look at creative research theories. These will include a scenographic approach to understanding objects in the contexts of environments and audiences. This will expand your knowledge of industry practices and extend your own ideas to place them within a wider field of performance making. 

Your progression through the course will introduce you to current industry modes of making and designing. This will be complimented by trips to professional technical arts based production studios within the field of entertainment. 

You will have an opportunity to define and refine your specialist area of interest so that you finish the course with a creative technical practice. 

What to expect 

• An introduction to a range of unique and specialist skills, technical knowledge and understanding
• To be taught by highly experienced professional practitioners
• To encounter practice in areas such as mechatronics, electronics and animatronics
• Sculpting, moulding, casting
• Fabrication using analogue and digital techniques such as 3D printing
• Painting and finishing techniques
• Experimentation within staging, scenographic context and design
• Prosthetics for the cultural industries
• To develop your conceptual, creative, critical thinking
• Collaboration with other design and performance courses and professionals
• Visits to industry studios and workshops
• Have access to Wimbledon's shared workshops. View the Wimbledon facilities

Work experience and opportunities 

Work placements are a key feature during the second year of this course, providing essential links for students’ graduate careers within industry and beyond. Students may have the opportunity to visit London television and film studios, scenic workshops, prop houses, makers and suppliers.