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The Two Year Stage Management & Technical Theatre Course (Dip HE)

Dip HE in Stage Management & Technical Theatre
Accredited by the National Council for Drama Training
Validated by the University of Kent at Canterbury

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“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.

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