Hello and welcome,
I just thought I would send you a quick note to say how much we are looking forward to seeing you in September.
The term will start with a fairly intensive teaching block of six weeks before you begin work on your first placement, which will be decided with myself through tutorials once you start here.
Typically, you will work on a college show or within our technical or workshop departments in order to give you a solid grounding in College procedures and protocols. After Christmas we will then undertake another six-week teaching block, followed by a college six-week placement working on a show in a named role such as ASM, DSM or even SM.
The next two placements happen after Easter and will be selected in discussion with myself and the other tutors to suit your intended career path. They can be in house working on college productions or external work placements. It is therefore worth having a think about what kinds of experiences you would like to have and, perhaps more importantly, what kind of work experience best suits your career plans.
It is also possible to set up your own work experience placement, but this should be done in collaboration with us. If you have something in mind, then we can discuss that during the first term.
Lastly there are some things that might be useful to purchase before you arrive. These include:
Essential; You MUST have a pair of steel toe cap safety shoes; they are essential for wear in the workshops and on stage in all fit ups. You will NOT be allowed into the Design workshops without safety shoes.
RECOMMENDED
These items can be very useful for a Stage & Event Management student. However, it is not essential you arrive at college with them, if you do not already have them. The Course tutors will be able to advise on anything you may need to buy and when you may need it.
- Scale Ruler (1:25 Metric Triangular).
- Rigging Gloves.
- 30M measuring tape.
- Multi tool (Leatherman or equivalent).
- Podger (17mm/19mm) /Quad Spanner (13mm/17mm/19mm/21mm).
- Backstage Black Clothing (black long sleeve shirt, Black trousers and black shoes).
- Torch/Head torch
Useful; Scale ruler (with 1:25 scale), Adjustable spanner, Measuring tape, Headtorch / maglight, Work gloves.
Advice on these useful items will be shared during the classes, so if unsure, please feel free to wait until your arrival before committing to buying these.
The reading list on the Stage & Event Management course is extensive, all books listed below (and many more) are available in the College library.
However, we recommend waiting to make any purchases until you have arrived at the College.
Recommended reading list
Copley, S. and & Kilner, P. (2001) Stage Management: A Practical Guide. Wiltshire: Crowood Press Bond, D. (1997) Stage Management. London: A&C Black.
Conway, D.G. (2009) The Event Manager’s Bible (3rd Edition). London: How to Books.
Norburn, D. (2018). Stage Management. Wiltshire: The Crowood Press.
Pallin, G. (2008) Stage Management: Essential Handbook (3rd Edition). London: Nick Hern Books
Pilbrow, R. (2008). Stage Lighting. London: Nick Hern Books.
Reid, F. (2001) Stage Lighting Handbook. Oxford: Macmillan Education.
Walne, G. (1990) Sound for Theatres. London: A&C Black.
Please note, regarding term dates if you are working on an RWCMD production in the second half of term it is usual to still need to be available for the week after term finishes for returns and feedback, so please bear this in mind when organising holidays or work.
Any queries please email me on emma.hele@rwcmd.ac.uk We look forward to seeing you.
Best wishes
Emma Hele
MA Course Leader, Senior Lecturer in Stage Management.