What is Stage Management and Technical Theatre?
A Stage Manager supports and organises all the different teams involved in the day-to-day running of a theatre production from rehearsals right through to performances and then post-show. They liaise and communicate with the full company and organise each team to ensure the smooth running of a production.
Technical theatre encompasses all that goes into making a staged production. The areas of technical theatre are scenery, lighting, properties, costuming and sound. All of these areas work together in production to establish the place, time period, and mood of the production.
In both Stage Management and Technical Theatre there needs to be a good understanding of both the technical and artistic elements of a performance so you can ensure its delivered exactly to the director’s requirements.
What 3rd level courses are available?
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering Stage Management and Technical Theatre courses in the following subject areas:
- Creative Drama and Theatre Arts – The theatre Performance course provides training in core performance skills.
- BA In Theatre and Film Practice – Gain a solid grounding in the practical application of both theatre and film production skills.
- Musical Theatre – This course includes acting, vocal training and dance for the well-rounded experience.
- Theatre Performance Course – A study of core performance skills.
- Performing Arts: Theatre Film & TV Acting – An introduction to the various disciplines involved in working on stage, in film and on television.
Studying Stage Management and Technical Theatre in college
There are many Stage Management and Technical Theatre courses that take place over 1 year to 4 years depending on the course and modules selected. There are also part-time courses and night courses available so you can be sure to fit in your studies no matter what your schedule is like.
Courses will cover theory work through lectures, assignments, tutorials and taught modules. Assessments will take place on a continuous basis with written examinations and practical assignments combined in order to achieve a qualification.
You could also consider work experience or joining drama societies at university or local amateur dramatics clubs. Take or send your CV to relevant organisations asking for any experience they can offer – don’t be picky about the opportunity, as even in basic roles you’ll learn a lot and enhance your CV.
Subscribe to industry newsletters and publications to keep up with developments and opportunities. Ensure you take advantage of any internships and partnerships available, e.g. with local studios and venues. Work Experience will not only give you the opportunity to obtain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the industry, it will also give you a chance to do some essential networking with other industry professionals and gain valuable contacts for the future.
Career options
After completing a course in Stage Management and Technical Theatre you will be able to get started in a career that uses specific knowledge of theatre and stage.
Working hours will depend on whether you are employed by a company with set business hours or if you are contracted to various facilities or companies. The hours are usually irregular and you will need to be prepared to work long and unsociable hours including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
The work is based in theatres and other arts venues. Conditions backstage can be hot, dusty or dark, although this depends on the age and size of the venue. Open-air theatres may be the opposite of this. The work can be physically demanding as you may be expected to help move or lift props, especially when working for smaller theatres.
Experienced stage managers may opt to work freelance in order to gain more varied experience and earn higher rates of pay. Occasionally, you may need to travel during the day. If you’re in a touring company, you may spend long periods away from home.
Typical employers range from small touring companies to medium-sized repertory companies and large-scale commercial theatres. Other employers include alternative, community, prison and children’s theatre, fringe theatre, regional theatre, theatre-in-education companies and touring theatres.
In addition to theatre work, stage managers can also work at open-air music concerts, festivals and theme parks.
Related jobs include:
- Stage Manager
- Technical Theatre manager
- Theatre manager
- Theatre stage manager
- Theatre director
- Actor
- Broadcast presenter
- Community arts worker
- Drama therapist
- Runner, broadcasting/film/video
- Arts administrator
- Choreographer
- Further education teacher
- Media researcher
- Music producer
- Secondary school teacher
- Special effects technician
- Talent agent
- Television floor manager
Further study
After completing a course in Stage Management and Technical Theatre you may choose to pursue further study in a specialist field to increase your knowledge base and skillset. Postgraduate study can also be used as a means to change career focus or to gain professional qualifications required to practise in certain career areas such as directing, teaching or drama therapy.
FAQ
What skills could be helpful for a career in Stage Management and Technical Theatre?
Skills in performance, interpreting text, scriptwriting, technical theatre and directing skills will all be needed for a career in Stage Management or Technical Theatre.
Other skills that could be useful are stamina in order to cope with long hours during technical and dress rehearsals, and for touring. Administration skills, business awareness and the ability to manage a budget and also a driving licence can be very useful in these roles too.
Broad skills that are in demand across all industries include teamwork, working well under pressure and meeting deadlines, creative/critical thinking skills, presentation and verbal communication, written communication skills, quick thinking and improvisation skills, self-motivation, negotiation and conflict management skills.
Where can I study Stage Management and Technical Theatre?
Explore your options here
Did You Know?
- Shakespeare’s Globe is the only building in London allowed to have a thatched roof since the Great Fire in 1666
- Two seats are permanently bolted open at the Palace Theatre for the theatre ghosts to sit in.
- World Theatre Day was initiated in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI).
- The word ‘thespian’ comes from the first person to have taken the stage in Ancient Greece, Thespis.
- In May 1849 the Astor Place riot broke out in New York – it was caused by two actors arguing over who was better at performing Shakespeare.
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