BA Production Technology and Management
Study a highly practical degree with a timetable that provides the space to learn and experiment alongside a production calendar reflective of industry practice, helping you build the skills and stamina to thrive in a challenging yet rewarding career.
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Overview
Production consists of both the BA Production Technology and Management and the BA Production Arts and Design programmes. Production students work closely with each other in the classroom and on RCS productions.
This is the only conservatoire-based technical theatre degree in Scotland. Through the programme we aim to produce production technicians, stage managers and lighting designers who can turn their hands to any related role. This makes our students employable in a range of contexts, whilst also being specialists in their chosen career pathways.
We’ll help you create your own pathway through the programme, focusing on your main area of interest. You will learn to work creatively, as an individual, as part of a production team and in collaboration with other students of all disciplines.
RCS is a major public performance venue with world-class facilities. The combination of professional venues, extensive workshops, construction spaces, design studios, and the latest stage and workshop technologies provide a fantastic learning environment.
We work closely with industry partners to ensure the programme is current, competitive, and aligned to the highest professional standards so you can build the relevant skills, knowledge and experience to fully engage in your future career. We have close working relationships with the Scottish national performance companies, as well as many other performing arts and live events organisations across Scotland, the UK and internationally. Our graduates will aim to become the creative leaders and innovators of the future and are encouraged to push boundaries and create new standards of practice in the wider industry.
The important details
UK Applicant Deadline:
31 March 2025
International (including EU) Applicant Deadline:
31 March 2025
Institution Code:
R58
Programme Code:
204F
Audition Fee:
£35
Application Fee:
£28.50
Why Study Production Technology & Management at RCS?
A Unique Experience
This is the only conservatoire-based technical theatre degree in Scotland. You will learn and practice in one of the most multi-disciplinary conservatoires in the world, experiencing a full range of performing arts environments and working on a diverse range of productions including ballet, opera, classical and contemporary drama and musicals.
Professional Partnerships
You will develop invaluable industry contacts with our unrivalled professional partners including Shure UK, Black Light, the Professional Lighting and Sound Association, the Association of Lighting Designers, Scottish Ballet, Scottish Opera, Citizens Theatre, Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Soundgirls.org
Industry Placement
As part of your studies, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake an industry placement with one of our many partners. Alongside this, in your final year, you’ll take part in an industry showcase, demonstrating your work to employers and building connections.
World-class Facilities
Learn and create in world-class facilities, including a fully equipped proscenium arch theatre with a fly tower and automated flying capabilities, as well as industry standard equipment in both lighting and sound.
Workshops & Masterclasses
You’ll take part in workshops and masterclasses with distinguished visiting professionals, making contacts and reaping the benefits of advice straight from the industry.
Study Abroad
You can study abroad as part of your programme, with opportunities in Europe, Australia, USA or Hong Kong.
Latest Technology
We work with our industry partners to ensure our curriculum is in line with professional standards, which includes ensuring our students are learning on the latest technology. New kit acquisitions include Martin & Robe moving lights, Kinesys stage automation, Yamaha QL5, Kinesys, KV2, Shure Axient and DPA microphones
Graduate Destinations
Our graduates have a strong track record of success, for example on major: TV shows such as Peaky Blinders, Game of Thrones, Outlander, Downton Abbey and The Crown; films such as The Outlaw King; and with artists such as Beyoncé.
Meet the Staff
Tutors
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Sam Burt
Stage Management Tutor
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Jazz Hutsby
Interim Lighting Tutor
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Rebecca Coull
Stage Supervisor (Tutor)
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Barry McCall
Sound Tutor
Production Arts & Design Lecturers
The BA Production Arts and Design Programme team also delivered a range of sessions on this programme particularly throughout year one. Also led by the Head of Production, the team consists of six dedicated teaching staff:
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Edward Howat
Teaching Artist (Props)
Central Production Unit
The Central Production unit base at Wallace studios was built in 2011. The department encompasses 5 specialisms Set Construction, Scenic Art, Costume, Props and Production Management. The CPU staff are tutors who will mentor and supervise students in the production workshops, including tuition and tutorial support. Production Managers in the CPU will be your line managers on production work and are there to support your learning. At the heart of the unit is our large construction workshop in which a designers’ vision comes to life. The CPU department are responsible for creating almost all our staged productions.
