Welcome
We’re delighted that you’re considering studying one of our Production Arts courses at Rose Bruford College.
Whether you’re interested in making costumes, creating scenic environments, managing productions or exploring lighting and technical theatre, the admissions process is an opportunity for us to get to know you, your interests and your ambitions.
We know that applicants arrive with different levels of experience and from a wide range of creative backgrounds. Some may have extensive theatre experience, while others may be discovering their chosen specialism for the first time. We’re interested in your enthusiasm, curiosity and potential to develop through training.
This page applies to applicants for:
- BA (Hons) Costume Production
- BA (Hons) Scenic Arts (Props, Painting and Construction)
- BA (Hons) Creative Lighting Control
- BA (Hons) Stage Management
Interview Process
Following your application, you will be invited to attend an interview.
Interviews can take place:
- On campus at Rose Bruford College
- Online, where attendance in person is not possible
We encourage applicants to attend in person wherever possible, as it provides an opportunity to experience the College environment and meet staff and students.
Depending on availability, applicants attending on campus may also have the opportunity to visit specialist facilities, take part in a practical workshop and/or receive a student-led campus tour. These opportunities cannot be guaranteed on every interview day.
The Interview
Interviews typically last around 30 minutes.
The interview is intended to be a conversation rather than a formal assessment. We want to learn more about your interests, experiences and ambitions, and give you the opportunity to tell us why you’re interested in your chosen course.
We may discuss:
- Why you have chosen the course
- Why you would like to study at Rose Bruford College
- Projects you have worked on
- Creative interests and inspirations
- Skills you would like to develop
- Future career aspirations
There are no trick questions and no expectation that applicants will have professional experience.
Preparing for Your Interview
We strongly encourage applicants to bring a portfolio.
Your portfolio does not need to be professionally presented and there is no single “correct” way to create one.
We’re interested in seeing examples of your creativity, interests and development, and learning more about the work that excites and inspires you.
You may wish to include:
- School or college projects
- Sketches and drawings
- Photography
- Models
- Research and mood boards
- Design work
- Technical projects
- Production photographs
- Personal creative projects
- Work in progress
Digital portfolios are welcome.
We recommend choosing work that you enjoy talking about and that helps to tell the story of your interests and creative development.
Costume Production
We’re interested in learning more about your creative influences, your eye for detail and what draws you to costume.
Your portfolio might include costume designs, garment construction projects, sewing work, fashion illustration, textile exploration, research projects or personal creative work. Don’t worry if your work isn’t theatre-specific. Inspiration can come from many places, and we’re interested in understanding your creative interests and how they have developed over time.
The interview is an opportunity to talk about the work you enjoy making, the ideas that inspire you and your interest in costume as a way of bringing stories and characters to life.
Scenic Arts (Props, Painting and Construction)
This course is particularly suited to people who enjoy making, building, problem-solving and working with their hands.
Your portfolio could include artwork, painting projects, model making, prop making, technical drawings, construction projects or examples of practical creative work. We love seeing evidence of experimentation, development and making, not just finished outcomes.
During the interview, we’ll be interested in hearing about your creative process, the projects you’ve enjoyed most and what excites you about creating the environments, objects and details that bring productions to life.
Creative Lighting Control
You don’t need previous professional lighting experience to apply for this course.
We’re looking for people who are interested in how technology, creativity and storytelling come together in live performance and events. Your portfolio might contain production photographs, event work, technical projects, research, design ideas or examples of problem-solving and teamwork.
During the interview, we’ll want to hear about the productions, concerts, events or experiences that have sparked your interest and what excites you about working behind the scenes to shape an audience’s experience.
Stage Management
Stage managers are at the heart of a production, bringing people, processes and creative ideas together.
We’re interested in applicants who enjoy working with others, taking responsibility and helping projects run smoothly. Your portfolio might include production paperwork, schedules, prompt books, event planning projects, evidence of leadership or examples of times you’ve organised people, resources or activities.
The interview is an opportunity to discuss your experiences, how you approach teamwork and problem-solving, and what appeals to you about supporting creative work from behind the scenes.
What We’re Looking For
We’re interested in applicants who show genuine enthusiasm for their chosen subject and a willingness to learn.
During the interview, we’re looking to understand what interests you about your chosen course, what inspires your creativity and how you approach creative challenges.
We’re also interested in your curiosity, problem-solving skills and ability to reflect on your work and experiences. You don’t need to have all the answers or a detailed career plan. Instead, we want to see evidence that you’re excited to develop your skills and make the most of the opportunities available through specialist training.
Most importantly, we’re looking for applicants who are open, engaged and eager to learn.
If you have questions about preparing for your interview, bringing a portfolio, online interviews or what to expect on the day, you’ll find answers to many of the most common questions in our Auditions & Interviews FAQs.
For Parents, Carers, Supporters and Teachers
Preparing for an interview can feel exciting and sometimes a little daunting. The most valuable support you can offer is helping the applicant reflect on their interests, experiences and ambitions, and encouraging them to talk confidently about their work.
Applicants are encouraged to bring a portfolio, but this does not need to be professionally produced. School and college work, personal projects and work in progress can all provide valuable material for discussion.
The interview is designed to be a relaxed conversation that helps us understand an applicant’s interests, potential and readiness to benefit from training. We encourage applicants to focus on sharing their enthusiasm for their chosen subject and engaging openly with the discussion.
For on-campus interviews, parents, carers, supporters and teachers are welcome to wait in our on-site café while the interview takes place or explore the local area.