BA (Hons) Stage Management Course

Course Overview

Technician on West Side Story Production

Three Years, Full Time
Accredited by the National Council for Drama Training

In the first year you will learn a broad range of practical skills related to stage management, stagecraft and technical theatre. You will participate in practical classes designed to take you through a variety of occupational scenarios, from propping and prompting to mark-ups and rigging.

During your second and third years you will also receive tuition in aspects of event management. Your time will be split equally between classes and live production work. We can offer you a wide variety of opportunities to gain practical experience in a variety of production roles ranging from Assistant Stage Manager, Deputy Stage Manager or technician to lighting designer, sound designer or stage manager. You can expect to work on the full range of College events from in-house plays to touring productions, opera, musical theatre, orchestral concerts and outdoor events. In addition, we will encourage you to undertake a number of professional work placements.

Preparing for Work

You will receive training in all aspects of stage management, lighting, sound design, production and event management so by the end of your course you will be equipped to find work in a variety of roles within this diverse industry. We place a strong emphasis on maximising your employment opportunities and, in recent years, 100% of our students have secured employment prior to graduation. Our past students are now working with a range of companies including The Royal National Theatre, Endemol (Big Brother), Welsh National Opera, BBC, Disney Cruise Line, the Almeida Theatre, the Royal Court and on shows like Mama Mia, The Producers and We Will Rock You.

Production Work

In the practical context of a busy theatre and recital venue, you will work on productions alongside actors, designers and directors in an environment which accurately reflects the practices and conditions of contemporary professional theatre. You can expect to work on the full range of College events from in-house plays to touring productions, opera, musical theatre, orchestral concerts and outdoor events. During the summer months you will have the opportunity to work in our venue at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Venue 13) and in various arts and cultural events around Cardiff and South Wales.

Professional Links

We maintain close links with individuals and organisations within the industry, and you will regularly work in collaboration with professional production supervisors and technical specialists. Work placements are an important feature of the training offering you opportunities to gain valuable experience and contacts within the destination industries.