Introduction to Stage Management

A pair of hands marking up a floor with measuring tape.

Our Introduction to Stage Management course is returning in 2024. The programme runs online and at the National Theatre, on London’s South Bank. It offers an in-depth and free introduction to the art of stage management, led by our in-house teams. On this course you’ll have the chance to go backstage at the National Theatre, work with our stage managers and try out the huge variety of jobs they undertake.

This course is open to those aged 16+. Applications are now open.

Got a question about the Stage Management course? Get in touch.

Email our Skills Centre team

How it works

The Stage Management course is a hybrid course that introduces participants to the role of the stage manager. Sessions will include:

The role of the stage manager during every stage of the production process
How to get ready for rehearsals, including marking up the set and preparing the props
Managing rehearsals, including production and creative team meetings
Running the show, including management of the company, team, set and crew
What a Deputy Stage Manager does
Observing a technical run of a National Theatre production

Two people kneeling on a floor marking it up using a tape measurement.

Applications open

Course Dates

The course starts in November 2024. The sessions will be split between online and in person, at the National Theatre.

Thursday 14 November 2024 (online)
Saturday 16 November 2024 (in person)
Thursday 21 November 2024 (online)
Thursday 28 November 2024 (online)
Saturday 30 November 2024 (in person)
Thursday 5 December 2024 (online)
Saturday 7 December 2024 (in person)

Apply for the Introduction to Stage Management course

Applications for this course will close on Monday 9 September, 10 am.

This project is free to take part in and access support and travel bursaries are available to those in the Greater London area.

This course is delivered in a hybrid format. Therefore, we aim to offer and prioritise places to those based in London, or who can travel to London easily and safely throughout the programme.

No previous experience is required but you must be available to take part in every session.

Recruitment

The National Theatre is committed to diversity and access. Therefore, we concentrate our recruitment on people from groups underrepresented in stage management including:

young people from the global majority;
young people from working class backgrounds;
and d/Deaf, neurodivergent and disabled young people.

Two people wearing headsets sitting backstage with a prompt script.

Our funders

The Young People’s programmes are supported by Bank of America, The Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation and the Richard Radcliffe Trust. With thanks to the MAP Fund.

The Mohn Westlake Foundation supports nationwide Learning programmes for young people.

Nationwide learning is supported by Buffini Chao Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Clore Duffield Foundation, Tim and Sarah Bunting, Behrens Foundation, Cleopatra Trust and Milton Grundy Foundation.

Find out more about supporting our work