- Lynfryn Mackenzie – Head of Technical Production & Interim Deputy Director of DPF
- Christopher McDougall – Central Production Unit Manager
- Simon Cook – Central Production Unit Workshop Manager
- Jacqui Howard – Production Manager
- Colin Bell – Production Manager
- Rhonda Barclay – Production Support Assistant
- Megumi McKillop – Scenic Art Tutor
- Gillian Ferguson – Costume Tutor
- Anna Antczak – Costume Tutor
- Lynne McGinley – Costume Tutor
- Nicola Russell – Costume Tutor
- Fiona Larkin – Costume Tutor
- Merlin Currie – Props Tutor
- Danny Main – Scenic Carpentry Tutor
- Matt Doolan – Scenic Carpentry Tutor
- Olivia Mears Young – Administrator
Venues Team Technicians
The Venues Team manage and maintains the technical equipment in the venues and provides technical support where appropriate. They work independently with the School of Drama, Dance, Production and Film and have responsibility for all RCS internal venues. The team is led by:
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Kevin Robertson – Receiving Stage Manager
Programme Support Administrator
Production and Film programmes also have dedicated administration support.
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Grace Dunn – Programme Support Administrator (Production & Film)
Visiting Staff and Practitioners
Production students also regularly work closely with freelance designers and directors on RCS productions. In addition to this, the department works with a range of professional practitioners to support RCS productions, this includes directors, lighting designers, stage managers, production electricians, sound engineers and technical stage managers. Recent masterclass guests and visiting professionals:
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Raymond Short – Fight Direction
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RC Annie – Stage Blood and Weapons
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Kai Fischer – Lighting Design
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Callum Howie – Production & Technical Management
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Matt Padden – Sound Design
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Sophie Cooper – Stage Management
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Zoe Hayward – Stage Management
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Emma Geddes – Stage Technology and Automation
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Eve Kerr – Stage Management
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Rory Boyd – Stage Technology and Automation
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Andrew McCabe – Stage Technology and Automation
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Calum Willoughby – Stage Technology and Automation
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Unusual Rigging – Stage Technology and Automation
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MJ McCarthy – Sound Design
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Kinesys – Automation
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Multicast Audio – Sound
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Davy Cunningham – Lighting Design
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Paule Constable – Lighting Design
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Tim Reid – Video Design
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Matthew Strachan – Production & Technical Management
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John Robb – Production & Technical Management
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Andrew Evans – Health and Safety
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Disguise Media Servers – Media Servers
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Ambersphere – Lighting
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Avolites – Lighting
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Novasound – Sound Design
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Vectorworks – Digital Design
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Daniel Thompson – Stage Technology and Automation
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Martin Professional – Lighting
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Neil McDowell Smith – Lighting Programming
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John Duncan – Stage Management
Professional Partners
We work closely with industry to ensure the programme is current, competitive, and of the highest professional standard.
We have close relationships with key Scottish national companies such as Scottish Opera, the National Theatre of Scotland and Scottish Ballet as well as companies across Scotland, such as:
- The Citizens Theatre in Glasgow
- Pitlochry Festival Theatre
- Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh
- Blue Parrot Production and Events in Edinburgh
- Warehouse Sound in Glasgow
We also have well-established relationships with national and international organisations such as:
Graduate Destinations
92% of Production Technology & Management respondents to the HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 survey were in work or further study.
Some recent destinations of BA Production Technology & Management graduates include:
- National Theatre of Scotland
- Royal Lyceum
- Citizens Theatre
- Pitlochry Festival Theatre
- Royal Opera House
- Tron Theatre
- Traverse Theatre
- Scottish Opera
- Unusual Rigging
- Tait
- Cirque du Soleil
- West end & national touring productions such as Hamilton, Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar and Six
Production Technology and Management Photo Gallery
Programme Structure
Your first year will focus on production skills and knowledge through a range of classroom, workshop and venue-based experiences including allocated assistant roles in each core area on RCS productions (e.g. Assistant Stage Manager, Assistant Electrician).
You will engage with a broad-based introduction to the production environment and standard practices both in core subjects and other related areas. In Personal and Professional Practice modules you will investigate and analyse the importance of key issues such as creative and cultural context, equality and diversity awareness, and the importance of health and safety.
