The Serena Fenwick Programme for stage managers is a brand new option for people thinking about a career in opera stage management. A part-time and flexible alternative to expensive and lengthy degrees and diplomas, the Serena Fenwick Programme aims to give you the basic level of knowledge, skills, contacts and recognition to go out and apply for your first proper job in stage management.

A bit about you

The Serena Fenwick Programme is designed as a turbo-charged introduction to professional stage management. You don’t need any ‘proper’ stage management experience because we’ll be starting from the very beginning. But a bit of understanding would be useful – maybe you’ve done some backstage jobs in student or amateur theatre, or you’ve been involved in small-scale theatre in some other way. Maybe, even, you’ve had an entirely unrelated job that needs the same qualities, things like: 

  • reliability and resilience

  • good communications skills (especially under pressure)

  • being super organised

  • flexibility and initiative

You’ll also need to be serious about a career in stage management – by the time you finish the programme you’ll be ready to take your first professional stage management jobs. We’ll support you in those next steps so we want people on the programme to be eager to take them.

The programme is only open to people aged 18 or over.

The programme

The Serena Fenwick Programme assumes that you start knowing nothing about opera or stage management, but you’ll leave with a solid professional understanding of how a stage management team operates and a good level of practical skills. You’ll also have made connections and contacts within the industry that will help you get those all-important first few stage management jobs.

Training will cover things like:

  • the basics – terminology, theory of stagecraft, theatre and opera conventions

  • what is an SM, ASM, DSM, CSM etc.

  • stage management paperwork

  • touring

  • marking up a rehearsal room

  • what makes opera stage management different

  • score reading, music and cueing

  • propping (including tricky things like food, blood and weapons)

  • related tasks like payroll and event management

  • networking and contact-building

 When and where?

The programme lasts 6 months starting in February 2023 and is mostly done remotely, with a handful of practical sessions will take place in-person in London. A mixture of zoom sessions at evenings or weekends and independent study allow you to fit it around other commitments. Our class sizes are small, so the schedule is created around availability.

How to apply

All you need to do is fill in an application form before 11pm on 15 January 2023. You’ll be asked to upload a CV and a short personal statement, which should detail any skills or experience you might have as well as enthusiasm for a career in stage management.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a quick interview over Zoom in the week beginning 23 January 2023.