BA (Hons) Technical Theatre

[gherriott]

I have recently been accepted into Mountview Acadamy of Arts in London, to study BA (Hons) in technical theatre. This course covers everything from, scenic painting, to lighting, to sound, to score reading. My question here is, on a two year course, where the 90% of the second year is basically spent in work experience, would you as an employer for a newly graduated technician, prefer this to that of a more specialised degree? Does having a broader training limit myself in gaining a specialised job for example applying for a lighting programmer or assistant designer role?

 

Any thoughts appreciated.

 

PS...please feel free to merge with another topic if you feel this has relevance elsewhere.

[Bryson]

There's a ton of stuff around about whether or not a degree is the "right" way, so I'll leave that, and ask everyone else to do so as well.

 

Your question is: Is a more general or a more "focussed" (pun intended) approach better if following the degree path?

 

It somewhat depends on what subsector you're aiming for afterwards (and if you even know the answer to that question). I've found, now that I'm working as a Technical manager, that the broader education basis (my degree is much like the one you describe) is very helpful in managing the areas you haven't worked in during your post-college period. But, if what you want is to specialise entirely in lighting (ie, aim for LD status eventually), then perhaps the more specialised course is the way. If you have no idea, choose the general one. In the long run, the differences in career potential will be slight.

[gherriott]

Yes I was asking more about once the degree path is chosen, whether the broader degree is preferred to the specialist one. Obviously I will be undertaking this course, and this topic is really more out of curiosity rather than research for my future uni choices. There always seems to be much debate when it comes to this sort of thing, and I think maybe this is due to the fact that maybe there is no right or wrong in terms of getting into this industry. However, my plan is to after graduating, doing some time in the cruise industry, and so hoping that this course will benefit me rather than hinder me. Any comments?

[paulears]

I think you shouldn't worry. Most people don't actually want 'the content' just the title. Very few people even know the differences between them. They might remember the Yes Minister thing where a 1st from anywhere apart from a very short list of red brick universities doesn't really count. Other people have other classes of degree, from a huge list nowadays. I have a deep suspicion that for somebody in their early twenties, the lack of a degree might get them filtered out of a job where hundreds apply. The qualification for our industry is just a kind of badge of office - the real usefulness of the courses is in how good you will be in the real world. If, on the other hand you want to be a doctor or a dentist, you do rather expect them to be capable, confident and knowledgeable from day one on the ward. We don't expect a newly qualified LD to be any better than their last show, or even know how to use every piece of kit.

 

So take everything the course you choose can give you, do as much real work as you can and I don't see the problem.

 

Most people interviewing nowadays have no idea what really goes on - so that is good for us really.

[3pens]

In my experiance the degree title is completely irrelevant. I know many well established lighting designers who graduated with a English, Languages or Fine Art degree. Employers just look at what real world experiance you have (which is obtainable through Uni). I did did BA technical theatre arts at Middlesex (they acredit the mountview BA technical theatre arts degree anyway!) On reflection I personally would have preferred a more specialist course but it really is down to you and where your interest in technical theatre lies!

 

good luck!

[w/robe]

In my experiance the degree title is completely irrelevant. I know many well established lighting designers who graduated with a English, Languages or Fine Art degree. Employers just look at what real world experiance you have (which is obtainable through Uni).

While this is true I think it is becoming harder and harder for people to get in at the bottom without a relevant qualification. Is it not hard to justify to a potential employer that while you have a burning desire to work in technical theatre you went and did a degree in Flemish.

 

 

I did did BA technical theatre arts at Middlesex (they acredit the mountview BA technical theatre arts degree anyway!)

 

All degrees awarded my 'Drama Schools' have to be accredited by a University (in the case of Mountview's technical course Middlesex) the 2 courses are very, very different and there is absolutely no conection between them.