We can't wait to welcome you to Andover College in September!
We have created this interactive page to give you a sense of what studying Production Arts (Stage Management) at Andover College is like. Scroll down to have a look through at our current outstanding students in full swing. Then try your hand at the Creative Production Challenge to help bring a story and characters to life!
We would love to see your ideas and results and any videos you have showing your talent so please send them back to andoverapplicantwelcome@sparsholt.ac.uk with Stage Management as the subject heading !
Check out the pictures of all the trips and extra-curriculum activities our students get to experience along with all the help and support we can provide through our experienced Careers and Health & Wellbeing teams.
About the course
Stage Management courses at Andover College are designed for those who love theatre and want to take an active role in bringing creative ideas to life. You will get opportunities in lighting, sound, props, set and the back stage operations required for live performance.
Prior to your enrollment in college the Stage Management department has put together some activities for you to get started with. Take a look at the Creative Production Challenge below and be sure to send us your results - we would love to see what you come up with!
Email them to andoverapplicantwelcome@sparsholt.ac.uk with 'Stage management' as the email header!
New Activity!
Recommended Viewing
Take a look at the titles below and learn more about the activities involved backstage in some of your favourite productions!
The Red Barn | Behind The Scene Changes
Welcome to the National Theatre
Backstage Tour of Frozen: The Musical at the Hollywood Pantages
Wonder by Wonder: Behind the Scenes at Disney's ALADDIN on Broadway
Behind the scenes at Hamilton in the West End
Matilda The Musical - Backstage Tour
Backstage with: Disney's The Lion King
Behind the scenes at Disney's The Lion King | Dressing Room Confessions
Inspiration!
The Stage Management department has provided a variety of suggestions for which theatre piece you could focus on including Twelfth Night and Blues Brothers, however, feel free to widen the field and choose your favourite production!
Make sure you check out the National Theatre YouTube channel for weekly live streams of noteworthy performances including Tamsin Greig in Twelfth Night and the Robert Louis Stevenson's classic adventure of mutiny, money and murder Treasure island!
The National theatre has also produced a variety of workbooks for those interested in studying the plays in greater detail at home! Have a look below...
Additional Resources
Interested in learning more about the various topics you will study as a Production Arts student at Andover College? Take a look at these additional resources and activities and make sure you let us know how you get on!
Video recommendations:
- Designing Theatre: The Comedy of Errors - here.
- Wicked Stage Management - This video explored behind the scenes at Wicked focusing on the stage management, there are also other videos related to this focusing on other backstage elements, such as lighting and sound - here.
- Subscribe to Theatre Planet to stay up-to-date on this exciting industry - here.
Prefer reading? Take a look at these recommendations from the Stage Management department:
- This article focuses on The Art Stage Management and what it means to be a stage manager - here.
- This book provides an introduction to a wide variety of Production Art fields - here.
- This a is link on the role of the Assistant Stage Manager this will help with your first project in September - here.
Great activities to get you started before September:
- Complete induction Task
- List what interests you in backstage theatre, what you aim to get out of the course and any future careers in it
- Write what first got you interested in theatre
- Research information on the role and responsibilities of and Assistant Stage Manager
- Watch examples of live/ recorded theatre on YouTube, Disney+, the National Theatre
The Open University has a variety of free courses available online in a range of subjects. Take a look at the full catalogue here.
You might also want to get involved with the EtonX programmes. Please note these are paid for courses that your current school may already have access to. These are not essential so please only use them if you are able.
Student work
At Andover we are proud of our diverse range of work our students create as part of their course. Every year Stage Management students get actively involved in a variety of productions including the Christmas Panto!
Our Courses:
BTEC Level 3 90 Credit Diploma/Extended Diploma in Production Arts (Stage Management) (1-2 Years)
BTEC Level 3 Certificate/Subsidiary Diploma in Production Arts (Stage Management)
National Theatre Workbook
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national-theatre-at-home-treasure-island-resource-pack.pdf Details
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national-theatre-at-home-twelfth-night-cast-list.pdf Details
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national-theatre-at-home-twelfth-night-resource-pack.pdf Details
Download national-theatre-at-home-twelfth-night-resource-pack.pdf [380.2KB]}
Careers Guidance
Our careers guidance aims to expand the horizons of all students enabling you to make informed career decisions in order to progress both during and after college.
Carol is our dedicated Careers Advisor for Andover College!
We also have our Sun Progression Mentor Anna!
Anna works alongside the Southern Universities Network (SUN) to help students recognise the routes of progression available to them, and to continue their journey in education!
We recently launched the new Careers Hub located in the College library so come and say hello to Carol and Anna!
Student wellbeing and support
At Andover College we understand that starting college in these uncertain times can be daunting and we aim to make this process as simple as possible.
We have a dedicated team that provide our students with any additional support they need including;
- Counselling
- Carer support
- Childcare support
- Confidential one-to-one services
We have also recently introduced two new members to the wellbeing team ... Arlo and Romeo the Therapy Dogs!
Arlo and Romeo are part of the continued effort from Andover College to consistently improve on and add to provisions for students. They are based on campus with their owners throughout term.
Research has shown that students are significantly less stressed and anxious, and even have increased happiness and energy, immediately following spending time in a drop-in session with a dog present. What good boys!
Social Media
We love to post about all our students on our platforms including their achievements, trips and excellent work - take a look at some of the highlights below and make sure you follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube!
Regularly throughout the academic year the Department of Performing Arts produces a newsletter to all students across the college - check out the latest edition!
Trips!
At Andover College we giving our students the opportunity to explore their subject in the wider world and look beyond just college study into a bright and fruitful career ahead! The Performing Arts Department regularly arrange workshops with local experts and professionals as well as trips to the local and National Theatre!
Not already applied?
Got this link but not yet applied? - Click below so you can join us in September!