Theatre manager : Training

Training for theatre managers generally takes place while working and there tends to be no specific method or structured course of training that is followed in every theatre.

Many theatre managers start out from other roles in the theatre, including marketing, technical, artistic or front of house. Through this work they gain a great deal of background experience and understanding of how a theatre operates, and develop a wide range of relevant skills from working with professional staff. They may then specialise in their chosen field and eventually apply for a management job, or take on an assistant's role and gradually work their way up to management level.

Most training is informal, although occasional in-house courses may be provided. The Theatrical Management Association (TMA)  runs seminars and training courses on areas that include arts marketing, finance, touring productions and management skills. The TMA also holds conferences and a range of networking events. These are useful to keep up to date with developments in the industry. The TMA also produces a quarterly magazine, Prompt, which includes practical management tips and news from the Arts Councils and other arts managers.

Some higher education institutions offer postgraduate courses in arts administration on a part-time or distance learning basis, allowing managers to take the qualification while working.