How to become a stage manager
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in stage management, or a related subject like:
- performing arts production
- theatre practice
- technical theatre
You can search for approved courses through the Stage Management Association and the Federation of Drama Schools.
You'll often need practical backstage experience to apply for a course. You can get relevant experience from:
- student, amateur or community theatre
- working as a casual stagehand in local theatre venues
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You could do a college course, for example:
- Level 3 Diploma in Production Arts
- Level 4 Professional Diploma in Technical and Production Practice for the Creative Industries
The skills you'll learn on these courses could help when you look for a trainee assistant manager job with a stage or production company.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course
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Apprenticeship
You may be able to do a creative industries production management degree apprenticeship.
You'll usually need experience in production management or production accounting to do this.
Entry requirements
To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
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Work
You may be able to move into stage management after training as an actor. You could also work your way up if you have several years' experience as a backstage theatre technician.
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Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Stage Management Association for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a stage manager from the Stage Management Association.
You can get more information on working in creative careers from Get Into Theatre and Discover Creative Careers.