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Stage Management

The Advanced Diploma of Stage Management provides training in the organisational and management skills needed for managing rehearsals and performance. This includes the development and use of the prompt copy, production documentation, score reading, movement and voice instruction, safety in the theatre, communication, people/time management skills and production and company management. A range of technical production skills and techniques, as well as an understanding of the staging and performance requirements for drama, dance, music, music theatre and opera are developed.The outstanding venues provided at WAAPA are an asset to the practical on the job learning that all WAAPA students experience . The venues include a proscenium arch theatre, a black-box theatre, a court style theatre, an amphitheatre, jazz studio and a music auditorium. Students also experience the thrill of working on outdoor productions and touring.

Year 1

The first year of stage management provides a foundation of theory, technical knowledge and hands on experiences. Students attend an exciting selection of classes ranging from theatre studies, introduction to lighting, score reading, history of theatre and stage management. The students also experience the excitement of working on production from day one in the role of Assistant Stage Manager, Deputy Stage Manager for Dance and Stage Manager for Music Concerts. All lecturers at WAAPA are ‘Industry Professionals’. The Stage Management course is committed to ensuring students are receiving up to date industry information by engaging industry professionals as sessional lecturers and inviting Australian and international specialists to present workshops.

Year 2

During second year students build their knowledge of stage management through continued class work and hands on experiences. They learn the process of professional communication, including how to run teams and organise all production elements, by working on all WAAPA productions ranging from acting, music theatre, dance and opera in the role of Stage Manager. Second year also introduces the students to the role of production management where they learn to create production schedules, risk management documents and control production budgets. Production management allows the students to develop a strong understanding of all the technical elements required to create a production.

Year 3

During third year the students consolidate all of their learning by stage-managing and production managing WAAPA productions. At this stage students are able to work to best professional practice in all roles. Third year also provides the students with the opportunity to complete an “Industry Based Secondment”, this allows the student to spend between 4 and 8 weeks in a professional environment. Students also complete an “Independent Study” which allows the student to extend their experience into areas of their choice.

If you would like more information about this course, please visit Future Students or contact:

Student Recruitment

Telephone: (61 8) 134 ECU

Email: futurestudy@ecu.edu.au