FDA TECHNICAL PRODUCTION
Validated by the University of East Anglia
Application Deadline: Aug 3 2026 at 9:00AM
2026/27 Course Fees
Application Fee : FreeUK/ROI Course Fee : £10,330
International Students Course Fee : £19,650
Explore the course:
Course Overview
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Mountview produces over 20 in-house productions each year in our state-of-the-art theatres, giving Technical Production students a vast array of learning experiences.
Our Technical Production training is primarily focussed on sound and lighting, incorporating video and technical stagecraft. Course content includes lighting and sound studio skills, the preparation and management of technical equipment, lighting and sound system design, how to programme and operate desks, video mapping and design, as well as core technical and maintenance skills.
Training includes:
- Hands-on training with contemporary equipment
- Technical stagecraft skills including rigging and flying and installation of live productions
- Sound studio skills including recording and editing technology and techniques
- Lighting studio skills including computerised drafting and visualisation software
- Understanding and designing lighting and sound systems
- Prepping, fitting, and monitoring radio mic systems
- Planning, prepping and managing lighting equipment for live productions
- Programming and mixing industry standard sound desks on plays and musicals
- Programming and operating lighting desks, including working with generic and moving lighting equipment
- Creating sound, lighting and video designs
- Technical and maintenance skills such as power distribution, soldering and other skills needed by the modern production professional
Mountview is internationally recognised for the quality of its Musical Theatre training and produces at least 8 large-scale musicals in-house every year, providing Technical Production students with extensive experience of the musical format.
Mountview also offers a one-year BA (Hons) Top-Up in Technical Production, in which students with previous experience can select a specialism and develop a greater depth of understanding.
Read about freelancing as a Production Arts student here.
Covering the areas of lighting, sound and video, the Technical Production Foundation Degree is a full-time, two-year course designed to equip students with the core skills and professional experience needed to launch a successful career.
With 30 contact hours per week over 36 weeks each year, the course offers a blend of practical training, real-world experience, and industry engagement. Students are taught by Mountview’s resident team of tutors, alongside visiting professionals. Previous guest tutors have included professionals from Robe, DPA, Vectorworks, Operation Mincemeat and the National Theatre.
From the first term, students begin working on Mountview’s public productions in our main theatre spaces. These productions are delivered to professional standards, providing students with the opportunity to collaborate closely with professional directors, designers and technical practitioners from across the industry.
Throughout the course, students receive in-depth skills training and take part in practical projects and specialist masterclasses designed to consolidate their learning. Career guidance and individual support are embedded in the programme to ensure that graduates are well-prepared to enter the industry with confidence.
In addition to in-house productions, students will undertake work placements with external organisations, gaining valuable hands-on experience and building a strong network of professional contacts. Previous placements have included Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Palladium, the National Theatre, Hampstead Theatre, Cabaret and the Barbican.
Please note that involvement in Mountview’s productions includes evening and weekend work, reflecting the schedule and demands of a professional theatre environment.
Course Content
Foundation Skills
Research & Presentation Skills
Working with Scale
Introduction to the Performance Space
Working in Venue
Venue Awareness Training
Production Skills
Skills Sessions
Practical Paperwork
Specialist Lessons
Technical Production Project
Introduction to Production Roles
Practical Production Work
Collaborative Project
Collaborative Process
Peer Assessment
Production Roles 1 & 2
Practical Production Work
Applied Technical Production Skills
Technical Production Skills
Independent Project
Industry Research
Career Development Plan
Health & Safety
Students are given integral roles on both Mountview productions and professional placements. This provides excellent opportunities to showcase skills, gain important industry contacts and develop personal networks, all of which are key to your career progression.
Students also undertake work placements with external organisations, allowing them to develop a network of professional contacts and gain valuable experience. Previous placement destinations have included Moulin Rouge! The Musical, The Globe, Wilton’s Music Hall, National Theatre, Hampstead Theatre, Park Theatre and the Barbican.
Full Module Specifications document: FdA Technical Production – Module Specifications 2025-26
Course Dates
2025/26 Term Dates
Autumn term 8 September – 12 December 2025
Spring term 5 January – 18 April 2026
Summer term 20 April – 17 July 2026
2026/27 Term Dates
Autumn term 7 September – 18 December 2026
Spring term 4 January – 18 April 2027
Summer term 19 April – 16 July 2027
*Please note – All Production Arts students will not have a two week break over Easter. All students will have a two week break but they are scheduled around show roles. All students must speak with their course leader before booking any holidays/travel.
Entry Information
Applicants must be aged 18 or turn 18 within the first term of the course. Entry is based on an interview at which you will be invited to talk about previous experience, interests and inspiration. There are no formal academic entry requirements, however one of the following is desirable:
- Five GCSE passes and two A-Levels or
- Four SCE Higher Grade passes
- BTEC National or Higher National Certificate or Diploma
- Foundation course
- Access to Higher Education Diploma
If an applicant requires a student visa and their first language is not English, they will need to prove their knowledge of the English language before applying for their student visa. This must be demonstrated by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider or, having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school that they began when they were under 18
Mountview welcomes applications from people with disabilities and is keen to support all applicants to achieve their best. If applicants have any special requirements or access needs, these should be discussed with the course leader/administrator.
Mountview is committed to a comprehensive policy of equal opportunities for students in which individuals are selected and treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities. No applicant will receive less or more favourable treatment on grounds of sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnic origin, disability, religion and marital/parental status or any comparable grounds.
Upon offer, students must be sure that they are prepared to engage with a wide range of material that may challenge their personal ethical, religious, spiritual or moral beliefs, and present it in a wide range of settings.
Fees
| Application Fee | Free |
| UK/ROI Course Fee | £10,330 |
| International Students Course Fee | £19,650 |
Students may apply for a maximum Student Tuition Fee Loan of £350. For more information, please refer to our Funding and Scholarships page below.
Additional costs may include a basic tool kit and transport.
Full terms and conditions relating to audition payments and refunds can be viewed here.
Funding and ScholarshipsInterview Information
All Production Arts candidates will take part in a first-round interview with senior course tutors, at which you will discuss your interests, influences and production arts experience. You will be required to submit examples of work. This will be either online or, if possible, at Mountview with the opportunity to meet staff and students and tour our building and theatres.
Please note that later applicants may not be received in time to be considered for scholarships and local accommodation spaces as these are allocated from June. For this reason, early application is recommended.
Auditions and Interviews
