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Undergraduate Course
BA (Hons) Stage Management
Overview
The details
Stage Management
W451
October 2026
Full-time
What is the BA (Hons) Stage Management?
East 15’s BA (Hons) Stage Management is a three-year, industry-focused degree providing professional training for production and technical roles across theatre, film, television, live events and the wider creative industries.
Following a shared first year, students specialise in one of three pathways and graduate with one of the following degrees, depending on their chosen area of focus:
- BA (Hons) Stage Management with Production Arts
- BA (Hons) Stage Management with Technical Production
- BA (Hons) Stage Management with Technical Theatre
Based at our Loughton Campus, the course prepares you to graduate as a skilled, confident professional ready to enter the industry in specialist roles.
Why this course
The BA (Hons) Stage Management offers an immersive, vocational experience that mirrors the realities of professional production work and is designed as a stepping stone into specialist industry roles.
From the outset, the course combines practical production work with specialist technical training. In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in core stage management and technical theatre skills. From Year 2 onwards, you’ll specialise in one of three professional pathways aligned with distinct areas of industry demand:
- Production Arts: Construction, scenic painting and costume
- Technical Production: Stage management and production management
- Production Theatre: Lighting, sound and multimedia
This focused training allows you to develop in-depth expertise and a clear professional identity, equipping you with the advanced technical skills required across theatre, film, television and live events.
Throughout the course, you’ll be embedded in production teams and work on professional-standard public productions, taking on increasing responsibility as your skills develop. In your final year, you’ll undertake an industry placement, which frequently leads directly to first professional contracts or opens doors to employment opportunities, giving you a significant advantage when entering the industry.
Who should apply
- Aspiring stage managers, production managers and technical theatre practitioners, including those interested in lighting, sound, AV and multimedia, as well as costume, props, set and scenic construction
- Applicants interested in backstage, production and technical roles who want to build a strong foundation before choosing a specialist pathway aligned with their career goals
- Students progressing from Level 2 or Level 3 qualifications in technical theatre, production arts or related subjects who want to move into focused, professional training
- Those who are passionate about pursuing a career in the creative industries and are looking for practical, vocational training, even if they do not yet have extensive prior experience
- Individuals seeking a career-orientated degree that prepares graduates for professional roles in theatre, film, television, live events and wider creative industries
What you’ll learn
- Stage management and technical theatre skills: Build professional-level expertise in stage management, production management, lighting, sound, set construction, costume and prop marking
- Production leadership and management: Develop the organisational, financial and leadership skills required to manage productions, budgets, schedules and teams
- Pathway specialism: Gain in-depth training aligned with your chosen pathway
- Professional workflows and technology: Train with industry-standard tools, software and technical systems used in professional production environments
Your learning experience
- Practice-led training: Be fully immersed in production work from your first year, with increasing levels of responsibility as your skills and confidence develop
- High-standard facilities: Train in Unit 4, our purpose-built facility for the Stage Management Department which features workshops, paint and prop shops, storage areas and dedicated teaching spaces
- Industry placement: Undertake a professional work placement in your final year, frequently leading to first contacts or paid industry work once you graduate
- Professional-level productions: Graduate having worked at a professional standard on public productions both in East 15’s own theatre spaces and in central London venues
Careers and outcomes
A BA (Hons) Stage Management prepares you for specialist roles such as:
- Stage management: deputy stage manager, assistant stage manager, company manager
- Production and events: production manager, event co-ordinator, touring technician
- Lighting and sound: lighting technician, sound technician, lighting designer, sound designer
- Scenic and props: scenic artist, prop maker, set designer, set carpenter
- Costume and wardrobe: wardrobe assistant, wardrobe supervisor, dresser
Graduates typically enter the industry above entry level, with the skills and experience required to secure work quickly and progress confidently.
Where have graduates go on to work?
Graduates from this course have secured professional roles with leading organisations including:
- The National Theatre
- The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC)
- Royal Opera House
- Donmar Warehouse
- Royal Court Theatre
- Southwark Playhouse
- Northern Ballet
- BBC
as well as international tours, theme parks and venues in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
What is Loughton Campus like?
