Simon Lovelace, Event Technical Manager - At your tender age its a bit early to be thinking about a 3 yr degree commitment. If your number one interest is the design side of life, and remains that way, then yes, in the fullness of time you should consider a Design Degree (theatre). In the meantime, getting hands on experience must be your number one priority.

Your age will probably preclude you from being actively involved for reasons of insurance, however there is nothing preventing you from getting in touch with your nearest large theatre or venue and asking if you can go along and watch the crew fitting up productions. Contact the theatre, ask for the technical/stage manager, and put this request to him. Sit in the auditorium, watch & learn, take notes, and ask questions later (don't pester the guys while they're working)!

This will have a double benefit because, when you turn 16, you'll be a familiar face in the theatre and will be able to join the casual crewlist. Once you've had a good deal of exposure and some real hands-on experience you'll be able to make a decision as to whether the commitment both of time and money to a degree course is actually worthwhile. You may, by this stage, have developed enough experience and contacts to be able to jump straight in.

Sebastian Barnes, Freelance Technical Theatre Support - I'd recommend only tackling one degree, and choose the area that most interests you.  Stage design and Stage management tend to lead to different career pathways.