Duration of the online course: 1 hours and 47 minutes
5
(3)
Step behind the curtain and learn how a live production comes together, from the first creative choices to the moment the audience believes in the world onstage. This free online course in theatrical production blends practical craft with creative storytelling, giving you a clear view of how costumes, hair, props, writing, rehearsal and performance support each other in professional theatre.
You will explore the high-pressure precision of costume quick changes and understand how backstage planning can protect both performers and the rhythm of a scene. You will also dive into wig-making, following the process from foundation building to lace work, knotting hair and fitting, revealing how small technical decisions shape character, silhouette and authenticity under stage lighting. Alongside that, you will see how special effects elements can be designed for maximum impact, creating believable textures and stains that communicate story at a glance.
The course also connects making with meaning through a strong focus on writing for theatre. You will reflect on how playwrights approach process, narrative, style, dialogue, character and stagecraft, and how creative limitations can sharpen your voice rather than restrict it. Just as importantly, you will gain insight into rehearsal culture and collaboration, where trust, clarity and shared intent turn ideas into action.
To broaden your toolkit, you will learn the foundations of puppet-making and the principles that bring a puppet to life, helping you think about movement, focus and the relationship between human performer and object. Actor-focused segments and physical warm-ups round out the experience, reinforcing the stamina, listening and body awareness needed for consistent live performance. Whether you are exploring theatre as a hobby, building a portfolio for creative work, or preparing for study or backstage opportunities, this course helps you speak the language of production with confidence.
Video class: How to do a Costume Quick Change
02m
Exercise: _What is a quick change in a theatrical production?
Video class: How to Make a Wig | Part One: making the foundation
02m
Exercise: _What is the purpose of the head wrap in the wigs, hair and makeup department at the National Theatre?
Video class: How to Make a Wig | Part Two: adding lace to the foundation
02m
Exercise: What is the primary purpose of the lace mesh in wig making?
Video class: How to Make a Wig | Part Three: knotting hair and fitting a wig
02m
Exercise: _How is the hair knotted into the wig during the theatrical production by National Theatre?
Video class: Medea's Dress: Making Blood and Mud
04m
Exercise: _What kind of effect is the designer trying to achieve with the dress for the theatrical production?
Video class: Playwrights Series: Process
05m
Exercise: What is the most important step when starting to write a first draft according to the text?
Video class: Playwrights Series: Narrative
04m
Exercise: What is the main advice given for aspiring writers in the transcript?
Video class: Playwrights Series: Top Tips
03m
Exercise: What approach is suggested for gaining inspiration for writing?
Video class: Playwrights Series: Style
03m
Exercise: What is a key element in developing one's creative voice, according to the text?
Video class: Playwrights Series: Dialogue
03m
Exercise: What is the playwright's perspective on writing dialogue?
Video class: Playwrights Series: Stagecraft
04m
Exercise: What is the creative benefit of having limitations in theater writing?
Video class: Playwrights Series: Character
03m
Exercise: What is the key approach to writing authentic characters according to the transcript?
Video class: The Theatre Rehearsal Process | Inua Ellams and Nadia Fall | Three Sisters
03m
Exercise: What is emphasized as important in the working relationship described?
Video class: The Theatre Rehearsal Process | Inua Ellams and Nadia Fall | Three Sisters
03m
Exercise: What is emphasized as important in the working relationship described?
Video class: How to Make a Puppet | How You Can Make It | National Theatre
03m
Exercise: What is the first step in making a brown paper puppet?
Video class: Gyre
05m
Exercise: What is the focus of the exercise involving puppets and humans?
Video class: Gyre
07m
Exercise: What are the three key principles in bringing a puppet to life in puppetry?
Video class: On Stage With... James McArdle
06m
Exercise: What acting technique is emphasized for mastering live stage performances?
Video class: On Stage with Actors Niamh Cusack and Catherine McCormack | My Brilliant Friend
05m
Exercise: What challenge did the actors face when portraying their characters?
Video class: Warm-Up Your Body | Shake Out
07m
Exercise: What is the primary purpose of the described physical warm-up session?
1 hours and 47 minutes of online video course
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Course comments: Theatrical production
Bryan Applegate
love the ease of course access and content