“I have used many of the skills I acquired while
studying Stage Management at LAMDA throughout my
working life. Of course my training prepared me to
work in the theatre but I also gained many transferable
skills that have given me an edge over the years”.
Luke Rittner, Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of
Dance and former Secretary General of the Arts
Council
The course was originally founded in 1965 by LAMDA
and the Theatre Projects Trust Ltd, and is of six terms'
duration. It begins in the Autumn of each year, and
provides a broad training in all aspects of stage
management and technical theatre. Core training
follows student development through from basic
lectures to production work.
The production work
primarily takes place in the MacOwan Theatre. Working
with practising directors and designers ensures that
students have the opportunity to work in a professional
environment and meet people who are currently active
within the business.
All students will have at least one
work placement with a professional theatre, production
company or equivalent.
The MacOwan Theatre is well equipped and provides
the flexibility of proscenium arch, theatre-in-the-round
or thrust stage formats. In addition the Academy has
its own wardrobe, property and carpentry workshops
and sound studios, and a second performance space,
the Linbury Studio.
Eligible Students on this course from the UK and EU can apply
for Higher Education funding. See Dates and Fees section for more information.
The University of Kent at Canterbury is the qualification
awarding body for the Higher Education programme.
Students who successfully complete the course receive
a Diploma in Higher Education in Stage Management &
Technical Theatre.
Year One students develop core skills in Stage
Management, Lighting, Sound, Staging and Carpentry
through class work, and then work on public
performances – theatre skills are therefore developed
through practical "hands-on" learning. Students are
assessed primarily on practical work undertaken.
An understanding of Health and Safety is an essential
part of the technical training.
Year Two students work in ‘Head of Department’ roles
on public shows. This year enables the student to
broaden their knowledge and gain experience in
teamwork and leadership.
Skills such as organisation, scheduling, time
management, and teamwork are emphasised. These
skills allow the student to develop, understand and
manage their own strengths and stress levels. They are
taught to be able to work within a team and to be a
team leader. These are transferable skills that any
student will always to use to their advantage in many
other professional fields.
Lectures and practical experience are provided in:
- Stage Management
- Health and Safety
- Prop Making and Sourcing
- Stage Craft
- Stage Lighting and Electrics
- Theatre Sound
- Scenic Construction
- Technical Drawing
- Scene Painting
- Set Design
- Model Making
- First Aid
These are supported by visits to theatres, museums
and technical services companies.
Computers, theatre related software and internet
access are installed in the MacOwan Theatre and the
main site at Talgarth Road for student use.
In order that the course continues to offer the level of
training that the industry requires, the Academy
maintains close contact with it. The fact that our
graduate students are in demand, can be seen in the
Academy’s excellent employment record. We estimate
that all students who actively seek employment will find
work within a few weeks of graduation. The Academy
continues to support students, not just to secure their
first job but to ensure they continue in employment.
The potential stage management/technical theatre
student must have a great enthusiasm for the theatre and
its technical crafts. S/he must have experience in school,
amateur or professional productions and some basic
knowledge of stage management and technical theatre.
Entry admission to the course is by interview, which is
designed to discover how much knowledge of stage
management and technical theatre the candidate has.
The candidate also has the opportunity to demonstrate
their commitment to the training and that their
personality and attitude will be an asset to the course.
The course, now in its 41st year, is a deliberately tough
training, which endeavours to emulate the procedures
of the industry. The programme is only suitable for
those who are fit, enthusiastic and committed to work
in the theatre and its related fields.
