BA (Hons) Stage & Production Management at the Academy of Live Technology is dedicated to delivering the next generation of stage and production managers for the live events sector, in areas as diverse as theatre, live music, concert touring, corporate and sporting events.

Course details

  • Qualification BA (Hons)
  • UCAS code W460
  • Duration 3 Years full-time
  • Location Production Park, Wakefield, WF9 3NR
  • Validated by University of Bolton
  • Tuition fees £9,000 per year, £27,000 in total
  • Entry Requirements 64 UCAS points
  • Start date September 2024

Course Overview

Beginning with an in-depth study of traditional theatre-based stage management techniques, you will then learn how to apply this knowledge across the breadth of live events. You will examine how the roles of stage and production managers develop from rehearsal to performance and tour and study the ways in which your skills can be transferred to working on multiple events both in the UK and internationally. 

The programme has been designed to give you an edge to succeed in a busy marketplace and is the first of its kind to be dedicated to the stage and production management of large scale shows, concert tours, outdoor events, conferences, award ceremonies and festivals.

Whether you dream of showcalling The Oscars, running the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival, or production managing the next big West End show, this degree will lead you to a career like no other. 

Why the Academy of Live Technology?

  • Career-focused in Every Way
  • Award-winning Student Experience (Student Experience Award, Educate North Awards 2020).
  • A Campus in the Heart of the Live Events Industry
  • Global Work Opportunities
  • Award-winning Industry Partnerships
  • Learn from Working Industry Professionals 
  • Highly-personalised Student Support


The course is regulated by the Office for Students.

Course content

  • Academic and professional skills for the events industries

    This module allows students to develop appropriate academic and research skills for higher educational study and to understand their relevance and application in professional contexts. It allows effective communication skills to be developed and increased awareness of developments and opportunities available in the Live Events Production sector and how students might progress within this industry.

  • Understanding the industry

    This module will introduce you to the principles and practices of stage management, as well as the working procedures of UK theatrical establishments. To be a successful stage manager you need to have a clear understanding of the theatrical and live event industry and the governance of that within a wider context. The role of stage manager involves being at the hub of a range of disciplines and roles. The stage management team are normally the first port of call for all those involved in creating and the running of a show. In order to communicate and manage this process in a professional manner you will need to demonstrate a good understanding of the functions and roles involved in the process of creating a show.

  • Technical skills

    This module introduces students to the technical aspects of any production which are core to the stage manager. Through practical sessions this module teaches a comprehensive range of technical skills which are required in a live event environment and gives students the opportunity to put these into practice.

  • Working practices

    This module involves the production of a technical rider (specification) from a given brief and produce a tour itinerary. In doing so, you will develop and apply skills including communication skills, planning and scheduling skills and team-working skills. You will also gain an appreciation for the importance of production pre-planning and the rehearsal phase of the show.

  • Show Design and Realisation

    This module takes you through the process of a production from conception to implementation/realisation. To support an event, you will create and collate a show pack containing all relevant documentation and information. You will then develop your concept and planning into a realised event including set-up and preparation, delivery, and post-event review. You will conduct production meetings with your teams to ensure your planning is robust and communicated effectively to both internal and external parties. You will develop an awareness of event infrastructure and the roles and responsibilities that go towards creating a successful show.

  • Industry Networking

    The aim of the module is to develop your professional networking ability and the skills you need in order to engage profitably with the Live Events and related Industries. It aims to engage and connect you with the industry by exposing you to business and networks. This exposition will hence support the development of your employability and professional skills.

  • Applied Stage Management Techniques

    This module deals with the managerial aspects of the Stage Manager’s role. You will appraise a range of techniques to help you gain an understanding of management concepts in dealing with teams and individuals. Techniques explored will include motivation, Total Quality Management, pastoral care and conflict resolution. You will also study the wider performance environment to understand the management issues involved in larger scale productions. You will investigate advance technologies related to the live industry and how these challenge the stage manager. 

  • Touring Production and Tour Management

    This module examines the more senior roles within the live model, specifically when looking at international touring. You will identify how these job roles relate to the Stage Manager and outline the career pathways available to you. You will consider the wider performance environment in relation to large scale and international shows including personnel and administrative considerations. 

  • Research Methods for Events Studies

    This module is designed to enhance your academic research skills. You will consider different forms of primary research and the ways in which data can be collected and analysed. You will explore the discipline of academic writing and develop an awareness of secondary research sources and literature searching technique. Ethical considerations such as confidentiality, data protection and unfair means will be taken into account

  • Events Production Management

    This module allows students to further develop their critical awareness of event management. It will focus upon the infrastructure of events, the legal and financial aspects and key management operations.

