Technical Theatre and Stage Management

Technical theatre and stage management are the disciplines that make performance possible. While actors and directors often receive the public attention, it is the technical and production teams that design, rig, and operate the lighting and sound, build and shift the scenery, coordinate the logistics of rehearsals and performances, and ensure that every show runs safely and to schedule. Stage management in particular sits at the heart of the production process, connecting creative teams, technical departments, and performers and holding everything together through meticulous planning and calm in-the-moment decision-making.

At the University of Lincoln, this three-year full-time BA equips you with both the theoretical knowledge and the practical competence that the live arts, entertainment, and events industry requires. You will develop expertise in stage management, stage lighting, live audio, and design for the stage, alongside a thorough grounding in health and safety and the technical standards that govern venues and productions. The programme is vocational in its orientation: you will leave with skills that are directly applicable in professional contexts.

A sandwich year gives you the opportunity to work in the industry for a sustained period, building your professional network and experience, and the programme is further supported by work placements. The typical entry tariff is 120 UCAS points.

Graduates of technical theatre and stage management programmes find work in theatre, dance, opera, live music, film and television production, outdoor events, and corporate events. Stage managers, production managers, lighting designers, sound engineers, technical stage managers, and production electricians are all roles that graduates regularly fill. The skills developed are also highly valued in the broader events industry, where rigorous production management is equally essential.

Many graduates build long careers in the industry, progressing from junior to senior production roles, and some go on to postgraduate study or into teaching in performing arts and technical training programmes.