Stage management and technical theatre production
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- Course Code: DRA144
- Dates: 20/10/24 - 07/12/24
- Time: 18:30 - 21:30
- Taught: Mon+Fri+Sun, Evening
- Duration: 10 sessions (over 8 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Lucy Ellis
Course Code: DRA144
Choose a start date
Duration: 10 sessions (over 8 weeks)
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.
What is the course about?
This is a fully immersive and practical course. You will work ‘in role’ under the guidance of an experienced course tutor, and engage with the director and students on the City Lit Theatre Company production of Anton Chekhov's Ivanov, directed by Robert Cavanah, in early December 2024.
As part of the tech team, you will work towards meeting the full technical demands of the production, which includes four public performances in the John Lyon's Theatre. Depending on your interests, aptitude and prior learning, you will develop skills in one of the core areas of stage management, lighting or sound and gain insight into the full theatrical process from initial rehearsal through to performance week. There may also be opportunities to explore design elements of the show including lighting, sound, set and costume.
This is a demanding course in which you will work collaboratively and creatively as you develop some key skills and begin to build a CV. Full commitment is required and you will need to attend all sessions of the course. Your role may involve a large element of independent learning/work beyond the sessions.
Course dates/times:
Sundays 10:30 - 17:00, 20 Oct., 27 Oct., 1 Dec.
Mondays 18:30 - 21:30, 28 Oct. - 25 Nov.
Fridays 18:30 - 21:30, 22 Nov., 29 Nov.
Some attendance on other Fridays (1 - 15 Nov.) and/or Sundays (3 - 24 Nov.) by arrangement with the tutors)
Production week is 2 - 7 Dec; all Stage management students will be required:
Mon 2 Dec to Weds 4 Dec, 18:00 - 22:00
Thurs 5 Dec & Fri 6 Dec, 19:00 - 22:00
Sat 7 Dec 13:00 - 16:00 and 19:00 - 22:00. If you have any additional queries please email the Drama Department
To apply:
• download and complete a Stage Management Application Form
• send your completed form to the Drama Department
What will we cover?
• Working within a technical crew and with a performing company
• Stage management
• Prop sourcing/ management (some making of props)
• Lighting operation and elements of design
• Sound control and elements of design
• Full rehearsal process and procedures.
Please note that acting classes by their very nature can involve exercises and the exploration of material that some students may find challenging.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Engage with the entire production process
• Work confidently during production week
• Work backstage with greater confidence
• Work with greater confidence ‘in role’ in one of the following areas: stage management, lighting operation/design, sound operation/design, set design, costume.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
A willingness to get involved and a 'can do' attitude is the only requirement. Work in the theatre is extremely
demanding and the bulk of this course is designed as a simulation project to reflect the ethos and
requirments of the industry. While working under the guidance of the tutor, you will need an ability to work
independantly and outside of course hours to meet the needs of the production.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught practically. There will be some sessions with the tech tutor that will take place in the theatre. During these sessions you will acquire some basic skills in lighting, sound and stage management and an overview of what is involved in mounting a production technically. You will then learn ‘on the job’ as you will be assigned a role in the technical /design crew that will support the City Lit Theatre Company final production. Working out of the rehearsal room or in the tech classroom you will specialise in one or more areas, which could potentially include design work. You will work on a full production that will eventually perform to a fee paying audience where the technical students will operate and fully support all of the shows.
All tech students will report to the tech tutor for the duration of the course, but will also work with the tutor directing the production. Please be prepared to work outside of the rehearsal dates to source props and materials for the show, develop sound, lighting, set and costume ideas. You will 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 production, steel toe cap trainers or boots in black for work in the theatre.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You might wish to enrol on another Stage management course to broaden your experience working in a different role on another production. You may also be interested in courses in Directing for theatre or Prop making.
Lucy Ellis is a professional production manager with over twenty years’ experience in the theatre and performing arts industry. Lucy has an extensive background in stage management all over the country and currently works for Bird College Conservatoire for Dance and Musical Theatre as a Stage Manager and Music Teacher. As part of Bird College, Lucy has led the Stage Management Team at the Royal Festival Hall (Southbank) for the over six years and has worked as Assistant Stage Manager at the Gateway to Music events at Fairfield Halls (Croydon) and more recently, Theatre Royal Drury Lane (London). Lucy has worked at City Lit as Stage Management and Technical Theatre Tutor / Production Manager since 2017 and also manages London Stage Managers agency for theatre creatives across London.
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.