You will also investigate the collaborative nature of production and performance and meet year one students from across RCS to discuss social priorities important to all creative arts disciplines.
You will be allocated production roles, with increasing levels of responsibility focusing on your specialist subject area.
You will receive advanced teaching in the key areas of your specialism and learn integral skills such as management and communication. As you learn you will be allocated more senior roles on RCS productions (e.g. Stage Manager, Production Electrician).
You will also engage with Interdisciplinary and Extended Practice (IXP) modules where you can choose from a range of modules on offer from programmes across the institution.
In your final year, you are expected to perform with autonomy, applying your education and the specialist skills you have gained in senior roles on RCS productions. Staff take more of a mentoring role as we expect you to operate autonomously and seek advice when needed.
You will negotiate your individual pathway in your final year to take advantage of available production roles, IXP modules and work placement opportunities.
Work is assessed through staff observations of your practice. Reflective journals and summary statements form a key component of assessment in Personal and Professional Development modules.
There is a strong emphasis on the assessment of process so paperwork generated in each practical role is used as evidence of your growing understanding of the production process and your role within it.
How to Apply
Apply via UCAS Conservatoires
Applications are made through UCAS Conservatoires website. The UCAS Conservatoires application system is separate from the main UCAS undergraduate application system. You can read our guidance about using UCAS Conservatoires on our dedicated How to Apply page.
Applicants will also be required to create an Acceptd account when they apply, which will be used for scheduling interviews. More information about this process will be available soon.
We do not offer deferred entry. If you wish to commence in 2026, you must apply next year.
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland institution code is R58. You will also require the following programme code to apply: 204F - Production Technology and Management (BA)
The closing date for all on-time BA Production Technology and Management applications is 31 March 2025. If you submit your application after this date, we cannot guarantee that your application will be reviewed by the audition panel. If you do want to submit a late application, you must contact admissions@rcs.ac.uk in the first instance to check we are accepting late applications
Application/Audition fees
There is a UCAS Conservatoires application fee of £28.50. In addition to the application fee, each conservatoire charges an audition/interview assessment administration fee. The interview assessment administration fee is £35 for this programme. Fees are not refundable. The fees are paid via the UCAS Conservatoires website and not directly to RCS.
We recognise that auditioning and interviewing for conservatoires, drama and ballet schools can be costly. The audition assessment administration fee charge allows us to offer a thorough and positive experience to all applicants and we encourage you to get in touch to ask the panel questions and find out more about the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to see if it is the best place for you.
We are committed to ensuring fair access to a conservatoire education for students who have the talent and potential to benefit from it, regardless of their background. In support of this, audition fee waivers are offered to applicants whose financial hardship may be a barrier to auditioning. Please note you can only apply for a fee waiver request once you have completed and submitted your UCAS application. Please see the audition fee waiver form for more information.
Pre-Interview Task
Prior to attending the interview (in-person or online), you are required to set up an Acceptd account and complete the tasks below:
It is important that you show us your previous work (portfolio) as well as your response to these tasks. Without this, we will not be able to proceed with the interview.
- If you have not already done so, please set up an Acceptd account: https://app.getacceptd.com/rcs
The tasks below must be completed A MINIMUM OF FIVE WORKING DAYS before your interview:
- Complete the “About You” questionnaire (completed online via Acceptd)
- Upload a digitised version of your portfolio to Acceptd
- Complete the Production / Performance Visit (See below) and upload any supplementary material to Acceptd
Optional
- Complete the Supplementary Creative Response Task (See below) and upload supplementary material to Acceptd
- Portfolio of Work
- Brief One - Production/Performance Visit (Compulsory)
- Brief Two - Supplementary Creative Response Task (Optional)
Your portfolio of work may take any form you feel is appropriate and could include:
- Prompt books, setting lists, props lists, scene breakdowns, running lists
- Cue sheets, colour calls, lighting plans, patch sheets
- Photographs of previous work
- Technical drawings and ground plans
- Short audio and/or video clips
- Testimonials/Certificates
- Other relevant production documentation
At your interview, the panel will also ask you about a production you have seen (see brief one below), but they will focus primarily on your portfolio so if you feel you currently do not have much evidence, we strongly recommend that you undertake the creative response task (see brief two below). You may wish to do this anyway to supplement other work in your portfolio.
