Current Courses

SMA Training is aimed specifically at stage managers wishing to update or enhance their skills. Courses are open to both SMA Members and non-members.

SMA Professional and Graduate members automatically receive a discount on courses run directly by the SMA.

All SMA course fees, and SMA subs payments are tax deductible.

All of the SMA-run courses lead to a certificate of achievement from the SMA, include course notes/materials and, if you are a Professional SMA Member, completion of many courses can be added to your CV and listing on Spotlight Contacts.

All SMA Courses and most others finish by 4.30pm to allow for evening show calls. Earlier times or one-to-one courses can sometimes be arranged.

Please register your interest in an SMA course as soon as possible, to allow us to plan the logistics and confirm details .

Orchestral Stage Management with LSO

Coming on February 10th 2024 (London)

LSO Music Education Centre, 161 Old Street London EC1V 9NG

BOOK NOW

SMA Orchestral Stage Management – run in partnership with the renowned London Symphony Orchestra at their London rehearsal base and concert hall.

Our course is led by Alan Goode, LSO’s inspiring Senior SM, and takes place at St Luke’s in London

The Course Offers unique training in setting up, touring and stage managing a major orchestra, plus have been privileged to set up rehearsals for the full London Symphony Orchestra, and invited to be in the room with the late Andre Previn and John Williams conducting rehearsals for major concerts.

This course covers all the considerations crucial when working with musicians, including orchestral layouts, requirements of particular instrumentalists and the logistics of touring an orchestra.

You will learn orchestral terms, about the typical number and type of instruments in various types of orchestra (e.g. chamber, symphony, concert),  how to look after, travel and set instruments, how to read and set up the orchestra from a staging, which musicians are likely to double instruments, how to set the orchestra safely using levels and positioning as well as physical barriers to keep sound levels safe and achieve a good balance. 

After the course you will have the knowledge and vocabulary to successfully apply for orchestral stage management jobs (a number of past attendees have successfully done that), and be able to read a staging and set up the stage for a concert from that information.

The course takes place at the St Luke’s UBS & LSO Music Education Centre, 161 Old Street London EC1V 9NG

All welcome to join this brilliant one day course:

Course 1 day Members £130 Non Members £180

BOOK NOW
More info (PDF)

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Cueing to Music Levels 1& 2 with Andrew Killian

Both Level 1 and Level 2 Cueing to Music courses are running again February 12th and 13th in London.

Please BOOK NOW if you are interested

Level 1 Monday 12th February 2024
Level 2 Tuesday 13th February 2024

Bishopsgate Institute 230 Bishopsgate London EC2M 4QH (opposite Liverpool Street Station)

Hours 0915- 1615

Members: £130 each one day course (£220 if both courses are booked together )

Non members: £180 each one day course

Each course is one day. Book either one or both. No prior musical knowledge required for Level 1; Level 2 builds from Level 1 to a full opera company test standard

BOOK EITHER OR BOTH COURSES

Please Note: The following Course descriptions are from recent courses. Music content may vary- in particular some scores from musicals may be included (requested from previous feedback).

Cueing to Music One-Day Course Level 1

Course Aim:       To enable a potential DSM or Showcaller, one without musical knowledge, to Q from musical scores and thus feel confident enough to undertake such work with opera, musical and ballet companies.         

Course Objectives                  

1.       To examine the basic elements of musical notation and the function of piano reductions in relation to the rehearsal process.

2. To understand how singers, as opposed to actors, impact on the role of a DSM/Showcaller      

3.         To undertake Qing exercises numerous and complex enough to instil confidence.

4.         To simulate a music test at opera company level

09.30          Welcome. Housekeeping. Course Overview.                              

10.05          Session 1.            The  Building Blocks      

1.1       Music, Sound and Pitch

                        1.2       Notation

                        1.3       Rhythm

                                         1.4      First Cueing Test

11.30               Coffee

11.45         Session 2                  Wider still and wider…                                  

                        2.1       The Orchestra

                        2.2       Dynamics

2.3       Tempi

12.45           Session 3               Second Cueing Test                            

13.00 Lunch               

1330                Session 4         ‘I See a Voice’… adding the singer to the picture

15.00               Session 5         Major Challenges

1545                Session 6         Simulated opera company music test in real time

16.00               Session 7         Summary

                        Finish

Cueing to Music One Day Course LEVEL2

Course Aim.       To enable     a potential DSM or Showcaller, one with basic musical knowledge and understanding, to cue from complex and problematic music scores with   confidence.