- Ideal location: A calm, scenic campus just a 10-minute walk from Debden Underground station, offering fast access to Central London’s theatres and culture
- Hatfields estate: A beautiful Georgian house surrounded by landscaped grounds, home to acting studios, rehearsal rooms and performance spaces
- Corbett Theatre: A medieval tithe-barn converted into a fully-equipped performance venue, with a busy student production calendar
- Roding House: A 15-minute walk from Hatfields, featuring 10 rehearsal studios, a sound recording space, video editing suite and costume department
- Unit 4: A purpose-built facility for the Stage Management department, 15 minutes’ walk from Hatfields House, housing a large workshop, paint shop, prop shop, prop storage facilities and teaching spaces
Why we're great.
- High standard, practical training designed to prepare graduates for specialist roles in the creative industries
- Choice of three professional pathways aligned with distinct industry careers
- Industry placements that frequently lead directly to first professional contracts and long-term employment
“I graduated with a solid understanding of not just how to be a stage manager, but how to be a good one! The technical skills I learned have made me more desirable when applying for jobs. I can communicate effectively with other departments and understand their needs throughout a production, and I can solve problems independently”.
Jessica Taylor, 2022 graduate
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Course content
Course structure
Training at East 15 draws upon over 60 years of tradition, combined with a keen sense of the world of stage and screen today. Our carefully selected modules will give you the chance to explore and develop your specialist training.
Throughout the BA Stage Management course, you'll gain comprehensive stage management and technical theatre skills, alongside hands-on experience in professional standard productions. You'll build a strong foundation in your first year, and develop your area of specialism in your second and third years. By your final year, you'll be working at a fully professional level on public productions both on our campus as well as in central London. You'll also undertake a work placement in your third year.
We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website and in line with your contract with us. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.
Components and modules explained
Components
Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.
Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.
| Status | What this means |
| Core |
You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted. |
| Core with Options |
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted. |
| Compulsory |
You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
| Compulsory with Options |
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
| Optional |
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.
Modules
Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.
In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.
Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:
| HR | 100 | 4 | FY |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The department or school the module will be taught by. In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History. |
The module number. |
The UK academic level of the module. A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course. A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules. A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification. |
The term the module will be taught in.
|
COMPONENT 01: CORE
Stage Management Skills 1
(30 CREDITS)
In this module you will; Define the various roles within a stage management team and its role within the wider production department team, develop an understanding of the Assistant Stage Manager role within the pre-production, rehearsal, performance and post-production periods, introduce the skills of research and how these methodologies support prop sourcing for a production, develop an understanding of the Deputy Stage Manager role within the pre-production, rehearsal, performance and post production periods, introduce the understanding of the prompt script, blocking and how a Deputy Stage Manager supports rehearsals, and develop an understanding of the Stage Manager role within the pre-production, rehearsal, performance and post-production periods.
COMPONENT 02: CORE
Production Skills
(30 CREDITS)
This module will enable you to; take on stage management roles within productions with more responsibility, develop further their understanding of the production process in a professional environment, develop their use of working with a script as a source for information, develop the ability to interpret Design, and apply a range of techniques and practical skills when working on a practical productions
COMPONENT 03: CORE
Foundation Skills in Lighting and Sound
(15 CREDITS)
This Foundation Skills in Lighting and Sound module will enable you to: Understand the roles and responsibilities within the lighting and sound departments within the production process; Understand how to rig, focus, programme and operate a production from a lighting; Understand how to set up and operate a production from a sound; Understand the safe use of electricity, including elementary electrical; Recognise and understand the usage of a variety of different lanterns and lighting; Recognise and understand the usage of a variety of different speakers and microphones; Understand how to read and interpret lighting plans; Develop computer literacy with lighting and sound software eg Q-lab for sound; Create and use lighting and sound; Understand how the collaborative production process and how information from rehearsals is communicated and acted; Use a script as the basic source for lighting and sound effects; and fault-find and problem-solve equipment and/or software, and develop maintenance; Gain an understanding of Health and safety and importance of risk.