There will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions about the programme and discuss any other interests you have that may be relevant.
Candidates should bring all relevant work to the interview including their portfolio.
Please attend a stage performance of your choice and be able to discuss your observations of this event with the panel. Ideally this should be a live performance but, if this is not possible, a recorded or streamed stage production can be used.
This should be a recent professional production if possible but not one you have worked on. This may be an opportunity to challenge yourself by choosing a type of performance or venue that you have not experienced before. The panel will want to hear your opinion of the production during the interview so prepare some notes to help you but don’t write an essay to read out.
You should try to give a clear account of the production elements such as the overall set & costume design, staging, costume, props, lighting, sound and stage technology to the interview panel. Whilst an overview of the directing or performances is sometimes useful, this is not what we want you to focus on.
You may also be asked to comment on how you would have approached certain elements differently, given the chance.
It is often helpful to provide supplementary evidence of your visit such as publicity material or personal notes and sketches to illustrate a point.
- Source a copy of the play, Macbeth by William Shakespeare. This can be found online here Macbeth – Entire Play, Read for Free
- Having read the play, have a particular look at Act 1 Scene i – iii and come to the interview ready to discuss your solutions to any production challenges you see in the script or stage directions relating to your chosen specialism.
- Create a portfolio of work including relevant subject specific paperwork and other evidence of creative solutions (See portfolio of work above)
The Interview
Applicants who apply on time are invited to an interview by email, approximately three weeks before. Interviews will take place in person, however online interviews are available for those that are unable to travel to RCS. We have many years of experience of conducting online interviews and have a well-established format and process in place, so no applicant will be disadvantaged by being assessed in this manner. If possible, we encourage candidates to select an in-person interview as this gives you the opportunity to view our facilities.
Please note that RCS is only obliged to offer one audition/interview date per application. Alternative dates will only be provided (subject to availability) in exceptional circumstances. If you are unable to make your allocated interview date, you should email us immediately stating the reason.
You will be required to identify your chosen specialist subject pathway at the point of application and your interview will be tailored to this choice.
The four specialisms are:
- Stage Management
- Lighting
- Sound
- Stage Technology & Automation
Your interview will involve an in-person conversation with two staff members from the Programme. (approx. 30 minutes). You will also be offered a short tour of the Production Technology and Management facilities with a current student (15/20 mins)
At your interview, the panel will ask you about your academic record, previous experiences and your interests and hobbies and your response to the task(s) detailed in the section ‘pre-interview task’ above.
The interview process is designed to ensure that you have every opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to and experience thus far in theatre and the performing arts. The interview also allows for the panel to satisfy themselves that you have the potential to develop the relevant skills and qualities necessary to succeed both on a degree-level programme and ultimately in a highly competitive profession. This could include:
- Creative skills
- Technical skills
- Analytical and reflective skills
- Communication skills
- Collaborative skills
- An ability to work independently
- Professional standards
To assess these skills, the interview panel will invite you to discuss your previous experiences and your portfolio of work.
Selection Process:
No panel decision on the outcome of your interview will be offered at the end of the session. You will be informed via UCAS Conservatoires as soon as possible afterwards, this can take up to six weeks.
At the culmination of the interview day the panel will review all the candidates seen. At this stage the panel will evaluate your suitability and would normally conclude and settle on one of the following courses of action:
- To accept you onto the programme (either conditional or unconditional).
- To accept you onto the ‘reserve list’ which suggests your application is acceptable, but implies the panel would wish to complete other interview sessions prior to making a final decision about the offer of a place on the programme.
- To decline your application on this occasion.
If you would like to discuss any matters relating to the programme or interview procedures please feel free to contact Ros Maddison, Head of Production, at r.maddison@rcs.ac.uk.
We want you to do well so please try and relax during the interview process and do your best to show us just how good you are.
References
It is your responsibility to ask two separate referees to write references and ensure that these are sent to RCS.
The references must be written by two different people and we will not accept references from family, other relatives or close friends. You can submit your UCAS Conservatoires application form and send your references at a later date, but they must be received prior to your audition date.
UCAS Conservatoires provides reference forms for you to download and send to your referees for completion.
