BA (Hons) Stage Management & Technical Theatre

COURSE OVERVIEW

UCAS Course code: W450

Institution Code: C57

Stage Management and Technical Theatre Bursary

Northbrook College is proud to introduce the Stage Management & Technical Theatre Bursary—created to make world-class training more accessible for students pursuing careers in these essential backstage roles.

Stage managers and technical professionals are the backbone of the performing arts. They coordinate crews, manage rehearsals, plan set changes, ensure safety and timing, and work closely with performers, designers, technical teams, and producers. These roles are in high demand across the UK’;s creative industries, and this bursary aims to support the future of the sector by opening doors to a wider range of talent.

What is included?

Successful applicants will receive an annual bursary of £3,795 to help offset tuition fees. (Only Home Students will be eligible for this bursary).

At Northbrook, we recognise the growing need for highly trained stage management and technical specialists—and this bursary reflects our commitment to investing in that future. It reduces financial barriers while maintaining the highest professional standards. The degree, validated by UAL, offers hands-on experience through full-scale productions and direct collaboration with industry professionals.

Whether your ambitions lie in theatre, live events, festivals, film, or TV, you will graduate with the skills, experience, and confidence to run the show.

Our course in Stage Management and Technical Theatre BA (Hons) offers an exciting blend of practical and vocational training in Stage Management, Production Management, Lighting design, and Sound Design. Designed to be student-led and progressive, it provides hands-on opportunities to explore two of these four pathways, helping you develop your skills and passion for the industry.

The course begins with a broad introduction to theatre production, allowing you to explore various disciplines. In the second year, you’ll specialise, leading teams and contributing to productions. The final year focuses on refining your practice, preparing you for the industry or postgraduate study. You will be encourage to pursue individual goals within theatre and creative industries. Industry connections have led alumni to work with top venues like the Royal Opera House, National Theatre, War Horse, Hamilton, and Wicked.

With access to top-tier facilities such as our professional on-campus Northbrook Theatre and studio 21 – featuring a double truss space for rehearsals and performances – you will gain real-world experience in a fully-equipped environment. You will work with state-of-the-art tools, including the ETC ION Lighting Desk, Digico SD Series consoles, advanced AV equipment, and professional rigging systems, all within our industry-standard spaces.

In addition to practical training, you will explore the broader context of technical production and performance, ensuring you are fully prepared for your chosen career path. Whether you are interested in stage management, production management, or design, this course will develop your creativity, technical expertise, and management skills. You’ll also have opportunities for live, public performances in our 160-seat theatre, building a strong portfolio of work in a collaborative environment.

This course prepare you for careers in theatre, festivals, events, and touring, or further study in postgraduate programs. Our graduates go on to work internationally, with many finding success across the West End, TV, Festivals, and Opera.

Key features of the course:

• Gain practical experience in a professional on-campus theatre with rehearsal studios, open to the public for performances throughout the year.
• Develop your skills using the ETC ION lighting desk and Digico SD Series sound consoles
• Industry standard counterweight, hemp, motors and truss for rigging and flying
• Fully operational prompt desk, radio comms and cue lights.

Module Overview:

This course is designed to give you a thorough understanding of both the practical and creative elements of stage management. It equips you with the essential skills needed to manage all aspects of production, from coordinating performances to overseeing technical elements. With a strong focus on hands-on experience, you will learn how to organise and execute live events, ensuring smooth operation behind the scenes in theatre.

Level 4 (Year One)

• Theatre Induction and Process: (20 credits)
• Ideas in Context: Performance and Everyday Life (20 credits)
• Production Lab: (20 credits)
• Production Practice – Rehearsal period and process: (20 credits)
• Live Project 1: (20 credits)
• Discipline Development – Defining your craft: (20 credits)

Level 5 (Year Two)

• Skills Lab: (20 credits)
• Collaborative Practice: (20 credits)
• Live project 2: (40 credits)
• Ideas in context: Theatre and Performance Ideologies: (20 credits)
• Industry Practice: (20 credits)

Level 6 (Year Three)

• Identifying and Defining Professional Product: (20 credits)
• Professional Development: (20 credits)
• Dissertation: (20 credits)
• Proposal for practice: (20 credits)
• Professional Discipline Practice: (40 credits)

Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. You will work closely with other departments, such as set design, photography and musical theatre, to bring your imagination to life. You will also have the chance to participate in real-world projects, from performances in our fully equipped theatre to external commissions, giving you practical experience and industry insight.