The Actors’ Benevolent Fund can support actors and stage managers who are unable to work due to health, life events, and old age and in financial need.
The Foundation was established by Lady Meriel (Mu) Richardson after the untimely death of the Richardsons' only son, Charles, to relieve the need, hardship or distress of British actors and actresses who have professionally practised or contributed to the Theatrical Arts (on stage, film, television or radio) and their spouses and children.
It was Lady Richardson's wish that the assets and collections which had been put together by Sir Ralph and herself should be sold for the benefit of the Foundation so that, with the help of donations and the ongoing royalties from their work, a meaningful fund could be established and maintained.
The Foundation has made grants for wheelchairs, for hospital treatment, residential care, surgeons fees, medication and a variety of short term help to a large number of those seeking assistance. An applicant's request for a grant, (with a CV and letters in support) is assessed on its merit in light of the objects of the Foundation. A majority of the Trustees is required for approval of every application. Applicants must have been active in the profession for a minimum of 15 years, save in exceptional circumstances.
Acting for Others exists to provide both financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need, through our network of 14 member charities. If you need us, please get in touch.
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.
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.
Mountview also offers a two-year Foundation degree (FdA) which provides fast-track training.
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 or experience.
GRADUATE DESTINATIONS
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.
COURSE LEADER AND GUEST PRACTITIONERS
Our resident team of tutors for this course are supported by industry professionals who work alongside the students on productions. Previous guest tutors have included professionals from:
• Punchdrunk
• Hamilton
• The Globe
• The National Theatre
COURSE CONTENT AND DELIVERY
The BA (Hons) Top-Up course is a full-time one-year course with 30 contact hours per week over 36 weeks in each year. Teaching covers core skills in all areas of production arts and is delivered by experienced industry professionals.
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
Please note that work on in-house productions requires attendance in the evenings and/or weekends.
A strong emphasis is placed on learning through practice and there is continuous assessment across all the compulsory modules.
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, Wiltons Music Hall, National Theatre, Hampstead Theatre, Cabaret and the Barbican.
SHOWCASE
Students are given integral roles on both Mountview productions and professional placements.
These provides excellent opportunities to showcase skills, gain important industry contacts and develop personal networks, all of which are key to your career progression.
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.
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.
Mountview also offers a one-year BA (Hons) Top-Up in Stage Management, which offers a greater depth of study to those with previous experience.
GRADUATE DESTINATIONS
Graduates of our vocational, hands-on stage management course have gone on to successful careers across theatre, film, television and events, and work with a diverse range of shows and companies, including the National Theatre, Secret Cinema, Hamilton, Mamma Mia, Les Miserables, and the Olympics.
COURSE LEADER AND GUEST PRACTITIONERS
Our resident team of tutors for this course are supported by industry professionals who work alongside the students on productions. Previous guest tutors have included professionals from:
• Punchdrunk
• Hamilton
• The Globe
• The National Theatre
COURSE CONTENT AND DELIVERY
This intensely practical training is delivered over a minimum of 30 hours per week, 36 weeks per year. Teaching covers core skills in all areas of production arts and is delivered by experienced industry professionals.
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
A strong emphasis is placed on learning through practice and there is continuous assessment across all the compulsory modules.
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, Wiltons Music Hall, National Theatre, Hampstead Theatre, Cabaret and the Barbican.
SHOWCASE
Students are given integral roles on both Mountview productions and professional placements.
These provides excellent opportunities to showcase skills, gain important industry contacts and develop personal networks, all of which are key to your career progression.
This flexible top-up year is designed to follow on from our Foundation Degree in Music & Sound...
Equivalent to the 3rd year of a degree, this flexible top-up year is designed to follow on from our Foundation Degree in Music & Sound, but would also suit any applicants studying a music related HND, Foundation Degree or indeed those with recognised industry experience backed up with qualifications. Validated by the University of West London, the course has been developed to mirror the modern music industry, allowing students to learn the skills to become independent, multi-skilled music practitioners, fluent with various forms of multi-media.
