2 replies to this topic

[lovestheatre]

I've spoken to many people - both inside and outside of the industry but wanted more advice on the job.

I've been passionate about theatre since I was tiny and want to go into the industry. After my A Levels, I hope to go and train at a drama school as a stage manager. Would theatre people out there say that is the best route in to the industry?

How does someone for instance work in the West End or NT or Lyric Hammersmith theatres in stage management? How do they get to be there?

Thanks in advance!

[bmark77]

When I was a little child I also wanted to be an actor. I don't know why I changed my mind. It this a difficult job? Does it worse the effort?

[Rachel]

Hello!

I was in a very similar situation to you. The advice everyone gave me was to get experience. I did this, and not only did I get a good grasp of the basics before I went to drama school, but I also had a great time working on lots of shows! I had interviews at 5 drama schools, and all were interested in a combination of experience and potential. I put together a portfolio of my work, which I could then talk about at interview.

In the end, after chatting to some people I knew who were at the drama school I ended up going to, I chose not to go down the Stage Management route, and ended up doing a more Technical course (actually called 'Technical and Production Management'). For me, I felt that I'd gathered enough stage management skills through experience, and wanted a new challenge and to learn new things.

For me I think it was the right choice. However, I've ended up not doing stage or technical management as a career. I decided to apply my stage management skills to theatre administration instead, but this was something I worked out for myself.

With regards to getting stage management jobs in West End theatres, it's all about who you know. The best student stage managers that I know took every opportunity they could to get into theatres and have a go. If you study at drama school there'll be opportunities for work placements. Show your enthusiasm and see what placements you can get! Talk to people in the industry; chances are, if they have a vacancy, they'll remember you. In my experience, very few backstage jobs are gained through traditional job applications.

In that respect, drama school may or may not be the best route in. But I'd say three years study is no bad thing, a chance to make mistakes in a safe environment, and to build up contacts. See where you get to experience-wise by the time you're applying and see how you feel.

PM me if you want any more advice! Hope that was of some use.

Rachel