View Foundation Skills in Lighting and Sound on our Module Directory
COMPONENT 04: CORE
Foundation Skills in Construction and Stage Craft
(15 CREDITS)
Use a working script as a source for scenic information. Use hand and power tools and bench machinery safely. Construct scenery using a range of materials including timber, ironmongery, adhesives, and canvas. Apply a range of techniques in the making of scenery including joinery, fastening and canvassing. Develop relevant computer literacy. Fit up and secure scenery safely, including flown scenery. Move and assemble scenic units safely. Use appropriate theatre and workshop terminology. Use further processes, following construction, required to finish scenery. Understand the use of rehearsal notes. React positively to changes communicated throughout the rehearsal process. Interpret ground plans in relation to staging and rigging. Participate in get-ins, fit-ups, strikes and get-outs.
View Foundation Skills in Construction and Stage Craft on our Module Directory
COMPONENT 05: CORE
Foundation Skills in Production Arts
(15 CREDITS)
Undertake effective research of visual and technical references to support production and project work. Use appropriate theatre and workshop terminology. Discuss with the Costume Designer and Costume Supervisor how to create the best possible effect and be able to undertake research into special requirements. Use a working script as a source for costume information. Apply a range of techniques in the making of costumes including over-locking, hand sewing, machine sewing, and industrial machine sewing and dying. Develop relevant computer literacy. Cut patterns both from a block and by draping. Make alterations and maintain costumes during a run. Work as a dresser during performances. Understand the use of rehearsal notes. React positively to changes communicated throughout the rehearsal process.
View Foundation Skills in Production Arts on our Module Directory
COMPONENT 06: CORE
Industry in Context 1
(15 CREDITS)
You will gain an understanding of the profile, characteristics, size and structure of the hotel and hospitality industry. This includes an understanding of different types of business enterprise, ownership models and structures within the industry. This module explains the economic profile of the industry and the issues and trends that continue to provide challenges.
COMPONENT 01: CORE
Stage Management Skills 2
(30 CREDITS)
Roles may include Assistant Stage Manager, Deputy Stage Manager, and Assistant Production Manager. These roles will enable you to develop your teamwork and management skills whilst learning through practice on practical productions.
COMPONENT 02: CORE
Assigned Production Roles
(30 CREDITS)
You will undertake further practical production roles during this module. Roles may include but are not limited to: Assistant Stage Manager, Deputy Stage Manager, Stage Manager, Assistant Production Manager, and Technical Department Assistants. These roles will enable you to develop your teamwork and management skills whilst learning through practice on practical productions and broadening your understanding of the interrelationships between departments outside of pathway choices.
COMPONENT 03: CORE
Industry in Context2
(30 CREDITS)
You will analyse current concepts in the hotel and hospitality sector, including the management structure of different operations, revenue management and the systems used to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and profitability. This includes evaluating the influences of industry developments on the contemporary hotel and hospitality sector.
COMPONENT 01: CORE
Stage Management Skills 3
(30 CREDITS)
Roles may involve a standard stage management approach across Assistant/Deputy or Stage Manager roles, or ally a differing approach by introducing the roles of technical stage management or Production Stage Management. These differing approaches will further develop your understanding of the roles within the industry.
COMPONENT 02: CORE
Context in Industry 3 - Professional Placement
(30 CREDITS)
Here you will develop your knowledge and skills with regard to creative leadership. With a focus on innovation management, you will analyse the strategic implications of managing within changing industry environments and evaluate the necessary theories, tools and skills to develop realistic, coherent and effective business strategy.
View Context in Industry 3 - Professional Placement on our Module Directory
COMPONENT 03: OPTIONAL
(EA348-6-FY and EA349-6-FY) or (EA379-6-FY and EA380-6-FY) or (EA346-6-FY and EA347-6-FY)
(60 CREDITS)
Teaching
Year 1
In your first year, you'll acquire essential skills in stage management and technical theatre. As part of East 15's production crew, you'll work on professional standard productions at our in-house theatre - the Corbett Theatre. Under the guidance of our industry experienced staff, you'll gain practical experience and develop your expertise across the following:
- Lighting
- Sound
- Set design
- Costume
- Prop making
- Construction
- Stagecraft
- Stage and event management
Additionally, you'll train to use specialist software relevant to roles in technical theatre. You'll also complete a design project aimed at enhancing your ability to work with professional directors and designers.
