MA Stage Management and Technical Theatre Production
This MA is the only postgraduate course of its kind in the UK and has been recently re-developed in response to the changing needs of the industry and in consultation with previous graduates . We designed the course as a conversion degree , and we welcome applicants from non-arts related subjects .
This course is ideal if you want to add a vocational stage management emphasis to your undergraduate degree , or if you have significant workplace experience and would like to gain a formal qualification .
From theatre productions and arts festivals to music gigs and charity events , the entertainment and live events industries are growing rapidly . At the same time , the work of stage managers is becoming more complex and technically challenging . This means that arts and events companies are looking for skilled stage managers with more holistic and integrated perspectives regarding the management of entertainment and live events and the artistic , economic , social and environmental conditions in which they function .
This course has been developed in response to this need and is rooted in a belief that effective stage managers need training that is both practical and critically reflective . It will develop your knowledge of the contemporary issues affecting the management of entertainment and live events while equipping you with the practical skills that are essential for developing a career in the field .
The course is run in partnership with the Edinburgh Stage Management School , which specialises in postgraduate vocational training and combines a well-established industry focus with successful graduate employment . It combines the best aspects of the vocational , practical and academic models .
Structure
You can opt to study for the full MA , a PgDip or a PgCert .
Teaching , learning and assessment
Teaching comprises a combination of lectures , seminars , tutorials , case studies , simulation exercises and projects . You will also undertake professional practice . Your performance on the course will be assessed by essays , reports , a portfolio , presentations and a dissertation or project .
Teaching hours and attendance
Each module will require you to attend classes and carry out independent work . Most modules consist of five or six hours of class time each day during the teaching periods of the semester .
Teaching for each module is primarily Monday-Friday , 9.30am-5pm , but some weekend and evening sessions may also be included .
Industry links
Our partnership with The Edinburgh Stage Management School ensures an active industry focus to the course with key professional practitioners delivering master classes and practical workshops . Our location in the ‘ Festival City ’ also allows for strong practical links between the course and the many arts , festival and cultural organisations based in and around Edinburgh , across Scotland and the UK .
Modules
Managing People & Projects : Theory & Practice ( 20 credits )/ Technical Practice for Live Performance ( 20 credits )/ Professional Practice 1 ( 40 credits )/ Professional Practice 2 ( 40 credits )/ Dissertation / Project ( 60 credits )
The modules listed here are correct at time of publication ( November 2021 ) but are subject to change . In the event that modules do change , QMU will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students . Please check the course entry on our website for updates .
Placements
The course involves a series of placements , both on University productions and within the industry . Each placement on a University production commences on the first day of rehearsal and runs until the final performance . Industry placements typically run from first rehearsal to opening night . Placements are assessed in the Professional Practice modules 1 and 2 .
Careers
You will be qualified for a broad range of stage management positions within a wide spectrum of live entertainment and live events industries . Many career opportunities are open to you . Previous graduates ( Edinburgh Stage Management School ) have gone on to work in theatres , performing arts organisations , festivals , corporate events and ceremonies . In addition , many now tour within the UK , Europe and internationally . Potential careers might include producing , fundraising , marketing , programming or audience development , as well as many other roles across the cultural industries and all professions requiring skills in effective management .
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