Discover Backstage courses at Wales' National Conservatoire

Our Backstage courses focus on developing your skills as an individual and through cross-College collaboration. From designing sets and constructing puppets, to lighting & sound design and production. We are dedicated to supporting your creative career.

• Our courses are led by experienced practitioners – who are experts in their field – so you can be confident that your training meets current industry standards and best practice.
• We offer immersive, hands-on training opportunities, no matter what you choose to study.
• Your training takes place in the venues at our dynamic arts centre. You’ll work on – or have your work displayed in – public performances that aim to mirror the professional working environment.
• You’ll work in some of the best and most varied facilities in the country. And our state-of-the-art software and equipment reflects what’s used across industry, so you can be confident in your abilities when stepping into professional roles after graduation.
• We’re a world leader in training designers for performance, with our graduates going on to win Golden Globes, Tony Awards and BAFTAs, and our graduates are also regularly honoured at the prestigious Linbury Prize for Stage Design.

• Small city, big ambition:
  Having a population of around 350,000 people, Cardiff has the feeling of a small town despite having lots of stuff going on all year round in the capital city, from vibrant nightlife, to sports matches (yes, rugby!) and music and food festivals - it all happens in the 'Diff!

• Cost friendly city:
  Cardiff was voted the second most cost-effective city for students in the 2023 Natwest Student Living Index.

• Great transport links:
  The train and bus networks make it easy to get around and explore other parts of Wales and the U.K. You’ll find direct trains from Cardiff Central to Cheltenham, London and Manchester as well as lots of other destinations.

• The natural beauty of our countryside is legendary:
  Wales is a nation of magnificent mountains, valleys, forests and lakes, and it’s compact enough for easy exploration - there's also a reason Wales is called the 'castle capital of the world'.

• Safe for students:
  Cardiff has been voted one of the top four safest cities to live and study, and is considered an 'easygoing' place to live. Wales has a reputation for its welcoming community - 'croeso!'