Policy
We have a number of policies and pages which you should read when applying to study at the Royal Conservatoire:
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Scottish Highers — 3 passes (grade C or above)
- A Levels — 2 passes
- International Baccalaureate — minimum score of 24 with 3 subjects at Higher Level
- Recognised equivalences (EU and International Entry Requirements)
We welcome the Scottish Baccalaureate and will accept combinations of Highers and Advanced Highers.
We offer a flexible approach to students taking Higher over more than one academic year and/or who achieve their qualifications in more than one sitting.
English language requirements
The language of study at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) is English. All applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence that their English language level meets the entrance requirements.
The required IELTS level for this programme is 6.5 overall with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component.
Full details of the English language tests and equivalencies we accept can be found on our English Language Requirements page.
Direct entry
Applications for direct entry beyond Year 1 will be considered on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with the Royal Conservatoire’s Recognition of Prior (Experiential) Learning policy. If you wish to apply for direct entry, please mark the point of entry on UCAS Conservatoires application as 2 or 3.
Fees & Funding
Tuition fees
For academic year 2025/26:
- Scottish full-time: £1,820 (for most full-time, Scottish-domiciled undergraduate students, this will be paid by SAAS)
- RUK (including ROI*) full-time: £9,535
- International (including EU) full-time: £28,919
Please note these fees are subject to change.
Funding & Scholarships
You can find out about the funding and scholarships available for studying at RCS by visiting our dedicated page:
Cost of Living & Programme Costs
In addition to tuition fees, it is estimated that you will need between £11,200 and £15,300 per year to live in Glasgow, plus programme costs. Much will depend on your lifestyle and whether your course runs for three or four terms.
Undergraduate Programmes within the School of Drama, Dance, Production and Film have a range of associated costs related to the specific activities required and advised by the programme team. In order to ensure fairness and parity of experience in relation to certain core programme activities a one-off payment to cover a proportion of necessary costs is required of the student at matriculation. You can find these costs in the pdf below:
Production Access Course
Our brand-new Access Courses are designed to support people who intend to apply to study at RCS and offer 40 credits at SCQF Level 6. They provide high-quality training for students interested in certain RCS programmes, including BA Production Technology & Management.
On the course, you will develop practical skills to improve your artform, take part in regular training and audition and interview preparation, and receive expert advice which helps you navigate the UCAS system, personal statement writing and the audition/interview process. The courses are structured to sit alongside school, college or work and are delivered using a mixture of in person and online teaching.
More from the Production Department
Production Technology & Management Course Video
Watch our video with Head of Production, Ros Maddison, to learn more about the BA Production Technology and Management programme.
Rhys Gaughan - A Leading Light #RCSAlumni
Read our interview with BA Production Technology and Management Graduate Rhys James Gaughan, from when he worked on the 2019 RCS production of Cinderella.
Hear from a PTM Graduate
Watch our video interview where we caught up with Lighting Designer Grant Anderson about his time at RCS and what he’s been up to since he graduated.
Why RCS?
We are the only place in Europe where you can study all of the performing arts on the one campus. There is a distinctive creative energy at RCS and you’ll be made to feel part of our inclusive and diverse environment from the very beginning of your studies.
Our graduates are resourceful, highly employable and members of a dynamic community of artists who make a significant impact across the globe.
At RCS, students develop not just their art but their power to use it.
World Top Ten
We were voted one of the world’s Top Ten destinations to study the performing arts (QS Rankings) in 2025, the ninth time we have been placed in the top ten since the ranking was established in 2016.
Perform & Collaborate
Our curriculum is built around performance and collaboration and we hold professional partnerships with all of Scotland’s National Companies. Join forces across artforms and be part of the 500+ performances we give each year.
Outstanding Alumni
Our graduates are employed across the world and we take pride in the impact they have on their art forms. We’ll equip you with the skills to thrive as a professional and join their ranks.
Learn from the Best
More than 1,000 lecturers, tutors, artists, technicians, co-ordinators and support staff work at RCS across all our art forms. Study with some of the finest educators and performing and production artists in the UK.
A Campus Built for You
Our facilities are world-class. From rehearsal rooms and recording studios to our five professional performance venues, we have a campus to showcase and develop emerging artists to the highest standards.