MA/MFA Production (Design/Management)

Programme Overview

Theatre production requires much more than just being skilled in your own discipline. There is a complex web of social, political and ethical considerations that must be embraced to ensure you are in the best position to collaborate in your chosen role. Our MA/MFA Production (Design or Management) programme is for those seeking to further enhance their skills as stage or production managers, or as lighting, sound, or set and costume designers through an exploration of individual and collaborative practice.

Having entered the programme with a foundation of the core specialist skills required to fulfil the role of a designer or a manager, you will be introduced to other priorities which will inform and enhance your production practice within the context of the ensemble.

Collaboration is at the centre of our philosophy. You will create your own pathway through the degree, taking advantage of opportunities for personal development, research, ensemble activities, work placements, and live production roles.

You will have agency over your work and will be expected to take responsibility for your own learning. With support from the staff team, you will write learning outcomes to help determine your trajectory and empowering you to flourish as both a learner and a creative practitioner.

As this is a brand new programme, the course structure is continuously developing with students in mind. Please refer to the RCS Website for the most up to date information. Applications are made via UCAS Conservatoires. If you have any questions regarding the production programmes please get in touch with us at hello@rcs.ac.uk.

Applications for September 2025 Entry close on January 29, 2025.

Term Breakdown

Term 1 and Term 2

The first part of the programme is designed to introduce the philosophy of the programme and the core values of the Conservatoire through engagement in a series of seminars and workshop on subjects such as:

• The Ensemble
• Collaborative practice
• Sustainable theatre practices
• Health, Safety and Wellbeing
• Inclusive practice
• Dramaturgy
• Digital literacy

The second part of the term one and the start of term two will be individually scheduled to address individual subject-based skills development needs and to facilitate a work placement opportunity either externally in a professional environment or on an RCS production, where available.

After this you will engage in a practise based collaborative opportunity to produce new work, either alongside peers in the Conservatoire or with external partners as negotiated. You may also use this time to complete an academic research proposal if preferred.

Term 2 and Term 3

Having focussed on skills development in terms one and two, you will spend the next two terms working in collaboration with our MA/MFA Classical and Contemporary Text acting and directing students, taking appropriate roles on the public stage productions in Chandler Studio Theatre.

Term 5 and 6 (MFA Students Only)

To achieve the MFA qualification, you will be required to complete one of the following options:

• A self-led project in collaboration with MFA Classical and Contemporary Text students to be shared as part of the Emergence Festival in January of year two
• An academic research project (10,000 words or equivalent)
• A professional placement in an industry setting