Technical Theatre and Stage Management

All staff on our programme are currently working professionals with a vast experience of professional theatre work including West End, Regional Theatre, UK and International productions.
Lead Tutor- Tom Platt:

Training: Guildhall School of Music and Drama & Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Tom is a Freelance Company Stage Manager having worked in Stage Management on various West End, UK Tour, International and Regional Theatre Productions. Tom has also worked in TV including The Royal Variety Performance, BBC Comic Relief and at Pinewood Studios in London. He is also a member of the Olivier award winning theatre company 'Mischief Theatre' having recently just finished being Company Manager for the West End & UK Tours of Peter Pan Goes Wrong and The Play That Goes Wrong.

Born and bred in the North West, Tom is very excited to be heading back to Manchester to start working on the new Technical Theatre & Stage Management Course at the Arden.

• We strongly recommend that all applicants have GCSE English Language and Mathematics grades A*-C or level 9-4.

• Up to 3 levels which are equivalent to 96 UCAS points

• BTEC Level 3 National Certificate/Extended Certificate with Distinction, Distinction in a performing arts related subject area, or an equivalent level 3 qualification with appropriate content.

• A BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/Extended Diploma with Merit, Merit, Merit

All applicants are invited to interview, which will then determine entry to the programme.

Mature applicants (aged 21 or over) who are able to demonstrate relevant skills or knowledge gained in employment or vocational activity will be considered and may be invited to interview.Professional experience will be considered in the application process as well as a portfolio of previous work.

For overseas applicants or for those for whom English is a second language, a proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is essential. UCEN Manchester requires such students to demonstrate an IELTS score of 6.0. Entry to this pathway at Levels 5 and 6 can only happen in exceptional circumstances, and given its intensive training in years 1 and 2, this programme is not a standard top-up route for foundation degree graduates.

UCEN Manchester is unable to consider international applications due to UKVI regulations.

Year 1: Introduction to Stage Management (20 credits)

Year 1: Lighting (40 credits)

Year 1: Scenic Construction (20 credits)

Year 1: Sound (40 credits)

This course is highly practical and portfolio based, recognising that students from this area will likely move into the industry based on these skills; however written work – such as technical drawings, industry standard reports, and continuous reflection - to consolidate learning and enable students to identify gaps for future development – is utilised throughout. There is also a through-line of health and safety practices, as well as a recognition of inclusive practices in design, operation, and management built within the programme and module learning outcomes.
• The teaching and assessment methods will vary throughout the course and will include the following:
Practical theatre workshops that develop individual creative and technical skills.
• Traditional lectures where the lecturer provides students with a framework for reading and independent study.
• Small group tutorials and seminars where key issues and artistic concepts can be explored and discussed in more depth. Students are expected to play a full part, and occasionally, to lead these discussions.
• Practical, computer-based, lab-classes where students acquire the hands-on skills with industry appropriate technical software.
• Production meetings, where students will observe professional communication skills and gain an understanding of working theatre relationships.
• Student observations and mentorship by senior technical crew
• Independent study based on directed reading from textbooks and academic journals.
Alongside these formal teaching activities, students are also supported with regular one-to-one tutorials with their personal tutor (academic advisor).

Our course enquiries team is on hand to help you understand any details and answer any questions – whether it’s about applying for the course or finding out about finance. Just get in touch here!

All the books required for the course are available from the library. However, you may choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop which is highly recommended. Estimated costs for a laptop/desktop are £300.

Basic tools and appropriate clothing/PPE will be required to be purchased (as stated in the Welcome Pack) with an estimated cost of £100-150.

Other basic materials are provided as part of the course, but you may wish to purchase additional materials for more advanced assessment work.

Materials are provided online and assignments are submitted electronically. However, you might also wish to print other documents. (Campus printing costs start from 5p per page.)