This is a online course that provides live tuition with an expert tutor.
Alternatively we can come and run the training at your venue, office, co-working space or home. We can travel nationwide to come and train you and your team in the most convenient location.
We can also host training sessions at our London office.
The role of the Stage Manager is often underestimated or even left off the staffing list and given to a member of staff with little experience. But a good Stage Manager is worth so much when it comes to the audience experience who expect slick junctions between speakers or acts. Clients and producers also want to feel confident that a stage will run to time, with the technical side of things rehearsed and managed and their guests looked after properly. That’s where the Stage Manager is invaluable.
This course will enable you to learn best practice in preparing for and managing event stages such as a conference or music stage. Theatre stage management uses very similar skills and many of the best event stage managers come from a theatre background, but this course is specifically designed for people wanting to manage event or music stages.
Overview
This is a live online course that is suitable for up to ten people. The course is delivered by a expert event producer who has worked extensively for the BBC and for numerous large scale live events.
Define the role of the Stage Manager for a conference or music stage, i.e. making sure everything about the event on the stage runs smoothly (sometimes the Stage Producer also plays this role).
Explore ways in which the role complements the work of the Event or Stage Producer/Director, or Showcaller, and the technical team.
Unpack essential skills such as efficient planning and documentation, time management and positive communication.
Look in detail at pre-preparation, rehearsals and briefings.
Artist Liaison - understand the needs and concerns of the artist/contributor.
The course can be either delivered in person or via zoom.
This course is suitable for up-to eight students.
We can host this course at our office in London or we can come to you and run the course at your office or venue
Who it's for
This course is suitable for anyone who wants to develop the skills of a Stage Manager for a conference or music stage.
You may already have some experience of stage managing but want to consolidate and improve your skills, or a company may want to grow in-house expertise as a way of supporting and expanding their business – if so this course is for you.
Jo Daykin is a highly experienced Event Producer and Stage Manager.
She began her professional life as a primary school teacher in Inner London before moving into advisory posts and teacher education at the University of Greenwich.
From there she joined the BBC as a Radio Producer/Director, then moved into Live Events TV and Live Events Production. She project managed events such as the BBC’s ‘Proms in the Park’ at venues around the country and produced and directed the BBC’s Audio and Music Festival for its own staff.
Since leaving the BBC Jo has produced many shows and events at iconic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and Trafalgar Square: from glittering dance shows to thought provoking art installations. She often works internationally on corporate live events and conferences for high profile agencies and clients.
She has stage managed many shows; from Christmas Light Switch On shows in Oxford and Regent Street to guest speakers in huge venues at conferences.
What is covered
What’s expected of the stage manager?
The importance of high production values.
How does the SM’s role complement that of the other production professionals: stage team, sound, lights, show caller, artist liaison etc?
The importance of working with the whole stage team to put together a realistic running order in the most useful format, including script rehearsals.
Essential people skills for a Stage Manager.
The importance of Comms – not using WhatsApp to run a stage.
Rehearsals – What information do you need and can you provide to the rest of the team to make sure your stage runs smoothly?
Keeping a show to time; working with the team, juggling different demands, making sure everything and everyone are where they need to be at the right time.
Troubleshooting strategies.
Artist and Presenter Liaison – understanding the needs and concerns of the artist/contributor.
Requirements
i7 Mac or PC computer
Free account with Zoom.us – desktop app installed on the student's computer prior to the training.
USB Headset with microphone or installed webcam and microphone in a laptop.
Experience of working on events such as conferences or entertainment shows; preferably with some experience of getting people on and off stage, artist liaison or PR/Marketing. But this is not essential.
Bring examples of events you’ve attended as a member of the production team or audience – what went well, what left you wanting something better?
