You can do a foundation degree or degree in a subject like:

• stage and production management
• sound engineering and production
• theatre and production arts
• sound, lighting and live event technology

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills you would need when looking for a trainee job with a theatre or production company.

Courses include:

• production arts
• sound engineering
• technical and production practice for the creative industries
• T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You could apply to do a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, such as:

• Creative Industries Production Technician
• Scenic Automation Technician

These can take between 2 and 3 years to complete and are a mix of on-the-job training and study off site.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

You may be able to start in a theatre or venue as a member of the casual backstage staff and work your way up.

You can contact a theatre's resident stage manager to find out about possible opportunities.

Any practical backstage experience you can get will be helpful when you apply for courses and training. You can get relevant experience from:

• student, amateur and community theatre
• working as a casual stagehand in local theatre venues

You'll need:

• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• knowledge of building and construction
• the ability to use your initiative
• physical skills like movement, co-ordination and dexterity
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with your hands
• knowledge of public safety and security
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

As a stagehand, you could:

• load and unload stage equipment
• help carpenters build and put up scenery
• follow production plans to set up stages and rigging
• control a fly system to hoist and lower lighting and scenery during rehearsals and performances
• programme and operate sound, video and visual effects equipment
• maintain and repair technical equipment

You could work in a theatre, at a TV studio or at a film studio.

Your working environment may be physically demanding, cramped and at height.