BA Creative Producing (Theatre and Short Film)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Essex

Program Overview

The BA Creative Producing (Theatre and Short Film) at the University of Essex is a hands-on, entrepreneurial degree that blends the art of storytelling with the business of production. It’s perfect for students who want to take an idea from page to stage—or from script to screen—while learning how to lead, manage, and promote creative projects.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year lays the foundation across both theatre and film. You’ll explore modules like Playwriting, Producing Skills, Filmmaking and Editing, Stage Management, Technical Theatre, Graphic and Web Design, and Context.
This is where you start learning how stories are built, how productions run, and how design and digital tools support creative work. You’ll begin developing the confidence to generate ideas, collaborate with others, and balance artistic vision with practical skills.

Year 2

In your second year, you’ll take things further through modules such as Creating Film, Producing and Managing 2, Digital Media 2, and Skills 2.
Here, you’ll move into more advanced production practices—experimenting with digital media, managing projects from concept to completion, and developing stronger leadership and organizational skills. It’s a year that bridges classroom learning with more independent, real-world creative work.

Year 3

Your final year is all about putting everything together. You’ll take on a major project (or projects) of your choice and complete a Dissertation.
This is your chance to design, produce, and showcase your own theatre or short film piece—bringing together your creative, technical, and managerial abilities. Alongside your project, you’ll reflect critically on your practice and research within the wider creative industries.

Focus Areas

Theatre production
Short film creation
Digital media and storytelling
Project management
Technical design
Marketing and promotion

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the degree, you’ll be able to conceive, plan, produce, and promote creative projects from start to finish. You’ll know how to collaborate across artistic and technical teams, evaluate your own work and others’, and navigate industry practices with confidence and professionalism. The course builds not only your creative voice but also your entrepreneurial mindset—skills essential for thriving in today’s arts industries.

Professional Alignment

While this program doesn’t hold a formal accreditation, it’s delivered through East 15 Acting School, part of the University of Essex—one of the UK’s most respected names in performance training. The course is designed in close alignment with current industry standards and professional expectations, ensuring your learning stays relevant and career-focused.

Reputation

East 15, as part of the University of Essex, has a strong reputation within the UK’s dramatic arts scene. The university is ranked 4th in the UK for Drama & Dance in The Guardian University Guide 2024. Graduates from this program go on to work in producing, arts management, film, theatre, and related creative industries—well-equipped to lead and innovate across stage and screen.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

When you join this degree, you won’t just sit through lectures — you’ll be right in the middle of creating. From day one, you’ll gain real, hands-on experience in producing, directing, editing, promotional planning, and collaborating across both theatre and film. You’ll train in professional facilities like the Clifftown Theatre on the Southend campus, working directly with acting students — meaning your ideas won’t stay on paper; you’ll bring them to life in real performance spaces and authentic industry environments.

As part of East 15, one of the UK’s leading drama and performance institutes, you’ll join a vibrant community of creative makers. Here, experimentation is encouraged — you’ll prototype, perform, and present your work in settings that mirror the professional world.

Your training is carefully structured to help you grow from learning the essentials to leading your own productions. Everything is grounded in practice, collaboration, and real-world experience.

Here’s how experiential learning unfolds throughout the course:

Studio & theatre work — You’ll spend time in professional theatre environments, including the Clifftown Theatre, staging live productions, testing sets, lighting, and sound, and responding to real audience feedback.

Film and editing labs — You’ll create short films, develop on-set production skills, and master editing and post-production workflows using professional software and tools.

Digital tools and software — Training covers how to create, capture, and edit digital assets — from video and sound to still images — using industry-standard equipment and technology.

Group projects and collaboration — You’ll work side-by-side with students from acting, direction, design, and marketing to bring creative briefs to life, learning how professional productions truly come together.

Industry engagement — Guest artists, producers, and practitioners regularly contribute workshops and mentorship, giving you direct insight into how the industry operates and how to build your professional network.

Professional practice and placements — The course encourages internships, placements, and real-world producing experiences, helping you apply your learning beyond the classroom.

Capstone and final-year projects — In your final year, you’ll take the lead on major theatre or film projects, overseeing every stage from concept to delivery.

Research and creative documentation — You’ll maintain creative logs or blogs, documenting your process, reflecting on your development, and refining your practice.

Access to East 15 and University of Essex resources — As part of a dedicated theatre and performance hub, you’ll benefit from expert faculty, well-equipped libraries, performance archives, and extensive institutional support.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme often move into roles that blend creative vision with strong leadership and management skills — taking full responsibility for projects in theatre, film, and live events. By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to lead teams, handle budgets, and guide productions from concept to stage or screen. Typical career paths include Theatre Producer, Film or Short Film Producer, Production Manager, and Arts or Festival Project Manager.

With that in mind, here’s what you can realistically expect — and how the University of Essex helps you get there:

Future Progression & Opportunities

University Support for Employability

You won’t be navigating your career path alone. The Essex Careers Centre provides one-to-one coaching on CVs, portfolios, and interviews — all tailored to the creative and performing arts industries.

Through the Creative Essex network and internal university links, you’ll have opportunities to connect with local media and arts organisations. Regular workshops and guest talks bring in established professionals who may mentor you, offer feedback, or even commission student work.

Students can also apply for micro-grants and funding to support independent creative projects — such as festival screenings, short films, or theatre productions — helping you grow your professional portfolio while you study.

Employment Stats & Graduate Outcomes

For Essex graduates in Drama and Creative Arts, around 90% are in work or further study within 15 months of completing their degree.

Average earnings 15 months after graduation are around £24,000, with many entry-level roles in the £20,000–£30,000 range. Over time, as you move into larger-scale productions and leadership positions, you can expect to work on projects with six-figure budgets, particularly in film, theatre, and live events.

University–Industry Connections

This degree is delivered through East 15 Acting School, part of the University of Essex, known for its deep roots in performance training and professional networks. You’ll work in spaces like the Clifftown Theatre, collaborating directly with actors, directors, and technicians to bring your ideas to life.

The university also works closely with the Essex Film Office, which provides training, production support, and networking opportunities for emerging creatives in the region.

Beyond campus, you’ll benefit from the wider creative ecosystem in Essex and London — home to industry partners like the BBC, National Theatre, and creative trade unions through the National College Creative Industries.

Accreditation & Long-Term Value

Your qualification is an officially accredited BA (Honours) degree — recognised by employers, production companies, and arts institutions worldwide. The course is externally examined and benchmarked against national standards, so your degree carries weight both academically and professionally.

Being part of East 15 and the University of Essex also connects you to a respected network of alumni working across theatre, film, festivals, and media — giving your career a powerful head start.

Graduation Outcomes

By the end of the programme, you’ll graduate with:

A strong portfolio of original short films, theatre productions, and live projects.
A professional network of peers, mentors, and industry contacts.
The confidence and skills to work freelance or as part of production teams in theatres, festivals, creative agencies, and film studios.

Many alumni have gone on to successful careers in arts management, event production, film and theatre producing, and other creative leadership roles.

Further Academic Progression

Your journey doesn’t have to stop at a BA. After completing this degree, you could pursue:

A Master’s in Producing (film, theatre, or performance) or an MFA in Theatre / Film Production
A postgraduate degree in Arts Management or Cultural Leadership
Research degrees (MPhil / PhD) in performance studies, film studies, or cultural production
Specialist training in directing, cinematography, or festival curation
Or even a business-focused postgraduate degree (MBA in Creative Industries) to develop your entrepreneurial side and scale your production ventures