Only available to those who are joining at aged 16, this course is a stepping stone to a backstage career in the theatre and related industries.
You will study a wide range of skills in set design, costume, lighting and sound along with stage and production management. This course will give you the foundation you need to pursue a career in the performing arts industries. Students typically progress into apprenticeships, Higher Education or direct entry into the profession.
The BRIT School offers extensive theatre facilities, giving you the chance to learn and develop a wide range of practical skills. The course is staffed by experienced theatre professionals and much of the learning is delivered through work on fully realised productions. The experience you will gain on this course will prepare you for a career in Production Arts and production design. At the end of the two year course you will achieve a UAL, Level 3 Extended Diploma in Production Arts, equivalent to three A levels.
Want to start your journey towards an exciting career in professional hair and make-up? Interested in using your skills for TV, theatre or photography? Our Hair and Media Make-up college course will get you working hands-on to give you an excellent foundation in these areas for further study and for future jobs in the media make-up industry.
Working in this field not only requires creative flair and technical ability, but you must also like working with people, have patience and value attention to detail. This make-up and hair course will guide you through practical training such as applying make-up, body art design, skin tanning and hair styling, as well as arming you with essential knowledge for effective client care and best health and safety practice.
By completing this course, you will set yourself on the way to a wide variety of careers in the industry. Demand is rapidly increasing for professionals who can provide creative hairdressing and make-up skills in a range of areas, from screen and stage productions to photographic work and face painting.
If you’ve ever dreamed of working in hair and make-up for film, TV and theatre, this is the course for you. Our Theatrical Media Make-up college course will teach you the specialist techniques you need to get started on your way to an exciting career in a range of creative and dynamic industries.
Our Level 3 media make-up course covers every aspect of advanced make-up techniques for stage and screen alongside other media purposes. Studying in our cutting-edge make-up studios at University College Birmingham, you will learn basic hairdressing, media make-up, wigs and postiche, as well as cosmetic camouflage and applying airbrush make-up.
Thanks to our excellent links with the industry, you will have the chance to gain real-life experience on work placements with theatre companies and a range of other practical opportunities. On completing the course, you will have a wealth of options for working within the industry or taking on further study towards your ideal career.
The Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Theatrical, Special Effects and Media Make-up Artistry provides you with specialist practical skills and knowledge which will equip you to seek employment or progression within the theatrical and media make-up industry.
This qualification is aimed at you if you are looking to work in the theatrical and media make-up industry. This qualification covers a very wide range of skills and knowledge required for working in the Theatrical and Media Make-up industry. Achievement of this qualification demonstrates to an employer that you have the necessary advanced technical skills to be employed as a Theatrical and Media Make-up Artist. You are likely to choose this qualification if you want to cover all of the advanced skills and knowledge needed to work as a Theatrical and Media Make-up artist. The areas covered in this qualification will give you a wider range of advanced techniques and also further progression or employment opportunities.
You will study the following content:
Level up your skills in Theatrical and Media Makeup with a Level 3 qualification at Hugh Baird College. This is a technical qualification for anyone that wants to pursue a career providing hair and Makeup services in the film, TV, theatre and fashion industries. Push your creative boundaries and explore your options in this exciting space.
You’ll advance on the skills learned in the Media Makeup Level 2 course, with new technical modules including media Makeup, wigs and creative prosthetics (SFX). This course delves into fashion and editorial styles, where you’ll add skills like camouflage (covering up scars and tattoos), theatrical Makeup, period hair and Makeup, and advanced face and body art to your portfolio. You’ll also get to grips with current tools and equipment, with a focus on airbrushing to high industry standards.
The Level 3 Theatrical and Media Makeup course balances practical learning with theory. The theory arm comprises health and safety, anatomy and physiology, and cosmetic Makeup science.
A favourite unit among students, you’ll get the opportunity to build a total character. You’ll bring a particular concept to life, taking ownership of everything from face casting to sculpting, and creating and applying prosthetic pieces. You’ll be expected to blend your character’s face with Makeup and a wig or bald cap, and present your work in your portfolio.
Hugh Baird College students get the opportunity to take part in regional competitions across a range of categories, including bridal Makeup, editorial Makeup, face and body art, and face painting.
Beyond the classroom, you’ll get to visit art galleries and theatres for character development inspiration. We’re big on community at Hugh Baird College, so you can get involved in local events to see how they run, such as Halloween events and shows in Sefton Park.
A workspace and development programme opening this June: empowering self-made freelancers and entrepreneurs aged 18-30 working in the creative industries.
Membership to Roundhouse Works is more than just desk space. We offer bespoke support and training to support your career and business goals, plus talks, events, networking and more.
Whether you need help developing a business plan, building your brand or just understanding your next tax bill, our hands-on staff and tailored skills programme will help you to thrive as you navigate business and the creative industries.
Are you 16-29 years old or a full time student? Enjoy live music? Interested in discounted tickets? Become an Under 30s member for free, and enjoy performances across Opera North, the Howard Assembly Room and Kirklees Concert Season!
Why should I join?
- Invitations to U30 event nights and exclusive members events, where you'll meet others who love live music
- Get £10 tickets to Opera North's Operas. In Leeds if you're aged 16-20 your tickets to the opera are free
- £4 tickets for the Kirklees Concert Season
- £10 tickets to selected events in the Howard Assembly Room – if standard tickets are £10 or less, you'll save £3 off the price*
- Bring a friend who's in the same age bracket for any of our events, and they'll get the deal too
- Enjoy exclusive food and drink offers at selected bars and restaurants
*Some events have a slightly different set up, but head to the seating plan to discover your discounts.
If you're feeling stuck with your career and want to take positive action, you've come to the right person. Sessions can be booked online via my website, and I offer a free 1-2-1 20-minute Discovery Zoom Call and further Zoom sessions at a discounted rate (please mention #Getintotheatre when booking your Discovery call).
Me? I'm a registered professional career coach with 20 years of entertainment industry and mentoring experience. I've also been a talent manager for over 10 years as the managing director of Reflections Talent Agency. As part of the talent agency, I have also been a casting director for companies; before that, I was a working actor!
OV Backstage offers paid placements on an Old Vic production to six 18–25 year olds from underrepresented backgrounds in the arts.
Participants shadow an industry professional across 15 paid sessions and get hands-on experience in one of the following disciplines:
- Costume
- Production Management
- Set
- Sound
- Stage Management
The project culminates with a networking session to help participants take the next steps in their careers.
Each participant will receive a fee for taking part in the programme. Additional support for travel costs is available if required.
We aim to deliver a mentoring programme to a select number of participants to allow for deeper conversation, support and unique opportunities.
Mentoring programme aims:
- Improve access, education and progression opportunities for the next generation of black theatre talent.
- Provide young people with insight into theatre and the breadth of career opportunities available within the industry.
- Age specific guidance in three groups: 12-15 years, 16-18 years and 19-21 years, with mentors to provide ongoing support for young people to navigate their education and/or career.
Content explored:
- Black British Theatre history
- Contemporary jazz workshop
- Acting through song masterclass
- Lighting & sound workshop
- Costume & set design workshop
- Industry panel Q&A
