Quick facts
| Qualification type | Level 3 Extended Diploma |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Study times | 09:00 to 16:45 Monday to Friday, plus shows during evenings and weekends |
| Entry requirements | Five GCSEs Grade 4 or above, including English and ideally, Maths. You will be invited to an interview and audition day and if you show aptitude, enthusiasm and commitment, you may be considered with lower grades. |
| Campus | Conservatoire EAST, West Suffolk College Sixth Form campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | Yes, within the Conservatoire EAST public season of events |
Is it for me?
This course will provide you with excellent training in all the elements of technical theatre and theatre design techniques you will need for progression to Drama School/University, to study the subject at degree level. If you have a passion for Theatre and prefer to be backstage, are dedicated, hardworking and enthusiastic and are prepared to put the time in, listen and implement the feedback from our incredible team, we will do our best to get you to the standard to succeed at the next level.
We run a public season of events with seven major projects a year, plus termly and one-off events. This is over and above the opportunities available at any other local sixth form or college - plenty of opportunity to put your training into practice and hone your production skills!
Conservatoire EAST is the only place for 16+ students to train in this region, you will be taught by a group of dedicated staff with a wide variety of experience in the sector. Sharing their skills, knowledge and network with you to kickstart your chosen pathway.
What you'll learn
A mixture of practical and theory-based classes in Stage Management, Lighting Design, Sound Engineering, Science Design & Construction, Prop Making and Sourcing will focus on your knowledge, skills and technique development.
Daily rehearsals for our public Season of events will keep you working on exciting productions all year round, whilst also focusing on rehearsal etiquette, Director's language, and collaborating with a team.
All students are rotated round different roles within the Production Teams for the Season shows and all assessed work completed on your digital portfolio relates to that show.
We pride ourselves on producing work of a very high quality and instil professional behaviours in every aspect of the course, to ensure you are as well prepared as you can be for the next stage in your training.
Work experience placements
Throughout the year you are essentially working in repertory theatre with the Conservatoire EAST public season of events. Productions will be in the Theatre on campus as well as additional alternative projects, responding to the local need.
Assessment
You'll be assessed continuously throughout the course. This qualification sits with the University of the Arts London, the most industry-focused awarding body available. We use a variety of assessment methods, some of which can be adapted to your individual learning needs.
Further study
- Acting for Stage and Screen Level 3
- Musical Theatre Level 3
Example careers
- Stage Manager
- Sound Designer
- Lighting Designer
- Set Designer
- Freelance Runner
- Scenic Arts Designer
- Lighting Technician
- Sound Engineer
- Theatre Technician
- Special Effects
Discover more
Head over to the Conservatoire EAST website for more information.
Days & times
Starting September 2025