Stage Management & Technical Theatre

COURSE OVERVIEW
The course was originally founded in 1965 by LAMDA and the Theatre Projects Trust Ltd, and is of six terms duration. It begins in the Autumn of each year, and provides a broad training in all aspects of stage management and technical theatre. Core training follows student development through from basic lectures to production work.

The production work primarily takes place in LAMDA's MacOwan Theatre and Linbury Studio. . Working with practising directors and designers ensures that students have the opportunity to work in a professional environment and meet people who are currently active within the business.

All students will have at least one work placement with a professional theatre, production company or equivalent.

The MacOwan Theatre is well equipped and provides the flexibility of proscenium arch, theatre-in-the-round or thrust stage formats. In addition the Academy has its own wardrobe, property and carpentry workshops and sound studios, and a second performance space, the Linbury Studio.

COURSE BREAKDOWN
Year One students develop core skills in Stage Management, Lighting, Sound, Staging and Carpentry through class work, and then work on public performances – theatre skills are therefore developed through practical "hands-on" learning. Students are assessed primarily on practical work undertaken. An understanding of Health and Safety is an essential part of the technical training.

Year Two students work in ‘Head of Department’ roles on public shows. This year enables the student to broaden their knowledge and gain experience in teamwork and leadership.

Skills such as organisation, scheduling, time management, and teamwork are emphasised. These skills allow the student to develop, understand and manage their own strengths and stress levels. They are taught to be able to work within a team and to be a team leader. These are transferable skills that any student will always to use to their advantage in many other professional fields.

Lectures and practical experience are provided in:

-Stage Management
-Health and Safety
-Prop Making and Sourcing
-Stage Craft
-Stage Lighting and Electrics
-Theatre Sound
-Scenic Construction
-Technical Drawing
-Scene Painting
-Set Design
-Model Making
-First Aid
-These are supported by visits to theatres, museums and technical services companies.

Computers and theatre-related software and internet access are installed in the MacOwan Theatre and the main site at Talgarth Road for student use.

EMPLOYMENT AFTER GRADUATION
LAMDA maintains close links with the industry to ensure that the course continues to offer the level of training required by the profession. LAMDA therefore has an excellent employment record with its graduates in high demand. We estimate that all students who actively seek employment will find work within a few weeks of graduation. LAMDA continues to support its students after graduation - not just by helping them to secure their first job but by ensuring that they continue in employment.

STUDENT PROFILE AND ADMISSIONS
The potential stage management/technical theatre student must have great enthusiasm for the theatre and its technical crafts. S/he must have experience in school, amateur or professional productions and some basic knowledge of stage management and technical theatre. The course is not for beginners. Applicants who wish to expand their experience in stage management and technical theatre should consider a LAMDA summer course.

The course is a deliberately tough training which endeavours to emulate the procedures of the industry. The programme is only suitable for those who are fit, enthusiastic and committed to work in the theatre and its related fields.

Entry admission to the course is by interview which is designed to discover the extent of an applicant's stage management and technical theatre knowledge and their suitability for the course. The candidate also has the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the training and that their personality and attitude will be an asset to the course. The interview consists of a theatre tour and also gives the opportunity to meet current students and staff. Interviews are held in London only.

+Accredited by the National Council for Drama Training
+Validated by the University of Kent