STAGE MANAGEMENT - 2025/6

Module code: PRO1033

Module Overview

This module is designed to introduce students to the theory and practice of stage management within the UK theatre and global live entertainment industry. Students will study all foundational aspects of stage management practice whilst being encouraged to consider the pivotal role of stage management as creative facilitators within the production process.

During this module students will be introduced to the concept of sustainability in production within stage management.  This will be guided by the principles and guidance of the Theatre Green Book, particularly as it relates to stage management practices such as prop making/sourcing, rehearsal management and performance management. Students will be equipped to apply this learning practically in GSA and external production projects.

Module provider

Guildford School of Acting

Module Leader

FRANKLIN Jo (GSA)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall student workload

Workshop Hours: 9

Independent Learning Hours: 125

Lecture Hours: 16

Module Availability

Year long

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Indicative content includes: 


  • The production process

  • Facilitating the cast and creative team.

  • Script analysis.

  • Rehearsal management.

  • Performance management.

  • The propping process and prop management


Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Coursework Reflective Essay - 1500 words 100

Alternative Assessment

(Resit only) re-submission of reflective essay

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate achievement against the module learning outcomes.

 

 

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:


  • A reflective essay (1500 words) analysing and evaluating the key concepts and practices of professional stage management as experienced during the module and informed/contextualised by wider experience and reading. 



 

Formative assessment

 


  • A group presentation based on analysis of a given play text and creation of appropriate stage management documentation.



 

Feedback


  • Tutor and peer feedback for the formative assessment will be given immediately following the presentation. 

  • Informal verbal feedback will be given during practical sessions.

  • Written feedback for the summative assessment will be provided within 3 weeks of the submission date.


Module aims

  • Introduce students to all practical and organisational aspects of stage management.
  • Enable students to place stage management within the wider context of live performance.
  • Encourage students to develop transferable soft skills appropriate to the production process.

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
001 Engage in the theatre production process adopting appropriate procedures and methods at every stage of the process. KP
002 Independently research to support their subject knowledge and practical skills. CT
003 Identify technical and managerial developments in the theatre industry. K
004 Understand the need for clarity in all communication. CT

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to provide a variety of learning and teaching methods which fit with the overall aims & strategy of the programme and are appropriate to the study of professional stage management.

 

There is a balance of individual and group work and of tutor lead and student lead sessions.

 

The strategy should encourage individual learning, questioning, analysis and reflection as well as enabling students to develop skills in research, communication, planning and negotiation.

 

The learning and teaching methods include:

 


  • Taught seminars and practical sessions

  • Group presentation/tutorials

  • Individual tutorials

  • Individual study


Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: PRO1033

Other information

GSA delivers its provision across three teaching blocks, within the University of Surrey’s existing semester structure.

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.