Our Theatre & Event Technology programmes enable students to enter the live events industry, which presents fantastic and numerous employment opportunities; the chance to travel the world, to be at the forefront of a creative Industry responsible for iconic events such as the opening of the London Olympic Games, Glastonbury and West End Shows and to support the many local organisations that need the specific skills set of a production specialist.
Our Theatre & Event Technology department has an outstanding record of students progressing to leading training organisations from LIPA, Royal Central, LAMDA, and Guildhall.
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Hear from our students, tutors & alumni on our Theatre & Event Technology playlist.
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Many students have also directly entered the workforce to paid employment locally at The Brewery Arts Centre; The Old Laundry Theatre; Kendal Town Hall and Leisure Centre, The Platform (Morecambe), The Grand and The Dukes in Lancaster, Kendal Calling Festival, Kendal Mountain Festival, The Lakes International Comic Art Festival, and Internationally for Autograph who supply PA systems in London’s West End theatres; Disney, Adlib Sound and Lighting (Liverpool); and touring with Ellie Goulding, Jack Whitehall and Ed Sheeran as a small sample!
This course is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge & experience they need to develop successful and long-lasting careers in events, theatre, and live music. Students are given a grounding in the four core disciplines: stage management, scenic construction, lighting & sound through classes in production management, lighting (including design), rigging, sound (studio and live), set design, scenic construction & health & safety.
Practical experience is at the forefront of the training, with students supporting all the internal performance events, from Scare at Halloween to full-scale musicals, theatre productions and music events.
The many years of relationships built by the theatre arts tutors result in students getting involved in a wide range of external professional events such as the Lakes International Comic Arts Festival, Kendal Mountain Festival and partnering with venues and organisations like The Brewery Arts Centre and The Old Laundry.
The department utilises dedicated performance spaces, The Box and the new Wildman Street Studios, which boast top-of-the-range technical facilities and industry-standard equipment specially designed to host theatre and events. Our passionate industry-trained tutors have a wealth of professional experience and strong industry links.
I’ve always had a love for theatre, the escapism and storytelling it brings and the way that the lighting, set and sound transports you into the moment. We are treated as young professionals, our creativity and ideas are valued. We experience all the different specialisms to get an insight into the industry. We’ve had lots of opportunities to visit theatres and network with professionals in the industry through workshops and talks. I’m looking at universities in London to study theatre technology and stage management.
Hattie Pilling, Theatre & Event Technology Level 3
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Meet your tutor
Glen Hamner
Read MoreI studied Musical Theatre at Buckinghamshire New University after studying Performing Arts here at Kendal College. I worked in a wide variety of different styles of performance and production during my time in London and founded my own theatre company directing primarily musical theatre productions. Studying at college enables you to meet like-minded people, develop your skills in an environment that celebrates creativity, and form friendships that will continue with you and give you vital connections in the industry. Don’t be afraid to embrace new experiences, you never know where they may lead!
Meet your tutor
Alistair Nicholson
Read MoreHaving studied at Kendal College myself, I understand the importance of gaining the wealth of knowledge and experience to prepare you for working in the industry or university. Kendal College played a part in developing my skills ready me for university and working in the industry. After university, I decided to take the fantastic opportunity to work in London. I freelanced as a Lighting and Theatre Technician at the following venues & companies: Sadler’s Wells, Royal Court London, The Place, Royal Opera House. My responsibilities varied from rigging, focusing and programming lights, operating lighting and sound for various performances, maintaining equipment and managing casual staff. After working in London for 18 months, I moved back to the North West and worked at; Royal Exchange Manchester, Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse and Lite Alternative. Before joining Kendal College, I was working full time at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick.
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This course will introduce you to all aspects of production for live performance such as: Dance shows, Festivals, Corporate Events, Music Gigs, Musical and Theatre shows. Throughout the course you will develop the necessary skills to work in this exciting and ever-changing industry.
This course will introduce you to all aspects of production for live performance such as: Dance shows, Festivals, Corporate Events, Music Gigs, Musical and Theatre shows. Throughout the course you will develop the necessary skills to work in this exciting and ever-changing industry.
This T-Level course aims to prepare students for progression to employment or further study in the occupational specialism of Events and Venue Technician. Students will have 80% in college and 20% on the job, with a significant industry placement included in the course.
