The 15 month foundation degree, which is the only one of its kind, focuses on the artistic, creative and practical use of technology for live events and will be delivered in partnership with the University of Bolton.
According to Creative & Cultural Skills, the Sector Skills Council for creative and cultural industries, by 2017 there will be a need for 30,000 skilled backstage and offstage technical theatre staff to support live events. The Backstage Academy is aiming to train students who can help meet this demand.
Students will gain hands-on experience at the Backstage Academy thanks to its base at the LS-Live Studios in South Kirkby, Wakefield. The course, which begins in November, will include modules on lighting, sound, staging and live visuals, as well as production design and specialist skills such as handling lasers and using 3D technologies.
In addition to gaining a foundation degree, students who successfully complete the intensive fast-track course will acquire relevant industry accredited qualifications, like the Event Safety Passport and the Powered Access Licence (PAL). They will also have the opportunity to progress onto the BA in Live Events Production with a further year of study.
Robin Watkinson, chief operating officer at the Backstage Academy, said, "We were thrilled to receive the news that the University of Bolton had officially agreed to validate the foundation degree. Being linked to such an established and prestigious institution will help prospective students to see the foundation degree as a quality higher education offering."
Dr Rachel McLean, academic manager for backstage and creative technologies at the University of Bolton said, "The course has been very carefully constructed by a team of established and renowned academics and practitioners. We are very excited about this innovative initiative."
The foundation degree in Live Events Production starts on 27 November 2011 and there are currently still some places remaining. The Backstage Academy is holding an open day on Saturday 20 August to interview and enrol students for the course.
(Jim Evans)
