Stage management and technical theatre production

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THIS COURSE IS NOW CLOSED. (28.09.26)

FREE COURSE: places on this course are fully funded by the GLA’s Bootcamps for Skills programme.This immersive course gives you hands-on experience in the stage management and technical disciplines of theatre and live events. You will work as part of a production team, gaining practical skills in lighting, sound, projection, and filming while sup...

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  • Start Date: 04 Oct 2026
    End Date: 08 Dec 2026
    This course is full
    Mon+Thu-Sun (Evening): 18:15 - 21:15
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 32 sessions (over 10 weeks)
    Course Code: DRA144
    Full fee £0.00 Senior fee £0.00 Concession £0.00

Any questions? drama@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 4582 0413

Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.

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SKU
248684
Full fee £0.00

What is the course about?

This demanding, highly practical and rewarding course is designed to build your skills, confidence, and industry awareness. Under the guidance of experienced course tutors, you will work collaboratively and creatively as you develop key skills, learn what it takes to run live events, work as part of a backstage and technical crew on real productions, performances and events at City Lit, and begin to build a CV that will allow you to start working in technical theatre. Our main external partner is Camden People’s Theatre.

Course dates/times: The main sessions are Mondays & Fridays 18:15 - 21:15, and Sundays 10:00 - 16:00 / 17:00, but you may also be required at other times, depending on the roles you take within the crew. The course leader will discuss roles and availability with you at interview.

To apply: download, complete and submit the application form.

What will we cover?

  • Working within a backstage and technical crew and with groups in drama, music and events, in a professional setting
  • Developing skills in
    • stage management
    • prop sourcing / management (including some making of props and items of set)
    • Lighting operation and elements of design
    • Sound control (live and pre-recorded) and elements of design
    • Projection and multimedia
    • Filming using multiple fixed cameras and moveable microphones
  • Dealing with the pressures and rewards of live public performances and events

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

  • Engage with the entire production process for live events
  • Operate and design lighting and sound systems with growing confidence.
  • Set up and run projection and multimedia elements for live events.
  • Work as an effective member of a backstage and technical production team.
  • Understand the end-to-end theatrical process, from rehearsal room to performances

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

No prior experience is needed, just a curiosity for technical theatre and a can-do attitude. Expect a high level of commitment: sessions are intensive, and you will be required to undertake independent work outside class hours.

ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible for this fully funded course, you need to be resident in London (within the GLA), aiming for a career as backstage and/or as a technician in theatre, live events, and/or production arts, but not yet working in these areas. You may be unemployed, or employed/self-employed in another type of work.

Places on this course are fully funded, and you are supported to progress to paid work and/or self-employment after the course. Full commitment is therefore required and you will need to attend all sessions of the course and undertake independent learning/work beyond the sessions.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Practical workshops in stage management, lighting, sound, projection.

Assigned production roles on a variety of events and performances, to be negotiated with the tutor, depending on the skills, experience and interests of all students in the group.

Learning through real rehearsal processes, working towards public performances and events.

Continuous mentoring and feedback from tutors.

All tech students will report to the tech tutor for the duration of the course, but will also work with other staff and students. You will need to work flexibly and be prepared to be participate in all technical areas as and when required.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Black clothing for suitable for backstage work

Black steel toe cap trainers or boots for health and safety in the theatre

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

This course is specifically designed to prepare you for working in theatres and live event venues, and you will be supported with seeking work at the end of the course. Individual advice will be given by the lead tutor.

You might also wish to take City Lit's accredited course in Stage management and technical theatre (Level 3) to broaden your experience working in a different role on another production, and obtain a nationally recognised qualification. You may be interested in other related courses at City Lit such as Prop-making, Film-making and editing, or Audio recording and editing.

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Lucy Ellis See more See less

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.