UWTSD Students Build Professional-Standard Set for Touring Theatre Production

Set Design & Production students from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) have recently completed a professional set build and paint project for the upcoming touring production, Dosbarth Miss Prydderch a Lleidr y Lleisiau, - a co-production by Theatr Cymru, Yr Egin and Theatr Arad Goch Company.

Working to industry-level standards and deadlines, the students demonstrated outstanding skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and professional practice throughout the project. The initiative provided invaluable real-world experience, closely reflecting the expectations and pace of professional theatre environments, and also working from the plans of Set Designer, Cai Dyfan.

Opportunities to work at this level while studying are always welcomed, as they bring significant benefits to students’ technical development and confidence. In this instance, the project was particularly impactful, bringing together first, second and third-year students to work collectively at a standard expected not only in the professional sector, but at the level of a national theatre.

Student Alice Pearson said: 

“It was a great opportunity to apply the skills I’ve developed as a student to a professional project, while also working with materials and using techniques and tools I hadn’t yet had the chance to explore in my studies.”

For student Ashling Ryan: 

“I loved getting to work on such a fun colourful piece. Having the opportunity to work within both roles has been great as I can see the set go from unpainted flats in the workshop to a finished set on stage. Through working as scenic artist I have gained new skills and built on those I already have. This opportunity has also helped me to build my portfolio.”

David Atkinson, Set Design & Production Lecturer at UWTSD said: 

“Providing our students with the chance to work professionally while studying is vital to their growth as designers and makers. This project enabled students from across all years to collaborate, solve problems and deliver work to tight deadlines, all while maintaining a high professional standard. Theatr Cymru consistently delivers work of exceptional quality, and being trusted to uphold those standards is something I am extremely keen to demonstrate to the wider industry.”

Gareth Wyn Roberts, Head of Production for Theatr Cymru said: 

“It has been an absolute pleasure working with the university on the set build for Dosbarth Miss Prydderch a Lleidr y Lleisiau. 

“Seeing the students put the skills they’ve gained on the course, to use like this has been inspiring. Details were drilled into by the workshop that we as a production team, possibly hadn’t considered.

“They took notes on board well and went beyond. They clearly had fun with it.  It truly was like working with a professional workshop. The department is an asset the university should be proud of.”

Ffion Wyn Bowen, Artistic Director for Arad Goch said:

“The fact that the students are part of creating the set is very exciting. We at Arad Goch are very proud of the collaboration and seeing it all come to life. I’m looking forward to directing the crew on the set and bringing it all to life over the next few months!”

The collaboration reinforces UWTSD’s commitment to industry engagement and hands-on learning, ensuring graduates are well prepared for professional careers in theatre and live performance, while contributing meaningful, high-quality work to the cultural sector.

Llinos Jones, Yr Egin’s Engagement Manager added: 

“At Yr Egin and UWTSD, we believe it is essential to provide our students with meaningful real-world placements that equip them with hands-on industry experience. Through opportunities to contribute to professional projects, they develop valuable skills, build lasting connections with future employers and collaborators, and graduate better prepared for successful careers in theatre and live performance. Theatr Cymru is an important tenant at Yr Egin, and we are delighted to collaborate with them on this production. We are proud to place our students at the heart of the creative process, where they gain invaluable experience while making a significant contribution to the project.”

Dosbarth Miss Prydderch and Lleidr y Lleisiau will open at Theatr y Lyric, Carmarthen, on 6 June, before travelling throughout Wales. For more information about the production, click here.

Further Information

Lowri Thomas

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