UWTSD Students Bring The Sound of Music to Life with Spectacular Set Designs

Students and staff from the BA Set, Design and Production course at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) have teamed up with the Carmarthen and District Youth Opera (CDYO) on their latest production, The Sound of Music.

CDYO will perform The Sound of Music at the renowned Lyric Theatre Carmarthen from 18 to 21 February. The company approached the University’s Set Design and Production team to create imaginative stage elements, including the iconic stone bridge, a garden gazebo, and scenic trees, helping transport audiences to the musical’s Alpine setting.

This ongoing partnership between UWTSD and CDYO has become a cornerstone of the student learning experience. Previous collaborations on productions such as Shrek the Musical, Our House, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, alongside this year’s The Sound of Music, demonstrate the scale, ambition, and professionalism of the work students contribute.

The collaboration aligns with the students’ Live Production Project module, where they are tasked with responding to a real-world creative brief and delivering work for a live performance environment.

Dave Atkinson, UWTSD’s BA Set Design & Production Lecturer, said:

“This collaboration offers students the invaluable opportunity to design and create for a real client. Working directly with the creative team of Carmarthen Youth Opera gives them hands‑on experience with professional expectations, deadlines, and artistic problem‑solving. It is an authentic introduction to theatrical practice, allowing students to apply their skills in set construction, scenic art, props, and design communication in a live production environment.

“The relationship between the course and Carmarthen Youth Opera is truly symbiotic. While students gain essential industry experience and impressive portfolio material, the company benefits from fresh ideas, creative energy, and high‑quality production work. Together, both organisations continue to nurture the next generation of theatre designer & makers.”

The project has provided students with a valuable hands-on experience, helping them develop the practical skills and confidence needed for careers in the creative industries. 

The University is also very proud that two graduates of the course are also working on the production professionally.  Ashley Phillips is an in-house technician for Carmarthenshire Theatres, while Taylor Dyderski is the Deputy Stage Manager.

Mike Rogers, Chairman of the Carmarthen Youth Opera said:

“As Chairman of the Youth Opera, I am delighted that this is the third year we will be working in collaboration with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Students in the second year of the BA Set Design and Production degree course have been set a brief by Dan our Artistic Director to design and build elements of the scenery to enhance the experience both on and off the stage.

The partnership is one of mutual benefit, with the Youth Opera gaining from the innovative approach, enthusiasm and creativity from the students, whilst they in turn are provided with the opportunity to demonstrate and meet the challenges of a real theatre working environment.”

For more information about the BA Set Design & Production course, visit: Set Design and Production (Full-time) | University of Wales Trinity Saint David

For tickets to the production, please visit: The Sound of Music - Carmarthenshire Theatres 

Further Information

Lowri Thomas

Principal Communications and PR Officer     
Corporate Communications and PR     
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk     
Phone: 07449 998476