Step backstage and discover how theatre really works. Our BA (Hons) Theatre Production is an immersive, hands-on degree where you’ll learn every element of making live performance happen. From stage management to lighting, sound, video, set construction and scenic arts, you’ll explore all areas of production before choosing your own specialism.
From your very first term, you’ll be part of our busy production team, collaborating with actors, directors and designers to bring shows to life for public audiences. You won’t just be observing, you’ll take on real responsibility in rehearsal rooms, technical rehearsals and public performances.
As you progress, you’ll deepen your technical and creative expertise, step into key roles, and gain experience that mirrors professional industry practice. In your final year, you’ll showcase your skills through industry-facing projects, giving you the confidence and connections to launch your career.
At GSA you’ll train in outstanding facilities with highly qualified staff, build a broad and adaptable skill set, and graduate as a highly employable practitioner ready for work across theatre, live events, film, TV, and beyond.
We are ranked 1st in the UK for drama and music in the Daily Mail University Guide 2026, and 3rd in the UK for dance, drama and cinematics in The Complete University Guide 2026. We were shortlisted for University of the Year in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.
One of the best things about this course is the unique structure, which allows you to explore all aspects of technical theatre before then deciding on which one to major in later. I entered first year with the aim to becoming a Deputy Stage Manager but then got introduced to so many other options to explore. I am now working as a freelance Video Designer and Programmer, a whole sector of technical theatre I did not realise existed before university. All members of staff are so helpful in helping you discover what your true passion is, and then strive to ensure you get the experience and skills you need to achieve it
Libby Ward, BA Theatre Production graduate 2020
Read more student and graduate stories here.
What you will study
On our BA Theatre Production course, you‘ll work on a variety of productions including plays, musicals, devised projects and events.
- Core production disciplines: early on, you’ll get exposure to sound, lighting, video, stage management, scenery construction and scenic arts. You will also get an overview introduction to video and theatre design.
- Public productions: plays, musicals, devised works, and events. You will take production-critical responsibility (e.g. as Head of Department in your chosen specialism) in live, public performances.
- Specialisation: as you progress, you’ll choose a production area to develop in depth. Whether you lean towards stage management, lighting, video/design, sound, scenic arts etc., you can hone those skills.
- Professional development & placements: the programme integrates industry standard practice, placements, and professional training modules so you are ready for work in real-world settings.
- Final showcase: your third year includes a showcase of your work, an opportunity to demonstrate your technical, creative and management skills to industry professionals.
Programme structure
The academic year is divided into three teaching blocks, within the University of Surrey’s existing semester structure.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. All modules are either 15, 30, 45 or 60 credits.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes.
To view the course structure please click here.
Disclaimer: Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.
To view the entry requirements please click here
Entry is also subject to successful interview. Candidates who can satisfy the panel of their ability to complete the programme may also be considered.
For more information please visit AUDITIONS & INTERVIEWS
View a complete listing of all ongoing fees for our undergraduate programmes
The University will assess your fee status. If you are unsure whether you are likely to be considered a home, EU or overseas student for fees purposes, the UKCISA website offers more information.
We're committed to making sure that we offer support for students who might need it. Find out more about bursaries and scholarships.
Experienced staff in our International Student Office are available to help from the moment you consider studying at the University. We offer professional advice on immigration, visa issues, entry qualifications, pre-departure information, employment regulations and international student welfare.
Graduates from our BA (Hons) Theatre Production have gone on to work in a wide variety of professional contexts, including but not limited to:
- West End and national touring productions
- Regional theatres and arts venues
- Opera and ballet companies
- Scenic construction, prop and set making firms
- Sound, lighting, video hire and design consultancies
- Stage management and technical management for productions and venues
GSA’s Production graduates enjoy an impressive success rate in gaining employment in the industry. They have worked or are currently working on West End productions/major tours such as:
- Les Misérables
- Dreamgirls
- Billy Elliot
- Kinky Boots
- The Book of Mormon
Alumni are also to be found in numerous regional theatres, opera and ballet companies, arts venues, scenic construction and prop-making companies, corporate events and lighting, sound and video hire companies.
Over recent years, graduates have also attained management roles, including:
- West End shows and No 1 Tours, Company Manager
- Royal Albert Hall, Senior Technical Manager
- Birmingham Symphony Hall, Technical Manager
- ATG Theatres, Technical Director
Why study at GSA
Guildford School of Acting (GSA) is one of the UK’s leading accredited drama schools, providing dedicated conservatoire training within a purpose-built environment on the University of Surrey campus.
GSA operates a pedagogic approach that utilises student-centred learning. Every module has an ethos of nurturing and enabling employability and personal development opportunities for the students. Our working practices encourage dialogue and are most effective when a collaborative approach is undertaken. Our learning environment grants our students the freedom to take risks and to embrace spontaneity.
We keep our cohorts small to ensure you get personal attention and contact from our expert teachers, who have extensive first-hand experience in professional theatre in the UK, Europe, the US, and all over the world.
We are ranked 1st in the UK for drama and music in the Daily Mail University Guide 2026, and 3rd in the UK for dance, drama, and cinematics in The Complete University Guide 2026.
90.3% of our students are satisfied with our teaching, and 90.7% of our students are satisfied with the academic support we provide (National Student Survey (NSS) 2025).
94.7% of our BA (Hons) Theatre Production graduates go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2025, HESA).
GSA is accredited by the Federation of Drama Schools (FDS).
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