BA (HONS) TOP-UP STAGE MANAGEMENT
Validated by University of East Anglia
Application Deadline: Aug 3 2026 at 9:00AM
2026/27 Course Fees
Application fee : FreeUK/ROI students : £10,330
International students : £19,650
Explore the course:
Course Overview
The BA (Hons) Top-Up is open to Mountview students currently studying on the FdA course, as well as non-Mountview graduates with relevant qualifications and experience from another technical training provider.
Mountview also offers a two-year Foundation degree (FdA) which provides fast-track training – find out more here.
Mountview produces over 20 in-house productions each year in our state-of-the-art theatres, giving Stage Management students a vast array of learning experiences.
Students take on practical show roles in Mountview’s in-house productions, with responsibilities including:
- Prompt books and show calling
- Creative research including period-specific work
- Working with theatrical effects
- Co-ordination and project management
- Cueing to music
- Prop making and sourcing
- Stage managing musicals, classics and new writing
Stage managers are the glue that holds a production together. Their many responsibilities include running communication across all creative and technical departments, acting as a right hand to the director, overseeing sets, props, lights, and sound, and calling all technical cues during performances.
Mountview is internationally recognised for the quality of its Musical Theatre training and produces at least 8 large-scale musicals in-house every year, providing Stage Management students with extensive experience of the musical format.
The BA (Hons) Top-Up course is designed for students who have completed a foundation degree or equivalent in a technical production discipline. With at least 30 contact hours per week over 36 weeks, the course offers intensive, hands-on training in a professional environment.
From the start, students will take on senior technical roles in Mountview’s public productions, working closely with professional directors, choreographers, designers and technicians. Students will gain experience in senior Stage Management roles, while continuing to develop a broad range of technical skills. All learning is rooted in practical experience, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and adaptability.
Alongside production work, students complete an extended research project in their chosen area of interest, submitted at the end of the course.
Please note that production roles involve evening and weekend work, reflecting the demands of professional theatre.
Course Content
Professional Practice 1 & 2
Advanced Stage Management Skills
Specialist Research Project
Project Proposal
Final Project Submission
Students are given integral roles on both Mountview productions and professional placements. This provides excellent opportunities to showcase skills, gain important industry contacts and develop personal networks, all of which are key to your career progression.
Students also undertake work placements with external organisations, allowing them to develop a network of professional contacts and gain valuable experience. Previous placement destinations have included Moulin Rouge! The Musical, The Globe, Wilton’s Music Hall, National Theatre, Hampstead Theatre, Cabaret and the Barbican.
Full Module Specifications document: BA (Hons) Top Up Stage Management – Module Specifications 2025-26
Course Dates
2025/26 Term Dates
Autumn term 8 September – 19 December 2025
Spring term 5 January – 18 April 2026
Summer term 20 April – 19 June 2026
2026/27 Term Dates
Autumn term 7 September – 18 December 2026
Spring term 4 January – 18 April 2027
Summer term 19 April – 18 June 2027
*Please note – All Production Arts students will not have a two week break over Easter. All students will have a two week break but they are scheduled around show roles. All students must speak with their course leader before booking any holidays/travel.
Graduates
Graduates of our vocational, hands-on stage management course have gone on to successful careers across theatre, film, television and events, and with a diverse range of shows and companies, including the National Theatre, Secret Cinema, Hamilton, Mamma Mia, Les Miserables, and the Olympics.
For a full overview of what our recent graduates are up to, check out our Alumni News.
Entry Information
Applicants must be aged 18 or turn 18 within the first term of the course, and have achieved 240 credits (120 per year) from an equivalent technical theatre or production arts course. You do not need to have completed these credits at Mountview.
Entry is based on an interview at which you will be invited to talk about previous experience, interests and inspiration.
If an applicant requires a student visa and their first language is not English, they will need to prove their knowledge of the English language before applying for their student visa. This must be demonstrated by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider or, having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school that they began when they were under 18
Mountview welcomes applications from people with disabilities and is keen to support all applicants to achieve their best. If applicants have any special requirements or access needs, these should be discussed with the course leader/administrator.
Mountview is committed to a comprehensive policy of equal opportunities for students in which individuals are selected and treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities. No applicant will receive less or more favourable treatment on grounds of sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnic origin, disability, religion and marital/parental status or any comparable grounds.
Upon offer, students must be sure that they are prepared to engage with a wide range of material that may challenge their personal ethical, religious, spiritual or moral beliefs, and present it in a wide range of settings.
Fees
| Application fee | Free |
| UK/ROI students | £10,330 |
| International students | £19,650 |
Students may apply for a maximum Student Tuition Fee Loan of £6,350. For more information, please refer to our Funding and Scholarships page below.
All fees listed are for the year of entry 2026/27. Additional costs may include a basic tool kit and transport.
Funding and ScholarshipsInterview Information
All Production Arts candidates will take part in a first-round interview with senior course tutors, at which you will discuss your interests, influences and production arts experience. You will be required to submit examples of work. This will be either online or, if possible, at Mountview with the opportunity to meet staff and students and tour our building and theatres.
Please note that later applicants may not be received in time to be considered for scholarships and local accommodation spaces as these are allocated from June. For this reason, early application is recommended.
Auditions and Interviews