Course Objectives

1.         To reinforce understanding of musical counting and notation.

2.         To practice cueing from music with unusual time signatures.

3.         To simulate performance issues with a mixture of Musical Qs, visual Qs and clearances.

4.         To simulate a demanding music test at opera   company level

09.30 Welcome. Housekeeping. Course Overview.                          

10.05                 Session 1 Qing at a Standard

11.30                  Coffee/Tea break

11.45                 Session 2 Qing at speed                                

12.45                Session 3  Simulating a demanding opera company music test in                            

real time

13.00.               Lunch              

13.30                 Session 4   Where’s the Beat?                             Cueing from unusual and/or irregular rhythms

14.30                  Session 5      Impossible Music                                 

15.30                  Coffee                        /Tea break

15.00                  Session 6      Higher Stakes When you have to look away from the music…                                                                                    

15.45                   Session 7 The Battle of  Borodino .    

16.30                    Finish                      

BOOK NOW –either one day course or both ( over 15% discount for booking both courses together )

All of the SMA-run courses lead to a certificate of achievement from the SMA, include course notes/materials and, if you are a Professional SMA Member, completion of many courses can be added to your CV and listing on Spotlight Contacts.

All SMA Courses and most others finish by 4.30pm to allow for evening show calls. Earlier times or one-to-one courses can sometimes be arranged.

Please register your interest in an SMA course as soon as possible, to allow us to plan the logistics and confirm details .

EXPRESS INTEREST

_________________

Orchestral Stage Management with LSO

Coming in February 2024 (London)

SMA Orchestral Stage Management – run in partnership with the renowned London Symphony Orchestra at their London rehearsal base and concert hall.

Our course is led by Alan Goode, LSO’s inspiring Senior SM, and takes place at St Luke’s in London

The Course Offers unique training in setting up, touring and stage managing a major orchestra, plus have been privileged to set up rehearsals for the full London Symphony Orchestra, and invited to be in the room with the late Andre Previn and John Williams conducting rehearsals for major concerts.

This course covers all the considerations crucial when working with musicians, including orchestral layouts, requirements of particular instrumentalists and the logistics of touring an orchestra.

You will learn orchestral terms, about the typical number and type of instruments in various types of orchestra (e.g. chamber, symphony, concert),  how to look after, travel and set instruments, how to read and set up the orchestra from a staging, which musicians are likely to double instruments, how to set the orchestra safely using levels and positioning as well as physical barriers to keep sound levels safe and achieve a good balance. 

After the course you will have the knowledge and vocabulary to successfully apply for orchestral stage management jobs (a number of past attendees have successfully done that), and be able to read a staging and set up the stage for a concert from that information.

The course takes place at the St Luke’s UBS & LSO Music Education Centre, 161 Old Street London EC1V 9NG

All welcome to join this brilliant one day course:

Course 1 day Members £130 Non Members £180

BOOK NOW
More info (PDF)

CORPORATE SHOWCALLING

Corporate Showcalling for Theatre Stage Management | Corporate (teachable.com)

Only £48

   Watch Promo

Fuller information:

Current Courses – Stage Management Association

Book direct via Teachable

————————–

Also available TBC

An Insight into Corporate Showcalling with discussion and practical work. 

Session 1        10.30 – 13.00

  • Roles & Responsibilities of a Showcaller
  • Why showcallers often have a theatre background. Transferable skills.
  • Working with Screens and Cameras, creating presets.
  • Explanation of how all Technical Departments work and what they expect from you
  • Working with the Producer and issues of client management
  • Discussion of approaches to the job and common challenges
  •  

Session 2        13.45 – 16.00

  • Marking up a showbook using a script
  • Practice calling a small show to give a taste of how it feels to actually do the job

—————

Kate Salberg

I worked in Repertory and West End for many years before corporate work,.

Showcalled Jesus Christ Superstar Arena Tour & Les Mis and Phantom 25th Anniversary Concerts.

Recent work includes many and varied Virtual shows. Hybrid work.

Production companies include Imagination, PSP, ICF Next, Jack Morton, Imagination, Smyle.

“An enlightening, engaging course into the skilful world of show calling.” Rebecca. The Production Department

“Looked technically and cue perfect to me …you made complication look simple. Mark Britton. Director Creating Sunshine Jan 2020”

To Book or enquire please contact Kate

e: katesalberg@gmail.com

Web: http://katesalberg.co.uk/

https://lnkd.in/dMeJb9Gc 07771 667652

FB Showcaller Training Business Page

https://lnkd.in/eQbZMzB

ABTT Courses– SMA members can book direct at ‘Members Prices’

ABTT Stage Pyrotechnics Safety Awareness Course: 1-day CPD

Express interest

What is the Stage Pyrotechnics Safety Awareness Course?

The ABTT Stage Pyrotechnics Safety Awareness Course is a theatrical based, workshop style, training day. The course provides operational safety information from industry experienced tutors via ‘hands-on’ exercises and ‘live firing’ demonstrations. The course focuses on the  safety implications associated with the use of popular, publicly available, Stage Pyrotechnic devices.

Who can do the course?

These Individual Certificated Courses are open to ABTT Members and non-members alike and are ideal for lighting/sound professionals, community theatre technicians, stage managers, students, venue managers, insurers, fire/security officers, indeed, anyone in the  entertainment industry who has an interest or finds themselves associated with Stage Pyrotechnics.

What does the course cover?

