NEW THEATRE QUALIFICATIONS SET TO TRANSFORM THE INDUSTRY

Bristol’s largest institution for performing and theatre arts training, the Bristol Institute of Performing Arts (BIPA), is set to introduce a trio of groundbreaking one-year course pathways, heralding a new era of training for aspiring backstage and production professionals in the theatre, events, and entertainment industries.

As Jack Maurice, Artistic Director and Head of Bristol Institute of Performing Arts, explains, ‘At BIPA, our commitment is to guide each student through a unique journey, nurturing their innate talents and passions, and preparing them for a professional career. These courses will have a profound impact on our students, providing them with the expertise and experience to secure future employment in the industry, having spent a year specialising in their chosen discipline. In doing so, they also contribute to elevating the standards of excellence in the performing arts sector as a whole.’

The new course offered by BIPA from September 2024 is the UAL Level 4 Professional Diploma in Technical and Production Practice for the Creative Industries. Students will be able to elect to specialise in one of three pathways; Lighting Design and Operation; Theatre Sound Design and Operation, and Production and Stage Management. BIPA is part of SGS College and situated at the College’s WISE Campus, located just a 7-minute walk from Bristol Parkway Station. The new pathways are carefully crafted to fast-track students, after just one year’s immersive study, into being well-prepared backstage and creative professionals who can progress into the industry or onto higher level study.

BIPA boasts a remarkable production record, with over thirty productions staged each year at its two on-campus theatres and various regional and national venues and festivals. The course is designed to deliver an intensive, hands-on training experience, enabling students to hone their skills through participation in full-scale productions, collaborative projects, and live briefs. Furthermore, students are encouraged to create and curate a compelling portfolio that not only showcases their accomplishments but also ensures they are prepared to impress potential employers upon course completion.

A standout feature of BIPA’s new Level 4 Professional Diploma is the introduction of our ‘paid work guarantee.’ This innovative initiative ensures that students will gain invaluable real-world experience by collaborating with local and regional theatre companies on commercial projects, positioning them ahead of the curve in their field.

Alex Gaiger, SGS College Assistant Principal – WISE Campus, said, “We take immense pride in our provision, given the Bristol Institute of Performing Arts was nurtured and developed from within SGS college. BIPA being part of SGS, ensures students receive not only exceptional training but also the expansive wrap-around support systems and assurances a large college can provide for students.” Furthermore, Alex underscores the advantages of the WISE Campus, its outstanding purpose-built facilities and a location that guarantees convenient access for students residing beyond the local and Bristol community.

BIPA at SGS College is ready to accept applications from aspiring backstage professionals. Students will be able to apply for the UAL Level 4 Professional Diploma in Technical and Production Practice for the Creative Industries via its website at www.thebipa.org.uk and select their preferred pathway at interview stage.

For more information call 01179192659, email bipa@sgscol.ac.uk or visit www.thebipa.org.uk