The MA Stage and Production Management at Guildford School of Acting is a one-year, full-time postgraduate programme designed to launch your career behind the scenes of theatre, live performance, and events. Whether you are a recent graduate or a professional seeking to retrain, the course provides the practical experience, technical skills, and professional insight needed to succeed as a stage or production manager.
You’ll learn by doing: taking on real responsibilities in public productions, collaborating with performers and creatives. Alongside this, you’ll develop a strong understanding of professional practice, health and safety, leadership, and the use of digital tools in modern production. By graduation, you’ll be ready to step into senior backstage roles with confidence and creativity.
Guildford School of Acting (GSA) has been providing highly regarded professional training in stage management for over 40 years, and our graduates have gone on to work in all areas of the industry, both in the UK and around the world.
If you’re a graduate from a course other than a specialist undergraduate technical theatre and believe your career path lies backstage, then our Stage and Production Management MA course is designed for you. We’ll help you develop your existing knowledge and skills, enabling you to successfully launch a career in the theatre and entertainment industry.
The Masters course I was involved in, focuses on both theoretical and practical aspects. During my training at GSA, I have expanded skills and knowledge in prop making and sourcing, costume, as well as stage and production management. Experienced in working on plays, musicals, concerts and live events, I thoroughly enjoy teamwork, and I am always challenging myself within various show roles, production teams and venues in Guildford and London
Rita Tsai, MA Stage and Production Management graduate 2020
Read more student and graduate stories here.
What you will study
On our practice-based Stage and Production Management MA course, you’ll work closely with fellow GSA students to deliver stellar productions.
Through intensive seminars and workshops, you’ll be introduced to stage management and technical disciplines and begin your professional development planning.
You’ll then work on a wide variety of production projects across performance spaces within the University and at external venues. There will also be opportunities to take on senior production-critical roles as deputy stage manager, stage manager, or production manager on our public productions, under the guidance of our experienced and industry-connected staff.
You’ll also have the chance to complete an industry placement, and your professional development planning will culminate in presenting your work through a graduate digital showcase.
Programme structure
The academic year is divided into three teaching blocks, within the University of Surrey’s existing semester structure.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. All modules are either 15, 30, 45, or 60 credits.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes.
To view the course structure please click here
Disclaimer: Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.
Our Admissions Policy provides the basis for admissions practice across the University and gives a framework for how we encourage, consider applications and admit students.
To view the entry requirements please click here
For more audition information, please visit AUDITIONS & INTERVIEWS
Find out all about fees and funding here.
Visit our Scholarships and Bursaries page for more details.
Graduates are well-equipped for a wide range of backstage and management careers in theatre, live events and entertainment, including roles such as:
- Stage Manager / Deputy Stage Manager
- Production Manager
- Technical Manager
- Event Production Coordinator
- Touring Theatre or Festival Management
GSA’s Production graduates enjoy an impressive success rate in gaining employment in the industry. They have worked or are currently working on West End productions/major tours such as:
- Les Misérables
- Dreamgirls
- Billy Elliot
- Kinky Boots
- The Book of Mormon
Alumni are also to be found in numerous regional theatres, opera and ballet companies, arts venues, scenic construction and prop-making companies, corporate events and lighting, sound and video hire companies.
Over recent years, graduates have also attained management roles, including:
- West End shows and No 1 Tours, Company Manager
- Royal Albert Hall, Senior Technical Manager
- Birmingham Symphony Hall, Technical Manager
- ATG Theatres, Technical Director
Thinking of continuing your education at Surrey? As an alumnus of Surrey, you may be eligible for a ten per cent discount on our taught Masters programme fees.
Why study at GSA
Guildford School of Acting (GSA) is one of the UK’s leading accredited drama schools, providing dedicated conservatoire training within a purpose-built environment on the University of Surrey campus.
GSA operates a pedagogic approach that utilises student-centred learning. Every module has an ethos of nurturing and enabling employability and personal development opportunities for the students. Our working practices encourage dialogue and are most effective when a collaborative approach is undertaken. Our learning environment grants our students the freedom to take risks and to embrace spontaneity.
We keep our cohorts small to ensure you get personal attention and contact from our expert teachers, who have extensive first-hand experience in professional theatre in the UK, Europe, the US, and all over the world.
We are ranked 1st in the UK for drama and music in the Daily Mail University Guide 2026, and 3rd in the UK for dance, drama, and cinematics in The Complete University Guide 2026.
98.9% of our graduates go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2025, HESA).
GSA is accredited by the Federation of Drama Schools (FDS).
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