Stage Management BA (Hons)

You will be introduced to the academic and intellectual skills that you will need for study and professional development.

Management in Theory and Practice 1

Classes will introduce you to the roles and functions of management within the theatre, events and performance-related industries.

Roles on College projects or productions will give you the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of management and administration, and will enable you to explore a range of models and put these into practice.

Depending on scale and scope of project, possible roles could include, but are not limited to:
1. Assistant Stage Manager
2. Assistant Events Manager
3. Deputy Stage Manager
4. Administrative Assistant
5. Marketing Assistant
6. Assistant Project Manager

Industry Study and Professional Preparation 1

In class, you will be introduced to the business environments, structures, models and hierarchies that exist within the theatre, events and performance related industries.

You are encouraged to see yourselves as small businesses, as sole traders. Using examples and case studies you will consider what this means in terms of marketing and professional responsibility.

Practical Skills

In seminars, workshops, field trips and classes, you will be introduced to the core craft and practical skills required in a range of theatre, events and performance-related industries.

You will also work with a range of software platforms to develop skills relevant to a range of functions within the theatre, events and performance-related industries.

Module Options:
Options for study might include, but are not limited to:
1. Lighting and lighting technologies
2. Sound, rigging and operation
3. Costume maintenance and repair
4. Construction and carpentry skills
5. Painting, materials and techniques
6. Upholstery and soft furnishings
7. Design principles and model making
8. Prop making and sourcing
9. Technical drawing and drafting skills
10. The use of Microsoft Office software
11. The use of AutoCAD or other design software
12. The use of QLab or other audio software

The Practitioner in Context

The module lays the foundation for your studies throughout your programme. You will be introduced to learning, researching, analysing and investigation techniques. You will develop key skills that will enable you to become an increasingly independent learner and practice researcher.

You will also undertake your research through practical, supervised projects such as installations, presentations and small-scale laboratory performances, as well as written study, giving you the opportunity to develop your abilities, and diagnose strengths and weaknesses in your skills.

Your skills will be developed towards a level appropriate to preprofessional work and gives experience of outside professional and community contexts. Module study options include, but are not limited to:

Management in Theory and Practice 2

In class, you will investigate management theories, thinking, styles and techniques. You will study a range of conceptual models for various aspects of management, and consider how you can use these in your own practice as it develops. You will go on to apply these ideas working on one or more realised projects or productions, either within the College, with a partner organisation, or in industry.

Your exploration of management theory in this module will help you to translate your existing knowledge, skills and experience into practice.

Indicative Roles:

Depending on scale and scope of project, possible roles could include, but are not limited to:
1. Project Manager or Assistant
2. Events Manager or Assistant
3. Stage Manager, Deputy or Assistant
4. Assistant Producer
5. Assistant Production Manager
6. Assistant Company Manager
7. Props Manager or Assistant
8. Workshop Manager or Assistant
9. Administrator
10. Marketing assistant

These roles might take place on College events or productions, on events or productions at partner institutions, or with an outside company. They might alternatively take place with a partner international institution or industry organization.

Industry Study and Professional Preparation 2

In class, having considered possible goals and career paths in a range of fields, you will go on to further consider relevant business models and environments.

Taking three of the optional modular units pertinent to your skillsets and ambitions will allow you to focus on particular areas of your chosen industry, conducting research and field work in order to better understand the context in which it exists.

You will have the opportunity to explore an area or areas of your chosen industry by engaging in a short placement or internship, thereby gaining first-hand experience of that environment

Module Options:

Possible topics could include, but are not limited to:
1. Principles of business
2. Principles of marketing
3. Principles of fundraising
4. Principles of strategic planning
5. Budgeting and financial principles
6. Cultural and international practice
7. Regulatory frameworks
8. Understanding change management
9. Gameplay and social interaction
10. Understanding social and cultural value
11. Audience experience and management

Applied Technologies

In seminars, workshops, field trips and classes, you will be introduced to a broad range of technologies used in theatre, events and performance related industries.

You will study the roles, processes and techniques within a variety of digital and technical specialisms. You will be encouraged to further develop your software skills, by engaging with a variety of platforms used across the theatre and events industries.

You are expected to be a self-directed learner at year 3. Module study options include, but are not limited to:

Management in Theory and Practice 3

Classes will enable you to develop your understanding of leadership and management. You will be briefed on College protocols and encouraged to consider these in terms of industry models and practices.

You will work on one or more realised projects or productions, either within the College, with a partner organisation, or in industry. Here you will apply your skills, further extending and broadening your knowledge and understanding of leadership and management roles, relationships and structures in a variety of contexts.

Indicative Roles:

Depending on scale and scope of project, possible roles could include, but are not limited to:
1. Producer or Assistant Producer
2. Project Manager
3. Production Manager
4. Events Manager
5. Stage Manager or Deputy
6. Company Manager
7. Company Administrator
8. Assistant Director
9. Technical Manager
10. Tour Manager
11. Venue Manager
12. Site Manager
13. Administrator

Industry Study and Professional Preparation 3

With tutorial support, you will further consider business models and environments relevant to your chosen field or fields.

Taking two of the optional modular units pertinent to your skillset and ambitions will allow you to focus on a particular area of your chosen industry, conducting research and field work in order to better understand the context in which it exists.

You will have the opportunity to explore an area of your chosen industry by engaging in a placement or internship, thereby further developing your understanding of the environment in which it operates.

Module Options:

Possible topics could include, but are not limited to:
1. Strategy, analysis and implementation
2. Fundraising, marketing and public relations
3. Cultural and international strategy
4. Legislation and regulation
5. Change, crisis and sustainability
6. Administration and Business Management
7. Producing and Cultural Entrepreneurship
8. Assessing Impact
9. Creating social and cultural value
10. Leadership in the Arts and Cultural Industries
11. Group dynamics, crowd and audience management

In your first year, you will complete around 200 hours of indicative scheduled learning and teaching activities and 1000 hours of independent learning on projects, productions, placements or self-directed study. Assessment will be through: Coursework, presentations, assessed tutorials and portfolios

In your second year, you will complete around 90 hours of indicative scheduled learning and teaching activities and 1110 hours of independent learning on projects, productions, placements or self-directed study. Assessment will be through: Coursework, presentations, assessed tutorials and portfolios

In your third year, you will complete around 40 hours of indicative scheduled learning and teaching activities and 1160 hours of independent learning on projects, productions, placements or self-directed study. Assessment will be through: Coursework, presentations, assessed tutorials and portfolios

Stage Management Programme Specification