Birmingham School of Acting : Stage Management - BA (Hons)

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Stage Management - BA (Hons)

Summary
  • Campus
  • City Centre , Millennium Point
  • Tariff
  • 240
  • Duration
  • Full-time: 3 years

Key Facts

  • The only course of its kind available in the West Midlands.
  • Everything you need to know for a career in theatre stage management - includes practical and theoretical instruction in lighting, sound, costume, prop and stage design.
  • Study at a founder member of the Conference of Drama Schools.
  • Excellent connections with local theatres and arts organisations, and proximity to Stratford-upon-Avon and the RSC, provide opportunities to experience theory in context.
  • Work on 14 shows per year, progressing - as you would in industry - from Assistant to Deputy to full Stage Management roles across your three years.
  • Final year includes a six week placement - current students placed at a variety of theatres such as RSC, Royal Opera House, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Dundee Rep and Belgrade Theatre, Coventry.

Why Choose Us?

  • Highly affordable and accessible alternative to London drama schools and DADA courses while still being only two hours from London.
  • Learn from staff that come from the industry, and know exactly how to prepare you for the realities of your chosen profession.
  • Over 88% of respondents to National Student Survey praised the enthusiasm of performing arts staff, the clarity with which they explain their subject and the way they make it interesting.
  • Productions are supported by lectures and assessments which reflect the day-to-day demands of the industry, from design installations to risk assessments or business plans.
  • Work in 11 studios, each containing:
    • specialist acoustic panelling
    • specialist sprung floors
    • heating system that radiates heat equally around the studio
    • air replacement system that maintains a constant room temperature
  • The Patricia Yardley Studio has set a new benchmark for drama training facilities in the UK. It features:
    • acoustics which can be adjusted
    • fully operational lighting rig
    • quadraphonic sound system
    • professional raked seating and/or staging system
  • Many lectures take place off site at theatres within the city, allowing you to experience working at height, flying or building scenery.
  • Join us at our School of Acting Facebook and Twitter pages
Course Outline

The course offers a thorough vocational training for those who wish to work within theatre stage management. The course includes practical and theoretical instruction in lighting, sound, costume, prop and stage design. Students will gain a professional knowledge of the industry and will be prepared for a variety of employment opportunities from small-scale theatres to large multimedia events.

Course Structure

Students will undertake a common first year in which they will study four strands:

  • Stage Management: assistant stage management for live theatre and recorded media productions and concerts
  • Technical Theatre: sound, lighting and audio visual
  • Design: props, costume and set design
  • Theory: stage management skills and contextual studies.

In the second year students will work as deputy stage managers on a mixture of school performances and recorded media. Alongside this they will choose specialist areas of study and will begin practical applications of the skills learned during the first year technical and design strands. Students will also continue to build their theoretical knowledge and understanding to support their practical work with modules such as Health and Safety, and Arts Administration.

For the final year, students will be using all the skills they have acquired developing both personal and group projects as a climax to their learning. They will work as stage manager for one of the school’s productions as well as testing their skills working within a professional company.

Entry Requirements & Applications

Entry Requirements

You should normally have an A-level or equivalent in drama, dance, performance or a related arts subject. We also welcome applicants with practical experience in the performing arts. You will normally need a range of GCSEs plus a minimum of one of the following:

  • 240 UCAS tariff points
  • A-level in Drama or related subject (C), and two AS-levels both at grade (D)
  • Two A-levels, (C) Drama or related subject and (D) in another A-level
  • BTEC National Diploma (Merit) in Performing Arts
  • BTEC National Certificate (MM) in Performing Arts
  • GNVQ Advanced (Merit) in Performing Arts

Admission to this course is via interview. Please see our Guidance for Applicants for more information.

Application Details

UCAS code: W450

We would prefer you to apply through UCAS, using the code above. However, if you are applying after 31 March, please use our direct application form. Please download and read the Guidance for Applicants before making your application.

Download Guidance for Applicants

Apply via UCAS for this Course  

Enquiries

If you are a prospective student from the UK and EU may enquire using the Course Enquiry Form or telephone +44 (0)121 331 5595.

Prospective students who are non-EU should enquire via the International Enquiry Form or telephone +44 (0)121 331 6714.

Fees Notes

If you already have an equivalent level qualification, you may be charged a higher fee for your course. For further information visit the fees area of the Student Info section.

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