Live Events Production

Those involved in the installation and operation of staging and technical systems are more effective if they can engage with the creative process. To do this they must understand the aims of the artistic concept and how the resultant design  meets these aims. You will be introduced to the creative process of staging and technical design within the live events industry, focussing on communicating design concepts and ideas to satisfy the expectations of client and audience.

Complex solutions to ever increasing technical and artistic demands require those working on live events to have an in-depth knowledge of staging systems and components. You will be introduced to techniques, terminology, theory and practice for modular-staging systems, truss systems, hoists and motor control. Using industry standard software you will create a stage plan, and learn how to develop a stage layout to satisfy a client brief.

Live performances rely upon high quality sound to engage the audience. In this module you will learn about the operation and control techniques involved in the preparation and production of live sound. You will evaluate the quality and  aesthetics of sound output for live events, investigate a range of techniques for engineering live sound sessions and be introduced to a range of manufacturers’ products and equipment.

Lighting plays a significant role in shaping the perception and emotion of the live event audience. This module introduces you to a wide range of lighting  technology, common programming techniques, control signal protocols, the science of colour and light and the principles of lighting design. You will practice technical skills involved in lighting for live events and apply relevant knowledge creatively. Through the use of industry standard software you will design a lighting plan, visualise it, and produce the required technical paper work.

With the development of video walls, projection mapping and the pixel mapping of LED sources, the use of live visuals has increased exponentially. Through the use of industry standard software you will learn how to gather and edit content, explore the attributes and technical specifications of different types of projector and video walls, and investigate a variety of media servers to deliver content including mapping to a 3D shape. You will consider the aesthetics of live visuals whilst you design your own live visuals performance.

This module allows you to develop your knowledge, understanding and practical skills in live sound engineering and mixing of live event performances including setting up, operating and mixing on systems typical in performance spaces and venues.

This module allows you to extend your knowledge and skills in lighting operation, design and practice. You will learn about the development of lighting design in a variety of genres and investigate colour theory, lamps and optics together with intermediate programming and operation. You will also deliver lighting in live performance situations through a range of technical and aesthetic activities.

This module will extend your knowledge and skills in visuals design and operation and investigate its impact on live events. You will extend your practical skills by delivering visual productions in live performance situations through a range of technical and aesthetic activities.

This module will give you an understanding of the management of finance and the principles of business when planning and staging an event. The marketing process will be explored as well as the scope and characteristics of event sponsorship and income generation.

This module focuses on the key elements of event production management including preparing creative proposals for site and venue layouts, specifying infrastructure, preparing budgets and defining how safe operations will be regulated. You will also explore contextual issues around the nature of events, audience profiles and the marketing of events. 

A vital learning environment is created by the experience of actually developing and delivering events for a live audience. Building on skills and knowledge gained in all previous modules you will work in a collaborative team to deliver an exciting program of live events and see them through from conception to delivery and evaluation. 

This module develops and consolidates your ability to undertake a major research project. The two main approaches, quantitative and qualitative, will be explored, including how data is collected and analysed within each of these areas. Attention will also be paid to ensuring that research is ethical. 

The purpose of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to develop your skills and experience in a way that is targeted to your personal career aspirations. You will reflect upon your achievements to date and relate your interests and expertise to career choices. Once you have identified your progression route you will develop a proposal for a project to further your skills and knowledge towards this chosen route, whether in employment or further academic study

This module offers you the opportunity to expand your knowledge of issues related to logistics and supply chain management in the live events industry. You will analyse the management of operations, supply chain management and evaluate how the international dynamics of the live events industry can work in a coordinated manner to provide a successful event. 

In this module you will complete a work placement intended to provide you with practical experience of working in the live events industry. The module will utilise the learning gained in the other modules studied. You will apply your learning to a work related project that you will develop to the potential benefit of an existing live events organisation.

Choice of 1 of the following 4 modules…

This module allows you to develop further knowledge and specialist skills in devising and operating complex live sound systems within live events settings. You will extend your technical knowledge and practical skills in live sound production through self-proposed productions that evidence technical expertise, aesthetic artistry, project management and leadership skills relevant to a sound production team.

This module allows you to develop advanced knowledge and specialist skills in lighting production and practice. You will design, setup, deliver and evaluate complex lighting shows within live event settings. You will also extend your critical and analytical skills in through self-proposed lighting setups and performances that evidence technical expertise and aesthetic artistry in this field.

This module allows you to develop advanced knowledge and specialist skills in visual production and practice including team leadership. You will design, setup, deliver and evaluate complex visuals within live event settings. You will also extend your critical and analytical skills in Visual production through self-proposed Visuals setups and performances that evidence technical expertise and aesthetic artistry in this field.

This module allows you to develop your knowledge and perspective of the live events sector. You will explore and evaluate contemporary issues and analyse how they impact on the sector. 

The Major Project module is a substantial piece of work that gives you the opportunity to demonstrate the extent of your achievement on the degree as a whole. The module will enable you to consolidate the skills and experience gained during the first two years of the course. You will agree a project proposal and a learning agreement with your supervisor. You may work individually or in teams. If you work in a team, the team members will have a common supervisor or supervising team. Your project will build on areas already explored in the other modules in your programme. The module tutor and guide will provide further advice regarding the project, including attendance, supervisory arrangements, assessment criteria and rules regarding teamwork.