COURSE IN DEPTH
Year one
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Practical Stage Management 1 (ASM)
40 credits
The role of a Stage Manager requires an understanding of the multiple contexts within which contemporary theatre is created and the impact of past traditions on present practices. Students must be able to understand the cultural and historical framework of a script. Students need the opportunity to then put into practice the theories, skills and knowledge they gain in other modules on the course in a professional theatrical environment to gain a realistic sense of the pressures, deadlines, problem-solving, and on-going decision-making processes that public performance entails. Students will be encouraged to develop their creativity in relation to their stage management duties, working across 3 production seasons.
Production Realisation
40 credits
Students provide support for the two workshop seasons by taking on the role of DSM in rehearsals, demonstrating the roles specific tasks linked with this position. Also working as a team they ensure high production values across props, costume & scenic design. They exercise their creative skills to ensure period detail and accuracy in making and sourcing all that is required for the show from rehearsal period to final show. Supported by detailed prompt copies for both productions.
Technical Theatre 1
20 credits
A strong Stage Manager needs to not only understand their own discipline but also have an understanding of the various technical elements which come together to create a piece of theatre or other performance event. This module provides students with a working knowledge of these technical areas in lighting, sound & video.
Production Design 1
20 credits
Stage Management requires an understanding of the various elements of props, costume and scenic design which come together to create a piece of theatre or other performance event, and the practical skills required to realise those design concepts.
Year two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Practical Stage Management 2 (DSM)
40 credits
This module along with the other Practical Stage Management modules in Years 1 & 3 provides the central practical focus within the course.
Students need the opportunity to put into practice the theories, skills and knowledge they gain in other modules on the course in a professional theatrical environment to gain a realistic sense of the pressures, deadlines, problem-solving, and on-going decision– making processes that public performance entails and how these relate to the role of a Deputy Stage Manager. In preparation for the 3rd year they will also then focus on those skills of a stage manager for an in house workshop season giving them the chance to practice these before working on public shows. Students will be encouraged to be an essential creative part of the production team, and not see their role as one of a service function.
Production Administration
20 credits
Students have the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and understanding of producing a theatrical event and the considerations needed to take a piece of theatre on tour. Stage Managers need to understand many levels of working in an Arts Organisation, especially in smaller self-contained companies. This module prepares the students to deal with the development of budgets, the sourcing of funding and the marketing and selling of product.
Technical Theatre 2
20 credits
Having gained in the first year of study a foundation knowledge and understanding of the various technical elements which come together to create a piece of theatre or other performance event, students need the opportunity to further deepen this knowledge and understanding through the more specialised creative development of either lighting or sound.
Students will need to gain a wider practical experience of the real-life context in which they can exercise the skills they are learning.
Production Design 2
20 credits
Having gained in the first year of study a foundation knowledge and understanding of the various prop, costume and scenic design elements which come together to create a piece of theatre or other performance event, students need the opportunity to further deepen this knowledge and understanding through the more specialised creative development of either props, costume of scenic design.
Students will need to gain a wider practical experience of the real-life context in which they can exercise the skills they are learning.
Faculty Collaborative module
20 credits
Year three
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Practical Stage Management 3 (SM)
40 credits
This module along with the other Practical Stage Management modules in Years 1 & 2 provides the central practical focus within the course.
Students need the opportunity to put into practice the theories, skills and knowledge they gain in other modules on the course in a professional environment to gain a realistic sense of the pressures, deadlines, problem-solving, and on-going decision–making processes that public performance entails, and how these relate to the role of a Stage Manager, Including a firm understanding of Health and Safety regulations and their practical application.
Professional Development
40 credits
This module offers the student Stage Manager the opportunity to research and explore for themselves the work of a professional company or area of interest which may offer professional employment, and to relate their training to the professional world. Students need to develop the basic freelance personal management skills in order to operate as a professional Stage Manager. Students will have the opportunity to use their organisational and communication skills to network professionally.
Students need to recognise that professional development is a continuing process across a lifetime. Students need to understand the further opportunities offered to those with stage management and technical skills by the wider context of other related media. Students need to understand the opportunities which exist for further education and training beyond the BA (Hons) Stage Management.
Final Major project
40 credits
This module allows students to use the skills they have developed on the course to be given full creative expression. Students will be able to autonomously develop their skills in technical and stage management, and test the limits of their own imaginative and professional capabilities. They will have the opportunity to use all their ensemble, problem- solving, negotiating and management skills in a collaborative, creative practical context.
