Introduction to Stage Management and Technical Theatre

This course is suitable for people who work within amateur theatre and are interested in improving their stage management and technical knowledge as well as those considering third level training in stage management and/or technical theatre. The areas covered in this course will reflect the key subjects covered in the Bachelor in Stage Management and Technical Theatre course at The Lir including

Managing the Stage

This one day workshop will introduce participants to the roles of the Stage & Production Manager and will identify how the team of CSM, DSM and ASM are divided into roles and responsibilities. It will detail the basics of running a rehearsal room, of blocking, prompting and reporting and participants will also create a prompt copy.

Technology and the Stage Exploring stage technologies, lighting and sound. A one day workshop covering the principles and practices in lighting a small theatre production including rigging and focusing theatre lanterns and programming the operating desk. The course will include practical sessions as well as presentations from the tutor. There will also be a focus on sound design covering what sound is and how it can be managed, systems and equipment and how to use them and the basics involved in setting up the sound for a theatre production.

Making the Stage This two day workshop is broken down into Designing the Stage and Constructing the Stage. Designing the stage looks at the considerations to be taken into account when starting out the design process including access, resources, size of the space etc., creating design concepts and the importance of model boxes that easily communicate the large scale stage design and preparing suitably detailed plans for construction, props, costume and scenic departments. Constructing the stage will include an introduction to modern stagecraft and construction as well as practical sessions on stage and set work.

Dressing the Stage Participants will be given a brief history on costume and costume design for theatre throughout the years and will learn about planning, designing, creating and finding clothing including period costumes, footwear, jewellery, wigs etc for the actors.