  • Production Planning and Realisation

    This module allows students to further develop their critical awareness of event planning and technical production. It will focus upon creative production design and delivery through project management and evaluation, collaboration and communication skills, risk management, financial planning and regulatory frameworks.

  • Live Events Industry Perspectives

    In this module you will develop your understanding of the business structure of the live events industry with a particular focus on the live music sector. You will study social and economic benefits related to the industry and investigate the functions and interactions between the various facets of the sector. You will develop a detailed understanding of how individuals and businesses operate within the industry.

  • Event Logistics

    This module offers you the opportunity to expand your knowledge of issues related to logistics and supply chain management in the Live Events Industry. You will develop and consolidate skills in coordinating and controlling activities involved in the management of events. You will also analyse the management of operations and aspects of supply chain management and evaluate how, given the international dynamics of the live events industry, operations can work in a coordinated manner to provide a successful event. You will develop an understanding of the wider issues of event management including legal and governmental issues, documentary requirements, the environmental impacts of events, and how risks can be managed. 

  • Work Related Project

    This module is designed to help you develop your prior and concurrent learning into work-related skills. It is further designed to help you develop your own professional skills in terms of time-management and working with others towards a pre-set goal. The module will utilise the learning gained in the other modules studied. You will apply your learning to a work related project that you will develop to the potential benefit of an existing live events organisation. 

  • Contemporary Issues in Live Events

    This module allows you to develop your knowledge and perspective of the live events sector. You will investigate a variety of external factors at play, such as economic, political, technical and environmental factors. You will explore and evaluate current issues within these fields and analyse how they impact on the sector and on particular types of event. 

  • Major Project

    The Major Project module is a substantial piece of work that will give you the opportunity to demonstrate the extent of your achievement on the degree as a whole. The module will enable you to consolidate the skills and experience gained during the first two years of the course. You will agree a project proposal and a learning agreement with your supervisor. You may work individually or in teams. If you work in a team, the team members will have a common supervisor or supervising team. Your project will build on areas already explored in the other modules in your programme. The module tutor and guide will provide further advice regarding the project, including attendance, supervisory arrangements, assessment criteria and rules regarding teamwork.

Entry Requirements

Our standard academic entry requirements range between 64 and 104 UCAS tariff points. You can see how many tariff points your qualifications would gain on the UCAS Tariff Calculator

We may make you a lower or unconditional offer based on prior experience or potential demonstrated at interview.


Assessment

As well as traditional lectures, seminars and tutorials your learning will be enhanced with visits from guest speakers and masterclass seminars from industry experts, international case studies, workshops and more importantly opportunities to work on live projects as part of both practical modules and work placement; giving you unique insights and a thorough understanding of stage management, operating in international markets and in a range of sectors. Assessment is via a range of methods, from developing a portfolio of your work and skills, to practical assessment and research projects.


Course leader

Claire Porter Course Leader
Claire joined Backstage Academy in September 2017. She has a Postgraduate Certificate in Developing Professional Practice in HE and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She is currently studying for a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus towards the leadership of new academics coming from industry. During her 21 years as a professional stage manager Claire has worked all over the UK on a wide variety of productions. For the last 7 years she has been a Production Supervisor at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and has lectured and mentored stage managers from levels 4-7 as well as working professionally with them at events and conferences, all whilst running a Fringe Venue for the Edinburgh Festival. In her spare time Claire likes get creative with her sewing machine. She also has a passion for fine food, lovely wine and is a keen maker of bread!

Employability

Career opportunities exist in a huge range of sectors – from live music, festivals and theatre to fashion shows, parties and weddings, and international events. 

The unique work experience embedded into the second and third years of the programme will ensure you have a competitive advantage over others graduating from similar programmes of study. It is a developing industry and opportunities are available to graduates with real life vocational experience underpinned by theoretical academic study. 

We are frequently approached by the biggest names in the industry with job opportunities. In recent years graduates from the Academy of Live Technology have gone on to a wide range of roles in industry, from touring with major acts such as Ed Sheeran, to working on festivals and large-scale events such as opening ceremonies, as well as careers as venue and production technicians.


How do i apply?

Applications are made through UCAS. 

You will need the following information to make an application:

Institution Code: B05
Course Code: W460

To find out more about applying for this course, please visit our application process page.

FEES AND FUNDING

To find out more about fees and funding, please visit our Student Finance page.


Make an Enquiry for BA (Hons) Stage & Production Management

Click on the link to make an enquiry into this degree. 

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