“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
When we introduced our Two Year Stage Management#& Technical Theatre Course in 1965, it quickly became a prototype for other institutions branching into this area. Five decades later, we remain at the cutting edge of vocational stage management and technical theatre training in the UK.
Our curriculum is deliberately broad. Regardless of the area in which our students hope to specialise, they are required to gain experience in all technical disciplines. This enables them to develop new skills, widen their understanding of the art form and ultimately become more employable.
Our course is taught by established industry professionals who enjoy successful careers in their fields. Our tutors maintain their links with the industry and often work on professional productions alongside their LAMDA commitments. This ensures that our training remains relevant and up-to-date with changes in technology, customs and industry practice.
Our students are also encouraged to forge links with the industry prior to graduation. Initiatives such as LAMDA at Large and our second-year work placements help them to meet prospective employers and gain valuable experience.These are just some of the reasons why all of our stage management and technical theatre students who actively seek employment find relevant work within a few weeks of graduation.
Our alumni excel in a wide range of creative and managerial roles. We are proud to count Howard Panter (Joint CEO of Ambassador Theatre Group), Kevin Fitzmaurice (RSC producer and former Executive Director of the Young Vic), Luke Rittner (Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Dance) and Olivier Award-winning lighting designer, Natasha Chivers.
Course Breakdown
Year One
The first year of the course offers students a thorough grounding in four core disciplines – stage management, set construction, lighting and sound. Classes are given in stage management, production management, staging, prop making, lighting (including design), rigging, sound, set design, scenic construction, health and safety, first aid, fire safety and drafting – manual and CAD (WYSIWYG and AutoCAD).
During the second and third terms, students work on LAMDA’s public productions – spending approximately six weeks in junior roles in the stage management, construction, lighting and sound departments. These productions play in repertoire at The LAMDA Linbury Studio and in professional venues across the capital as part ofour LAMDA at Large initiative.
Year Two
In the second year, students undertake Heads of Department roles on LAMDA shows, enabling them to strengthen their leadership skills. During the year, students may have an opportunity to transfer productions to theatres elsewhere in the UK and Europe.
Professional Preparation
Second year students complete two six-week work placements within the entertainment industry. These are designed to offer professional experience in an area of the student’s choice and LAMDA is currently the only UK drama school to offer two placements as standard. Many students go on to secure employment with their placement companies after graduation. Previous destinations include the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, Autograph Sound, Sadler’s Wells and the Royal Opera House.
Throughout the course, students are encouraged to network with current industry practitioners. They receive classes in taxation, letter and CV writing and interview technique. They also participate in mock interviews with visiting professionals, who provide valuable feedback.
Employment after Graduation
LAMDA maintains close links with the industry to ensure that the course continues to offer the level of training required by the profession. LAMDA therefore has an excellent employment record with its graduates in
high demand. We estimate
that all students who actively seek employment will find
work within a few weeks of graduation. LAMDA
continues to support its students after graduation - not just by helping them to secure their
first job but by ensuring that they continue in employment.
Student Profile and Admissions
The potential stage management/technical theatre
student must have 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. The course is not for beginners. Applicants who wish to expand their experience in stage management and technical theatre should consider a LAMDA summer course.
The course 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.
Entry admission to the course is by interview which is
designed to discover the extent of an applicant's stage
management and technical theatre knowledge and their suitability for the course.
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 interview consists of a theatre tour and also gives the opportunity to meet current students and staff. Interviews are held in London only.