Study Vocals at the Academy of Music and Sound and increase your expressive powers, technique and musicianship through 1-1 tutorials and small group settings taught by a professional vocalist who is still current and working in the music industry.
Our vocational, hands-on courses prepare graduates for life-long careers in the creative industries.
Mountview Technical Production graduates enter a strong network of successful professionals working in lighting, sound and technical production as well as senior management roles. Their work spans large-scale national, West End and regional theatres as well international touring productions, festivals & events, as well as TV, film and media companies.
The Technical Production Foundation Degree is a full-time two-year course with 30 contact hours per week over 36 weeks in each year. With continuous assessment across all the compulsory modules based on coursework and practical show roles, students work alongside professional lighting designers, sound designers, senior technicians and programmers.
Specialisms in Sound, Lighting and Technical Management are built on a robust foundation of transferable skills. Strong emphasis is placed on learning through practice, with workshops in all areas of production arts.
Students can then take third year BA (Hons) top-up in a specialism. This provides greater experience in their chosen field and the responsibility of senior lighting, sound and technical roles. This top-up year is open to non-Mountview Foundation graduates with relevant qualifications or experience.
Technical Production training covers:
- Hands-on training with contemporary equipment
- Technical stage craft skills including rigging and flying and installation of live productions
- Sound studio skills including recording and editing technology and techniques
- Lighting Studio skills including computerised drafting and visualisation software’s
- Understanding and designing lighting and sound systems
- Prepping, fitting, and monitoring radio mic systems
- Planning, prepping and managing lighting equipment for live productions
- Programming and mixing industry standard sound desks on plays and musicals
- Programming and operating lighting desks, including working with generic and moving lighting equipment
- Technical and maintenance skills such as power distribution, soldering and other skills needed by the modern production professional
Mountview’s one-year Diploma in Stage and Production Management enables experienced students and practitioners to gain an advanced qualification and enhance their employability.
Students on this course experience the challenge of a fast-paced production environment, working on a broad range of projects while developing theoretical, creative, critical thinking and practical skills.
The Diploma is a great opportunity for those with existing experience to gain a formal qualification in Stage and Production Management. For applicants currently working in the industry, it also offers the chance to advance their skills, expand their network of contacts, and progress on to the next stage of their career.
GRADUATE DESTINATIONS
Graduates enter a strong network of successful professionals working in lighting, sound and technical production. Their work spans large-scale national, West End and regional theatres, international touring productions, festivals and events, as well as TV, film and media companies.
Production Arts graduates have gone on to work with a diverse range of companies including the National Theatre, Secret Cinema, Hamilton, Mamma Mia and Matilda the Musical.
COURSE LEADER AND GUEST PRACTITIONERS
Our resident team of tutors for this course are supported by industry professionals who work alongside the students on productions. Previous guest tutors have included professionals from:
• Punchdrunk
• Hamilton
• The Globe
• The National Theatre
COURSE DELIVERY
This is a one-year full-time vocational course and is ideal for students who wish to develop their experience and skills in management, theatre production arts or technical theatre through practical work in professional theatre environments.
The course is delivered through:
• Workshops
• Collaborative and independent project work
• Regular appraisals that examine learning methods and set objectives
• Self-directed study
• Practical experience in diverse performance environments, including plays, showcases, site specific projects, large scale musicals and film
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, Wiltons Music Hall, National Theatre, Hampstead Theatre, Park Theatre and the Barbican.
SHOWCASE
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.
The BA (Hons) Live Event Management degree is a groundbreaking programme with the ever-changing live music ecosystem at its heart. Developed in consultation with key bodies of the live events industry, this highly practical contemporary course will connect you to the cutting edge of the fast-moving and constantly evolving live events sector. You’ll be encouraged to look to the future to see what’s possible, as you collaborate on real-world projects and build impressive creative, business, management and innovation skills.
Designed for the next generation of entrepreneurs in the multi-billion-pound UK live events industry, you’ll develop a host of practical, theoretical and creative skills in live production, event management and arts curation. Immersing you at the heart of the industry, you’ll gain the knowledge and abilities you need to run creative live music events across your professional career.