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STAGE DESIGN EDUCATION & TRAINING
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ENTRY AND TRAINING ROUTES
- Most designers train via full-time courses up to HND, degree or postgraduate level. Entry requirements vary; much depends on having a good portfolio.
- England and Wales - for three year degrees, students usually need A Levels or Highers and to have taken a foundation course or equivalent.
- Scotland - degrees are for four years, with the first year being a general 'foundation'.
- For HNDs, students need a ND or a foundation course.
- Most begin work as junior/assistant designers to established designers and carry out work such as making models; some develop a career via fringe theatre.
EXAM LEVEL ENTRY
- A Levels or Highers are often needed for courses. Other qualifications, such as vocational A Levels and SGAs may be accepted.
- You have to have a portfolio (examples of your designs, drawings, art, photography etc.) to get on any art or design course.
- Some people have qualifications in other related subjects such as architecture, interior design, graphics or fashion.
- It is also possible to work up to this job from craft jobs in the theatre.
APPLICATION VIA UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE ADMISSIONS SERVICE - UCAS
If you wish to apply for a degree course to start in September you are reminded that application must be made through UCAS early in December. UCAS 'B' route application is in early March. MA courses start later and generally set their own procedures for application; independent courses (e.g. Motley or Bristol Old Vic Theatre School) work on a similar basis.
UCAS, PO Box 28, Cheltenham GL50 3SH
Telephone: 01242 227 788
AFTER TRAINING
Designers usually start at assistant level to gain experience. Many theatre designers are self-employed and work for theatres on a freelance basis. It is important to build up a portfolio of work to show to prospective employers.
Competition for jobs is high and starting wages are considerably lower than one would hope for. The rewards for established designers can be considerable but very few practitioners earn a good wage from the profession.