Resources for Performing Arts Students

This space is for students using Performing Arts, Music, Dance, and Theatre facilities. Whether you're operating lights, sourcing sound, or building AV shows, here are some helpful links and learning tools to support your projects.
 

Lighting: Programming & Practice (ETC Eos)

We use ETC Eos lighting desks in our spaces. If you're new to lighting or want to brush up on your programming skills, these tutorials are a great starting point:

• Tea Break Tutorials (ETC Eos v2.2+)
  Quick, easy lessons with example files and visualisers – ideal for getting confident at your own pace.
  Tea Break Tutorials

• Eos Family Level 1: Essentials
  More structured, beginner-friendly training from ETC covering patching, cues, effects, and more.
  Level 1 Essentials
   

QLab: Running LX, SND & AV from One Place

QLab is used across our venues to control lighting, sound, and video cues. If you’re not sure where to start:

• Official Docs – Straight from the developers, covers everything from cue creation to show control.
  QLab Documentation

• YouTube Tutorials – Bite-sized video guides for beginners and advanced users.
  QLab Tutorial Channel
   

Finding Sound & Music (Licensing Reminder!)

If you're looking for SFX or music for a piece, make sure you’re sourcing your audio legally – especially for public performances. We recommend:

• BBC Sound Effects Archive
  Free to use for educational and creative projects.
  BBC Sound Effects

Please Note: If you're using commercial music, make sure to purchase or license it properly to comply with copyright laws.

Work With Others

Don’t know how to programme a lighting desk yet? Want to learn sound but unsure where to start?
Team up with other students from courses like film, music, dance, design, fashion and theatre – you’ll often find someone with the skillset you’re looking to build. Many of the best student projects come from collaboration, and you might learn more by doing it together than going solo.