RADA Royal Academy of Dramatic Art Founded by Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree in 1904

Course Outline
In four terms you will gain the opportunity of working in the Academy’s carpentry and steel fabrication workshops, and to work with professional directors and designers on the Academy’s public productions. Throughout the
course you will visit various professional organisations such as the National Theatre and Royal Opera House. In your final term myour project work will be exhibited in RADA’s GBS Theatre in the ‘Technical Tree’
giving you the opportunity to talk about your work with an invited group of industry contacts.

The training covers:
• role of Construction Supervisor on RADA productions
• bench work
• knowledge of timber, hardware, canvas
• building, erecting and maintaining sets in both timber and metal
• mechanics of scenery handling and rigging
• working drawings and ground plans
• budgeting and ordering
• safe use of hand tools including routers, jigsaws and sanders
• safe use of power tools including band, bench and cross-cut saws, the mortise tenor and spindle-moulder
• technical drawing
• introduction to metalwork: use of arc welder; mig welding processes; use of metalworking tools including drills and angle-grinders
• technical drawing
• technical stage manager skills
• flying – hemp and counterweight
• masking
• master carpenter
• Computer Aided Design (CAD)
• four to six weeks professional attachment to a theatre or scenic contractor Graduates of this course have gone
on to become freelance carpenters at the National Theatre, Royal Court and Royal Opera House and freelancers and production managers in other industries such as television and film.

For general information on entry requirements and admissions, click here

“THE RADA TRAINING PROVIDED ME WITH THE REALLY SOLID KNOWLEDGE BASE NEEDED TO ENJOY A WORTHWHILE CAREER IN THE ENTERTAINMENTS INDUSTRY”
ALASDAIR FLINT
TECHNICAL GRADUATE

Entry Requirements
• We would consider it desirable, but not essential, for applicants to possess a first degree or other qualification in a relevant subject and previous practical understanding of the discipline

Admissions
• Intake of up to two students in September each year

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Note: RADA does not discriminate against applicants on the grounds of sex, disability, ethnicity, religion or sexuality. We welcome applications from disabled people and offer places solely on the basis of potential and suitability to enter the profession. The school is mainly housed in a newly refurbished building which provides good access for wheelchair users.