Programme summary

Career opportunities

Courses & timetables

Admission requirements

[BPSA]

7, 360 3.0
Full-time for three years
Starts February
30 places
First round of interviews in October
CA2222
Mt Albert campus
NZ$ 8199

International fees

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Programme summary

Explore the design and organisational management of screen and theatre production. Specialise in costume, lights/sound/stage management or scenery/props/art department. Participate in the making of a large body of work for theatre and film.

Learn about the creative development of production, and the key design and organisational management of areas of screen and theatre production by participating in the making of a large body of work for theatre and film. Our aim is to produce creative practitioners who understand the professional creative requirements of their chosen field and can pursue careers in the film, TV and theatre industries around the world.

Highlights

• Practical focus: work on short films (in the studio or on location) and industry-modelled projects from fully realised theatre pieces to new and original plays, short films, dance works, commercials and cutting-edge experimental work.
• A chance to work collaboratively across art forms.
• Emphasis on developing inquiring, flexible, creative and critical attitudes in your approach to the conceptual and organisational skills required for the profession.
• An industry placement in both your second and third year.
• Access to fully equipped theatre, dance and television studios, and extensive production workshops.
• Staff who are experienced industry professionals and keen to share their wealth of knowledge with you.
• Strong industry links: we’re active members of SPADA (Screen Production and Development Association), WIFT (Women in Film and Television), Playmarket, New Zealand Writers Guild, Entertainment Technology NZ, and New Zealand Film and Video Technicians’ Guild.
• Visits from international experts through Unitec’s partnerships with groups such as Script to Screen and the New Zealand Film Commission.

In the first two years of the programme you’ll specialise in one of three areas of production: costume; lights/sound/stage management; or scenery/props/art department. Students who wish to exit the programme at the end of Year Two as a technician may be awarded the Diploma in Performance Technology.

Costume
Gain industry-standard experience and skills in costume making, sewing, pattern drafting and cutting, corset making, props and accessories, millinery, period costumes, fabric enhancement and dyeing. Learn real-world wardrobe standby skills when making short films in the studio or on location.

Lights/sound/stage management
Specialise in performance operation and management utilising our state-of-the-art theatre equipment, Mac technology labs and production workshops. Gain industry-standard experience in equipment handling, safety and maintenance while you explore and perfect your creative and technical abilities in practical workshops, projects and events.

Scenery/props/art department
Acquire experience and specialist skills in art direction, painting effects and techniques, set building, prop making, polystyrene carving, casting and moulding, scenic furniture and television sets.

Design & Management
In your third year you’ll focus on design (production design; costume design; lighting design; set design; or sound design) and management (art direction; production management; stage management; technical management; or wardrobe management) for your specialist area. You’ll develop practical creative design and management skills by working collaboratively on a large range of projects, gaining experience in your specialist role and in leading teams of makers and technicians.

Theatre & Screen studies and critical practices
You’ll explore the historical development of drama, from its origins in ritual and religion to the age of digital communication. Alongside your future industry peers, you’ll explore in-depth theoretical and critical thought, integrating theory and professional practice in an exciting cross-discipline environment.

Interview
Around 50 people apply each year for 30 places offered in Year One. All applicants to the programme will attend an interview. You’ll be given clear information about how to prepare and what to bring with you. From these interviews, the final selection of trainees is made for the following year.