Year 2
In your second year, you'll take on increased responsibility for productions. The focus will be on developing you managerial and organisational skills, including taking responsibility for production budgets and collaborating with professional directors and designers.
Alongside honing your stage management and technical theatre abilities, you'll also begin to develop skills and enhance your employability in your chosen area of specialisation. Depending on your area of interest, you'll pursue one of the following specialist pathways:
- Production Arts - Construction, Scenic Painting, and Costume
- Technical Production - Stage Management and Production Management
- Technical Theatre - Lighting, Sound, and Multi-media
Year 3
By your final year, you'll work at a fully professional level,. You'll be equipped with the skills, experience and confidence in your specialisms required to take on the organisational and financial aspects of professional productions. You'll apply your abilities to a range of public productions, both on campus and in central London.
You'll also undertake an industry placement, giving you invaluable experience for a smooth transition into professional life after graduation. In the past, graduates have frequently found employment through successful work placements.
Entry requirements
Clearing entry requirements
We currently have places available in Clearing across a range of our courses with most offers expected to be made at CCD - CDD (88 - 80 UCAS tariff points) or equivalent. A complete breakdown of expected Clearing entry requirements, by course, is available on our Clearing entry requirements page.
We consider each application individually and requirements may be lower for some of our courses, so please still get in touch if your grades are below those outlined.
English language requirements
If you do not require a student visa to study in the UK then we will assess your English language proficiency/ability at your interview or audition.
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.
Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here
If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.
Pre-sessional English courses
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Fees and funding
Home/UK fee
£9,790 per year
International fee
£22,600 per year
Fees will increase for each academic year of study.
If your course has the option to include a placement year or study abroad, and you choose to do so, you will pay the following:
Placement year
20% of your standard tuition fee for that year
Study abroad
Full year abroad
15% of your standard tuition fee for that year
Single term abroad
Standard tuition fee
Scholarships and financial support
There may be scholarships, bursaries or discounts available to help with the cost of this course.
Fees and funding guide
What's next
Open Days
Our events are a great way to find out more about studying at East 15. We run Open Days at our Loughton Campus each year, which give you the chance to:
- tour our campus
- get answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, student support and more
- meet our students and staff
We also occasionally offer course-specific Visit Days, which enable you to discover what each course has to offer.
How to apply during Clearing
Once you’ve checked that we have the right course for you, applying couldn’t be simpler. Fill in our quick and easy Clearing application form with as much detail as you can. We’ll then take a look and get back to you with a decision.
If you already hold an offer from Essex
Please don't reapply through Clearing. We'll review your existing application using our Clearing entry requirements. If you're worried about meeting your offer or would like to change course, please contact our Admissions Team on ugquery@essex.ac.uk.
Interviews
We don’t require an interview for most of our courses that are available through Clearing, however there are some courses such as those in our School of Health and Social Care and East 15 Acting School where an interview (or audition) may be required. If this is something that’s required for the course you have applied for, we’ll email you with all of the details.
Visit Loughton Campus
You’ll be in intensive training at one of the most prestigious and internationally respected conservatoires in the country, gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in the performing arts. You'll arrive at a campus with state-of-the-art study and performance facilities, nestled in the stunning grounds of a country house.
But fear not! It’s not all work and no play at East 15 Acting School in Loughton and you're just a short step away from the bright lights and big city of central London.
At Essex we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities.
The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include, but are not limited to: strikes, other industrial action, staff illness, severe weather, fire, civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack (whether declared or not), natural disaster, restrictions imposed by government or public authorities, epidemic or pandemic disease, failure of public utilities or transport systems or the withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications. The University would inform and engage with you if your course was to be discontinued, and would provide you with options, where appropriate, in line with our Compensation and Refund Policy.
The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.
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