University Training

[kennethpaulsharp]

Hi im 17 at the moment and already have some knowledge of technical theatre mainly lighting and working with the strand 520i.I have been working in a local theatre of 450 seats for around 5 years and would love to continue in this field of work.My question is have any of you studied recently at any universitys or know of any courses that you could reccomend in order for me to learn about live event technology and also preferably specialise in a aspect of tech theatre in the end ie lighting design.Went to have a look at Dearby and Lipa and they both seem great (especially lipa)-thanks for your help, all comments much apreciated. :)

[wako_jacko]

This has been covered a number of times, and is probobly in the wiki area as well,

 

in terms of what you want, if you want Live event technology - then derby would be your best option

 

lighting design - Lipa, Rada, CSSD, Mountview, Rose bruford, RWCMD etc. there are loads that have courses for Lighting design, some speciast from day 1 e.g CSSD, others general then becoming more specialised as time goes on e.g. Mountview

 

w.

[Jivemaster]

Chris Hinds (member here) did well in sound out of a course at Warwick. PM him and discuss. Do you want this to be your course or do you want to do a course at a Uni with a good "centre for the arts" where you can do lights away from your main subject.

 

Remember that Uni is a place where you work hard towards a degree AND play hard towards a fulfilling life, and prob have a part time job to pay for all the expenses!

[Simon Lewis]

Chris Hinds (member here) did well in sound out of a course at Warwick. PM him and discuss.

 

As far as I know, Chris did an engineering degree... and is now working in the aerospace industry! It highlights the fact that a desire and ability to learn the subject can be as important as the course that you study....

[Stupod]

in terms of what you want, if you want Live event technology - then derby would be your best option

 

This topic has indeed been covered many times before . The 'best' course will be largely dependant on the individual and what they want from their degree. In the first instance this could be does the student want a BA (Hons), or BSc (Hons)? Do they want theory, practical or a mix of both, do they want access to a wide variety of venues to make them more employable at the end of their studies, or a drama school where they will learn predominately theatre. Then other questions such as location of the campus, options for employment in the local area in addition to the cost of housing and of course what is the social life like and how active is the Student Union.. All these are valid questions a student should be asking when looking for a University and/or course.

 

Wako_jacko you have made a statement but on what grounds? Comments such as this on an open forum are unhelpful if unstabstanciated :)

[kennethpaulsharp]

Gavin here-im quite interested in a course that will give me a broad range of knowledge in "a bit of everything" but id also like to be able to then specialise in lighting design and technology or something similar.Also the all important employment makes a big difference-I want a job at the end of it!.Thanks for you help so far.

[Frag_Me]

If you are reasonably clued up on "theatrey" things then you might want to look into some of the top drama schools that Waco mentioned, some of those names carry a lot of weight behind them and are well respected.

 

As for a more technical approach then I highly recommend Glamorgan and Derby universities for their courses in this area. I visted both universites and was impressed by what they had to offer - I'm sure if you write or email either of these they would be happy to send you extra information on the courses.

 

Leo

[namchampa]

I have a similar enquiry, although from the other end of the age spectrum!

I'm 37 and would be looking to take training as a mature student.

I've worked in the area of event and stage management on and off for the past few years - either running my own performance night clubs, or else managing productions/performances that have been dance based (my primary area of interest/training is in dance. I did look at Labans new MA for Dance Sceneography, but feel that I need prior design training to take advantage of the course)

 

From experience, I know that I'd like a general training in production, but I would want to specialise in stage design and lighting design. I'm creative, but lack skills to express my ideas - I feel 'mute' at the mo!

 

I have read through the forums and the WIKI link, but wonder if there is any advice ppl would like to give re a course that is perhaps 2, rather than 3 years, and that has a general first year with options to focus on the lx and stage design options? My past academic training is not design based and I have no art training - fine art, 3-D etc.

 

I have this year to prepare for any applications that I choose to make and will try to gain as much experience as possible (not easy as an older person - most volunteer options are for younger ppl, it seems). I'm reading through Scene Design and Stage Lighting:Parker and Wolf, and hope to take an evening class in carpentry and electrics. Any other advice on how I can best use this year?

 

All replies gratefully read!

[Ken Coker]

Moving past the question of whether universities should provide education or training, (see BRs passim), I would think that you would be unlikely to be exempted the first year of a degree course; indeed, given that you are unsure what area of the industry you want to work in I would advise you to take the first year of any degree course. By doing this, you will have more time to acclimatize to university life, the style of learning in such institutions and many other things that seem to escape younger students.

 

CSSD would have been one place worth a look at, although they seem to have stopped the more general courses they used to do. (Happy to be corrected on that one!). They also offer a range of one-year MAs under the banner of Advanced Theatre Practice; it might be that the entry requirements to that programme might be more flexible for a mature student. Don't quote me, I'm just guessing.

 

If you're heading for a design based course I would advise that you put together some kind of portfolio quickly. This can be almost in any format you like, the important thing being that it shows your commitment and interest in the subject area and , most importantly, your ideas: pictures of moments from events you have done; bits of lighting and scenography that speak to you; sketches and drawings; collages. (Have a look at Patrick Woodroffe's storyboards in the R&J book to see how poor artwork can be - however, it tells the story.)

 

Hope that helps. If you see a course that you like the look of, do contact the programme leader. It is hard to imagine that he/she will not welcome your enquiry.

 

KC

[andy_s]

Mountview offers a 2 year fast-track degree course in Technical Theatre, with the opportunity to specialize in various areas in the second year.

 

alternative drama schools are available....I just happen to know about this one as I have their catalogue of graduates on my desk....

 

Ken's distinction between training and education is a very important one and is much debated. It's important to know the difference and be clear on what you want before committing to a course as a mature student. For example, in my own case, I went first to university to be educated in Drama and English, then drama school to be trained in technical theatre arts. The latter has probably been more practical use, but without the former, I'd be a very different sort of theatre practitioner.

[namchampa]

thanks to both of you for your replies.

I wasnt looking to be exempt from a first year, I was thinking more in terms of a fast track as andy_s suggested. (I already hold a BA and MA so remember university life. although it was a while ago, I think id acclimatise quite quickly....I hope!)

 

as re training Vs education, I'd be interested to know where you draw the line - what is the distinction? and what is the reference to 'BRs passim'?

 

I had thought about CSSD but saw on this forum a few references ( I think it was this forum) that suggested its standards had fallen. correct?

[Ken Coker]

thanks to both of you for your replies.

, I was thinking more in terms of a fast track

 

I'd not realised you had previous HE experience. However, if you are not sure of the path you want to go on I still believe giving yourself extra thinking time would be good. Having said that, with both a first degree and an MA you might be better suited to an MA course...something you probably need to talk to tutors about and something that will definitely require some kind of portfolio.

 

I had thought about CSSD but saw on this forum a few references ( I think it was this forum) that suggested its standards had fallen. correct?

 

As you will know from your MA research, going back to primary sources is always a good idea. Insight and opinion is not to be confused

 

as re training Vs education,'?

 

Training: This is how to hang a PAR can

Education: These are ways of thinking what light is, what it does and how to use it.

 

"BR passim" - means, roughly, bloody everywhere in the Blue Room! One is scarcely able to view a topic in the education section of the BR without some old git like me droning on about "training and education". However, to quote PG Wodehouse, "Cosy Moments will not be silenced...".

 

Now it really is time for my nap.

 

KC

[namchampa]

@kc: thanks for the clarification! would you know I was a newbie? ** laughs out loud **

training Vs education - I want both in equal measure, with an emphasis on design.

now what course do you recommend, eh? ** laughs out loud **