Live Events, Visual Design and Stage Management @Backstage Academy

The University of Bolton has been ranked number one for student satisfaction in the North West by the Complete University Guide 2020 and number four for teaching quality in the UK by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019. Here, you will get to learn the techniques and skills, as well as undertake relevant training, needed for a demanding life behind-the-scenes, in the largest, purpose-built production rehearsal arena complex in Europe, located in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

You will also have the advantage of getting first-hand experience working with several industry professionals, thanks to Backstage Academy partnerships, including A.C. Entertainment Technologies, Avolites, Chroma-Q, d & b audiotechnik, Green Hippo, Production Services Association, Prolights Professional Lights, ROE Visual, Shure and STS Touring.

Whether you are studying for a degree in live events production, live visual design and production or stage management and production, you will have access to all the state-of-the-art facilities at Backstage Academy, such as:

• Rehearsal arena

• Production park

• Technology suites

• Classroom and seminar spaces

• Messy lab

• Product demonstration

Graduates have gone on to work on big-budget event productions at the Hollywood Bowl, Sydney Opera House, Royal Albert Hall, and worked on events involving music festivals like Tomorrowland as well as bands like Muse and Biffy Clyro. The University of Bolton in collaboration with Backstage Academy offers the following degree courses in this subject area:

• BA (Hons) and FdA in Live Event Production – full-time
  This degree will give you a good grounding in creative, technical and other production management areas with an opportunity to specialise in lighting design, live sound engineering, visual production and event management. It will also include career development modules, group and individual assignments as well as work placements.

• BA (Hons) in Live Event Production (top-up) – full-time
  The top-up course will focus on the important issues involved in the planning of large-scale events, including problem-solving and management. You will also get an opportunity to participate in live projects, seminars and visits.

• BA (Hons) in Live Visual Design and Production – full-time
  This highly specialised degree will help you become a proficient visual technician who can effectively produce videos and projections as well as conceptualise a project from start-to-finish. It will involve masterclasses with experts and practical work with advanced visual software.

• BA (Hons) in Stage and Production Management – full-time
  A detail-oriented course that focuses on traditional stage management techniques delivered through seminars, lectures and practical workshops to make you proficient in managing concert stages, large-scale events, parades, fashion shows and conferences.

All our courses offer varied career paths. Depending on which course you study, you will be able to consider the following jobs (please note that some roles may require additional qualifications and/or work experience for entry):

• Live visuals engineer/operator

• Event manager

• Stage manager

• Creative director

• Event touring

If you have any more questions about studying at the University of Bolton, our award-winning student services team are here to put your mind at ease about any queries related to accommodation, finance, funding, health and well-being, disability support or anything else you may need.