• Workshop presentations and live device demonstrations
• Videos and observation exercises
• Candidates’ operation of devices and pressing buttons
• History and Accidents
• Flame Proofing and Fire implications
• Maroons, Flash Reports & Concussions and Noise
implications
• Fragmentation Tanks (Bomb tanks)
• Flashpots, Jets, Gerbs, Robotics, Comets, Mines
• Wiring Conventions (Series/Parallel) and Electrical Testing
• Risk Assessments and Record Keeping
• Law, HSE, Storage and Transport Guidance

What will I be able to do at the end of the course?

The course will provide candidates with an opportunity to keep ‘up to date’ with ‘considered best practice’ and familiarise themselves more readily with new and current regulations, alongside forthcoming UK/EU legislation. The course will also serve as an ideal refresher for  Technicians who have to produce certificates of awareness, to keep themselves ‘In date’.

The candidates will also receive a comprehensive set of notes and subject to satisfactory completion of the course, will receive a certificate, signed by the tutor, and automatic enrolment with the Association of Stage Pyrotechnicians register.

______________________________________________________

2023 COURSES

REPLICA FIREARMS TRAINING part 1 (online)

DATE: Fri 1st Sept 10am

FOR: Stage managers, Technicians, Theatre Makers and Performers.

WHAT: Our incredibly popular online training course for Stage managers, Technicians, Theatre Makers and Performers. Equip yourself with the does and don’ts, including UK gun law, and all the procedural know-how to be able to use gun shaped things in theatre.

10% DISCOUNT CODE: SPARKLE1

REPLICA FIREARMS TRAINING part 2 (online)

DATE: Fri 8th Sept 10am

FOR: Stage managers, Technicians, Theatre Makers and Performers.

WHAT: In this second online session we turn our focus to the more practical elements for Stage managers, Technicians, Theatre Makers and Performers. Understanding the mechanics, the physical dangers and how to make informed choices while getting to grips with handling procedures.

10% DISCOUNT CODE: CRACKLE1

_____________________________________________

Spring 2023: We’re working on new dates for Cueing to Music and other courses as we can arrange them. In the meantime don’t forget that SMA members qualify for ABTT courses at members rates and also BECTU training at affiliate rates. (contact SMA if you need any assistance getting our rates for these courses). This week we introduce new courses from Rc-Annie for 2023 with early booking SMA discounts
First Aid Physical and Mental Health First Aid courses
-enhancing your CV and employability
Mental Health Training for your team– The First Aid TeamCarrying out a risk assessment for both physical and mental First Aid is a requirement for all employers and here at the First Aid Team, we are offering Mental Health First Aid courses that can be taken online, or in class, and cover all relevant aspects of Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace. The First Aid Team offer a 2 day flexible course with an SMA discount
For more details on how to get your team involved, please visit  https://thefirstaidteam.co.uk/courses/mental-health-first-aid/  or contact First Aid Team directly on 0333 123 1160
Physical first aid courses also available SMA Discounts apply to these courses Upskill in 2023

______________________________________________________________________________________

Kate Salberg Udemy Online Corporate Showcalling Course

For Corporate Showcalling for theatre stage management at the best current price on Udemy contact SMA or Kate Salberg
https://www.udemy.com/course/corporate-showcalling-for-theatre-stage-management/?referralCode=8FB2032017C351142124

This course includes:

  • 3.5 hours on-demand video
  • 36 downloadable resources
  • Full lifetime access
  • Access on mobile and TV
  • Certificate of completion

https://www.udemy.com/course/corporate-showcalling-for-theatre-stage-management/?referralCode=8FB2032017C351142124

Kate Salberg
I worked in Repertory and West End for many years before corporate work,.Showcalled Jesus Christ Superstar Arena Tour & Les Mis and Phantom 25th Anniversary Concerts.
Recent work includes Fifa ESports Finals, Google Cloud European workshops, Genentech meeting San Diego,  Ford Go Further Amsterdam and Pharma meetings.

Looked technically and cue perfect to me …you made complication look simple. Mark Britton.  Director Creating Sunshine Jan 2020

To Book: Contact Kate Salberg direct:

M:  katesalberg@gmail.com   Web:  http://katesalberg.co.uk/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katesalberg/   07771 667652
FB Showcaller Training Business Page
https://showcalling.teachable.com/

________________________________________________

Martin Hope’s excellent courses will be back later in Autumn

Introduction to Payroll


____________________________________________________________

Foundations of Company Management



“Both sessions were really informative and useful.”

ABTT Pyrotechnics Safety Awareness Course (One day CPD Course)

Generally run once a year at the ABTT Summer School at Warwick Arts Centre, usually around  July or August each year. Click here for further information 


To Register your interest for future SMA Courses and associated Training 

Please complete the Survey on Survey Monkey with your specific course interest.

Please contact the SMA Office with any question (s) you may have about training.

admin@stagemanagementassociation.co.uk


Other courses

This training is not run by the SMA, but is likely to be of great interest to our members. Where courses are not free, SMA members receive a discount.