Technical Theatre HND

Course overview

Technical Theatre is a creative and innovative course that supports the development of your production skills, with a focus on theatre and live industry events. Technical Theatre students will have access to professional studios where they will bring their set/lighting/sound designs to life and will learn skills in stage lighting, sound, stage management, props and set construction. Upon completion, you will be qualified for further study at the university level or direct entry into the industry. 

Additional Opportunities at PASS

• Working on in-house productions to support the dance, acting, musical theatre, costume, and make-up staff and students
• Working in the professional sector to support PASS Productions in the Traverse, Bedlam, Assembly Roxy, The Studio Theatre, Edinburgh and many more
• Working in collaboration with performing arts students supporting lighting design, sound editing and overall production.

At Performing Arts Studio Scotland (PASS), we have amazing spaces to help you learn and create. These include the modern PASS Studio Theatre, eight dance and rehearsal studios, special classrooms, and a high-tech library and learning centre. You’ll find everything you need to bring your creative ideas to life!

PASS is in the heart of Edinburgh, known as the world’s Festival City. We work closely with top theatres, companies, and artists. These partnerships give you excellent chances to perform, join creative projects, and learn from real industry professionals.

For more information, please follow us on: 

Instagram: @passtechtheatre - HND Technical Theatre and Production Arts

Facebook:  @PASS - Acting, Musical Theatre, Technical Theatre and Costume for Stage

What you will learn

Year 1

• Stage management
• Props sourcing
• Scenic painting
• Professional development
• Stage, sound and lighting operation
• Practical work placement in industry with a company of your choosing,
• Essential experience in working environments
• Connections with industry professionals.

Year 2

• Dynamic skills in advanced stage management
• Advanced lighting
• Advanced sound
• ·Audiovisual studies and prop making
• Lead and manage the technical departments during PASS theatre show
• Mentor year one students on productions.

Essential Skills:

• Communication - verbally and digitally
• Collaborative skills - working in groups, pairs and with students from other courses
• Working Independently - class tasks, homework, assessments
• Confidence - presentations in groups and independently
• Creativity and Empathy – group and project-based learning and working
• Critical and Creative Thinking – problem solving and innovation
• Initiative and self-motivation – contribution, leadership, responsibility, being proactive

Placement information

• You will undertake a placement with a company of your choosing, and you will be able to utilise our established industry connections to aid your decision.
• You will gain essential experience in the workplace and build crucial connections with industry professionals.
• You will have the opportunity to gain additional work experience during your course in both the 1st and 2nd years.
• Previous work placements have been at Edinburgh Zoo 'Spooktacular', the Castle of Light at Edinburgh Castle, Churchill Theatre, the Traverse Theatre & NL Productions, to name but a few. Many Placements have led to students securing paid work within the industry whilst still studying. 

How the course is assessed

Assessment Methods 

• Practical Assignments 
• Collaboration
• Research skills 
• Written Reports, Essays, Portfolios
• Presentations
• Observations
• Evaluation

Number of days per week

• 3 to 4 days per week (you will be busier during live productions).
• You will be expected to work some evenings out with college class hours.
• You will be expected to complete self-directed study tasks between your scheduled classes.

Entry requirements

Important Information: Due to the practical nature of this course, it is important that you are physically able to meet the requirements of working in a theatre environment.

Essential for entry:

• SCQF Level 6 Full Time Course (subject specific)
• Two Highers (subject-specific preferred) and English
• Mature applicants with appropriate experience will be considered on their merits

If you wish to apply for direct entry into the second year to complete your HND, you must already hold an HNC in technical theatre. Please state in your personal statement that you are applying for the HND second year. 

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

Please read the following carefully and provide the requested evidence for consideration.

Stage 1: Complete the online application form

Answer the following questions in the personal statement section of your application form. 

• Why do you want to study at PASS in this course?
• Where do you hope it might take you?
• What previous experience do you have that will support your application?

Stage 2: Portfolio

 The portfolio evidence could include:

• Stage management documentation
• Lighting design plans, 
• Images of Artwork, Crafts, Props or technical drawings
• Sound editing examples 

Please bring your portfolio in digital or hard copy format to your interview.

Stage 3: Interview

Interviews will be by invitation only after meeting the course criteria listed above.  You will be met by two members of the Technical Theatre Faculty who will use the information provided in your statement, application and portfolio to ask questions based on your suitability for the course.

Applicants are encouraged to upload all certificates and proof of experience via their application, or to bring hard copies if invited to interview and if relevant.

Interview Dates: Granton Campus

• Tuesday 16 December 2025, 10 AM
• Monday 12 January 2026, 10 AM
• Further dates will be added as required in 2026

Allocated dates will be given once applications have been completed.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with us at pass@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

• BA Technical Theatre at university or conservatoire level
• On to a degree course at various universities in many different specialisms  
• Various courses at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
• Directly into working in industry on live events, theatre productions and more. 

Career options

• Sound/lighting/set design 
• Prop making 
• Sound operation and engineering 
• Lighting programming and operating 
• Set/stage construction  
• Audiovisual performances and conferences 
• Many varying positions in technical theatre at various levels 
• Many varying positions in related industries such as live events, TV and film at various levels