Our three-year course provides you with a thorough understanding of all aspects of stage management. You’ll also develop an understanding of the core skills in technical theatre and the design elements, widening your knowledge and ability to work in the fast-paced, demanding environment of stage management and further afield.

During your degree you’ll explore all areas of theatrical performance production. Concentrating on the technical and logistical aspects, your studies will investigate lighting and sound, wardrobe, set design, props sourcing, maintenance, and the management and organisation of touring theatre. You’ll also widen your skills base, developing an awareness of the administration and funding of events and small theatre companies as well as the context of theatre today.

At Birmingham Conservatoire we have a vibrant, energetic and stimulating environment. You’ll be taught by our team of highly skilled and experienced staff, who also continue to work with industry.

Learn through practical experience

You’ll be expected to engage in a variety of professionally focused roles which will challenge you to grow as a creative practitioner. Taking on the essential duties of Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) in your first year of study, Deputy Stage Manager (DSM) in the second year, and Stage Manager in the final year, you’ll learn through experience, framed by theoretical study. Through a series of practical and theoretical lectures, seminars and workshops you’ll discover the disciplines needed to confidently and successfully bring scripts from page to stage.

The BA (Hons) Stage Management course provides you with a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a Stage Manager in a theatrical production. You’ll discover and understand the use and purpose of theatre lighting, sound and audio-visual technology. With an exploration of props, costume and scenic design, you’ll discover, in-depth, the demands of the field.

We’ll provide you with the ability and skills to take on the role of Assistant, Deputy and Stage Manager. Discussions of the work of professional organisations and interests will help prepare you to take on employment within industry.

You’ll develop an understanding of the use and purpose of all aspects of stage management skills, design and various technologies in the creation of production, including investigation of the health and safety requirements that govern a theatrical production. You’ll learn many transferable skills throughout your study.

The course will help you develop a critical awareness of the creative possibilities that theatre provides. You’ll be able to interpret, assess and quantify the requirements of a theatrical event. You’ll acquire the ability to respond to the demands of the industry, and you’ll be able to carry out the tasks and roles of Stage Management.

You’ll learn how to organise, promote and enhance your skills as a creative practitioner, and you’ll be able to work effectively as part of a team. You’ll learn how to manage personal workloads, and negotiate and pursue goals with others.

PLACEMENTS

During your final year you’ll have the chance to undertake a placement within a professional context relating to stage management. You’ll take responsibility for finding and organising the role, with support from the School.

We encourage you to engage with ideas and theories within a practical setting, developing your communication skills and working in an authentic environment. In the past, students have undertaken placements at industry-leading organisations such as the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal Opera House and Birmingham Repertory Theatre.