a levels for theatre tech??

I really want to be a stage manager/theatre technician when I’m older but idk what a levels i should do for it. I’m currently not doing any creative subjects such as drama or DT because i’m doing homeschooling so it would literally be impossible for me. I’ve thought about production arts at the brit school however ik that’s quite hard to get into. any tips???

Reply 1

MindMax2000

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by Eaterwheat

I've looked at the job profiles for stagehands (or theatre technician if you will) and stage manager jobs. You technically don't need any qualifications to go into these roles, but you will need quite a bit of experience where possible. See the following:
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/stagehand
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/stage-manager
https://getintotheatre.org/blog/what-do-backstage-crew-do-in-theatre

If you really insist on getting A Levels and doing a degree in it (I don't understand why), then you're looking for any random 2-3 A Levels at reasonable grades (ideally grade B to cover most entry requirements, but they can be as low as 2 Cs). See the following degrees as examples:
https://www.salford.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/technical-theatre-production-and-design
https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/technical-theatre-arts#group-nav-apply
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/course/tectheub/
https://www.rwcmd.ac.uk/study/courses/ba-stage-management-technical-theatre
https://www.cssd.ac.uk/theatre-practice
https://www.cssd.ac.uk/courses/sound-design-and-production-ba
https://www.cssd.ac.uk/courses/stage-management-and-technical-theatre-ba
https://www.gsmd.ac.uk/study-with-guildhall/production-arts/ba-production-arts#about-the-programme
https://www.icmp.ac.uk/course/ba-hons-audio-engineering-and-production
https://futureworks.ac.uk/study/school-of-sound-and-music-production/bsc-hons-audio-engineering-production-2/admissions/
https://www.bcu.ac.uk/courses/sound-engineering-and-production-foundation-bsc-hons-2023-24#entry_requirements
https://abbeyroadinstitute.co.uk/courses/diploma-music-production-sound-engineering/entry-requirements/
https://www.dbsinstitute.ac.uk/ba-music-production
https://www.essex.ac.uk/courses/ug00404/1/ba-stage-and-production-management

I think the universities care more about your aptitutde more than your grades (particularly for the music production degrees; no point in going into music production if you have next to tone deaf). Furthermore, none of the courses mentioned require you to have A Levels in any specific subjects. In other words, you can do A Levels as random as French, Electronics, and PE, and still get into any of the above courses. I would just pick A Levels you can do well in. Any GCSEs that you have now should also be sufficient to get into back stage technician roles if you find the right opportunity.

I don't know enough about the Brit School to comment.

The thing I would strongly recommend is see if you can find any opportunities to volunteer in a local or national theatre, ideally doing backstage work where you can (especially if it's what you want). This would boost your application like crazy, but then again if you can secure a paying role here you don't really need further qualifications.

Reply 2

University of Salford

Official Rep

Hey @Eaterwheat,

When I was in sixth form studying for my A levels, I knew I wanted to be involved in theatre somehow – whether as a stage manager, theatre technician, or actor. However, I wasn't sure if pursuing a degree was the right path for me at the time.

For context, I studied Theatre, Film, and Product Design. Initially, I came to Salford to study TV, Film, and Stage Design, recognising that these skills were essential for the job I envisioned. But as I delved deeper into my research, I discovered the Theatre and Performance Practice course, which captivated me with its diverse range of skills, including radio acting, presenting, and multimedia theatre. I also considered the technical theatre course, but upon reviewing the content, I realized it wasn't the right fit for me.

So, while it's true that you don't officially need a degree to become a stage manager, attending the University of Salford provided me with the necessary skills and industry connections to pursue careers in theatre production. The university's links with prominent institutions like the Lowry and the Manchester Opera House have been invaluable in preparing me for the industry. - So it deffo something to think about when looking at universities if you think it's the right fit for you.

From Katie :grin: