Do you want to make theatre, film and television magic? Explore what goes on behind the scenes, from costume, props, lighting, and sound design to technical operation and stage management. Study the full range of performing and screen arts technologies and see your work come to life on stage and screen.

Study at Unitec and you will be participating first hand in producing a wide range of projects for theatre, dance and film. Learn about the creative process of production, design, and management of screen and theatre productions, as well as gaining practical experience in relevant technology.

In your first two years you will gain industry-standard experience and the technical skills needed for a foundational understanding of all areas of production. In your third year you will focus on design (production, clothing, lighting, set or sound) and management (art direction, production, stage, technical or costume), depending on your chosen specialisation.

At Unitec you will become a creative practitioner who understand the professional requirements of your chosen field and can pursue careers in the film, TV and theatre industries.

Highlights

• Specialise in Clothing Design, Stage Management (including Lighting and Sound) or Set and Props
• Work with industry experts from day one, working towards industry placements and internships in your second and third years
• Industry modelled projects from classic theatre pieces to new and original plays, short films and contemporary dance works and everything in between!
• Work collaboratively across specialisations with actors, dancers, directors, choreographers and cinematographers
• Current industry specialists brought in for workshops and short courses
• This major offers you three pathways, each with its own specialist tutors, lecturers and career opportunities:

Costume Design

We are the only tertiary programme in New Zealand that specialises in all aspects of clothing design for stage and screen. You will study pattern drafting and cutting, sewing, millinery, jewellery and accessory making, shoe making, dyeing and screen printing, costume breakdown, costume props and costume design. In your first year we will help guide your development as a clothing designer as you foundational design skills. In your second year you will produce clothing and in your final year you’ll design and produce your own. Over the course of your degree you will have the opportunity to work on short films, in the studio, and on location. Many of our graduates have gone on to be employed within the fashion, film or theatre industries in New Zealand and Internationally in roles ranging from being a Stylist at Fashion week to a Costume Dresser onWicked at Covent Garden (UK) through to a Costume Assistant on Power Rangers.

Stage Management, Lighting and Sound

TIt’s not just acting that can create mood, drama and atmosphere, light and sound can easily make or break a great production.  Great lighting is more than just basic visibility. Learn how to consider angles, shadows, and colour, in relation to timing and performance.  Lighting and Sound designers work closely with stage directors to integrate technology seamlessly into the performance. All are working towards a goal to create a shared experience between the audience and performers.

Our courses provide a great balance of studio and classroom instruction with considerable practical experience in theatres both on campus and throughout Auckland. You will learn how to plan and execute a successful production as well as develop your personal voice in regards to art direction and the creative process.

You will be utilising our theatre equipment, Mac technology labs and production workshops. You will get industry-standard experience in equipment handling, safety and maintenance while you explore your creative and technical abilities in practical workshops, projects, events and internships.

Set and Props (including Art Department)

If you want to work as a Set Designer (also known as the Art Director), you’ll be responsible for designing and creating sets, props and effects. Design choices help to create the atmosphere of a production so you’ll collaborate with your director and other designers to determine style and environment. Collaboration is the key to successfully bringing a story to life. Be part of a team that constructs and paints sets, obtains or creates props, and wires electrical equipment.
Note: Students who complete the first two years of the programme and who wish to enter the industry as an entry-level technician may be awarded the exit qualification: Diploma in Performance Technology.

Interview

The interview consists of a chat with a representative from the department, a short written exercise, and a review of any supporting documentation whether that be your CV, a portfolio of work, photos, scripts, or any other supporting documents. You can either upload these with your application, or bring them with you to the interview.

Opportunities

• Art director
• Audio engineer
• Audio-visual technician
• Costume maker
• Costume supervisor
• Production manager
• Scenic painter

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

IELTS Academic score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5.

Great Nation NZ offers practical guidance to students on enrolling for the Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts (Production Design and Management) course at the Unitec Institute of Technology in New Zealand. To avail of our coaching contact us by filling out the contact form on this website, calling us or walking into one of our centers.