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Dean Jutras looks back on year two at CCM
September 23, 2026
CCM Dean Pete Jutras shares a message with the college's community as he enters his third year.
Make-up and Wig Design
CCM offers a rare and unique MFA in Make-Up and Wig Construction and Design.
The MFA: Wig and Makeup Design program is not accepting applicants for 2027-28
Graduate students will commit to 2-3 years, during which time they will expand their art skills in areas including painting, drawing and sculpture. Other classes that are important to a make-up graduate student are history, art history, theatre history and costuming to just name a few. A graduate student in make-up and wigs focuses heavily on design, wig making and styling and make-up and its application. In some instances, a graduate student may be given the opportunity to teach an intro level make-up class.
Students will design make-up and wigs for studio productions, and in some cases a main stage production will be assigned.
CCM graduate make-up majors have found employment in many different areas, including film, television, theatre, opera and photography. Places that have employed our former students include, but are not limited to, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, the Utah Shakespearean Festival, the St. Louis Reparatory Theatre, the Old Globe Theatre, the Denver Theatre Center, the Santa Fe Opera, San Francisco Opera, the Chicago Lyric Opera, National touring shows, popular television programs and independent and commercial film companies.
The make-up and wig program at CCM is a very selective program only for the highly motivated individual. We expect a great deal from our students, the pay off being a unique experience like no other. Few programs or institutions can offer the opportunities, experiences and exposures we are able to give our students.
Faculty
Theatre Design and Production Department Chair
Emily C. Porter,
Chair of Theatre Design and Production; Associate Professor of Audio Technology
513-556-7482
Theatre Arts, Production and Arts Administration Division Head and Staff
Rebecca Bromels,
Division Head of Theatre Arts, Production and Arts Administration (TAPAA); Chair and Associate Professor of Arts Administration
513-556-5803
CCM's graduate admissions process begins on August 1 for entrance in the following year's fall semester. All application materials must be submitted on or before March 3 to be considered for specific scholarship awards. Visit the CCM Admissions website for additional application instructions.
Theatre Design and Production - MFA
Pre-screening
Applicants must submit a graduate application by April 1 and the required pre-screening materials via getacceptd.com/ccm on or before April 3 in order to request an interview with the faculty and be considered for admissions.
If you’ve participated in U/RTA you must submit the required materials (listed below) to Acceptd to be considered for admissions into CCM.
Pre-screening Requirements
- Current resume
- 500-word applicant statement
- Use the 500-word statement to express: how you came to your area of theater design and production, what you expect to gain out of the CCM experience, and what direction you intend to go upon graduation. What are your personal and professional goals and how does CCM get you closer to those goals?
- Portfolio (include theatre, artistic, and/or craft work)
Interview
Interview Requirements
- MFA Interviews should be coordinated and scheduled directly through the appropriate faculty. Visit the Theatre Design and Production website for the faculty directory and contact information.
- Application materials, along with experiences, achievements and long-range goals will be discussed at the applicant’s interview. All applicants will interview with faculty from the Theatre Design and Production department.
News and Events
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Get to know CCM’s newest faculty and staff members
September 14, 2026
UC’s College-Conservatory of Music will welcome a variety of new faculty and staff members to its roster of distinguished performing and media arts experts, researchers and educators this fall.
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CCM welcomes Jordan M. Davis as Assistant Dean of Admissions
September 8, 2026
UC College-Conservatory of Music Dean Pete Jutras has announced the appointment of Jordan M. Davis, MA, as the college's new Assistant Dean of Admissions. In this role, Davis will be responsible for the vision, strategy and execution of all undergraduate and graduate recruitment and admissions for CCM. Working in partnership with college and university leadership, Davis will work to ensure that CCM's enrollment goals continue to align with its artistic and academic priorities. His appointment begins on Oct. 1, 2026.
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CCM shares 2026-27 calendar of ticketed + free performances and events
August 20, 2026
Experience world-class performances by the next generation of performing and media artists at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). With more than 130 different performances and events, there is something happening nearly every week of the school year!
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CCM announces initial schedule of performances for 2026-27
June 11, 2026
The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) has announced its initial schedule of major performances for 2026-27. These 15 events include beloved titles for the stage like La bohème, RENT and Cabaret, along with concerts showcasing the works of Gustav Mahler, Duke Ellington and John Williams … just to name a few highlights! This schedule of major performances runs Sept. 15, 2026, through April 23, 2027. Tickets for all 15 concerts and shows listed below are on sale now. See individual performance listings for additional information.
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CCM welcomes Rachel Roberts as Associate Dean of Strategy and Operations
May 11, 2026
UC College-Conservatory of Music Dean Pete Jutras has announced the appointment of Rachel Roberts, EdD, as CCM's inaugural Associate Dean of Strategy and Operations. In this newly-created role, Roberts will partner with Dean Jutras and other college leaders to advance strategic, operational and academic priorities. Roberts is nationally recognized for developing leaders and advancing how musicians and arts organizations learn, adapt and lead in an evolving arts landscape. Her appointment officially begins on July 6, 2026.
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Bringing deadly ‘Sweeney Todd’ to life
April 17, 2026
“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” not only stars the titular “demon” barber, but is famously a monster of a show. It’s such a grand team lift across its dozens of cast members, special effects and a multistory set that most productions cut it down to a small-scale adaptation. But the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music is stepping up to the challenge of putting on a full-scale performance of the classic, gory tale. Debuting on Broadway in 1979, the show is almost 50 years old, with countless revivals and adaptations of the vengeful barber Sweeney Todd and his co-conspirator, pie shop owner Mrs. Lovett. CCM’s performance, with a double cast and three-story set, is just as huge and bloody as the original.
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Next OnStage: CCM presents 'Sweeney Todd' April 15-19
Event: April 15, 2026 12:00 AM
UC College-Conservatory of Music presents Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd on April 15-19, 2026 in Corbett Auditorium. An infamously bloody tale of obsession and revenge, the production features a collaboration between CCM’s nationally recognized Musical Theatre and Opera/Voice programs with the CCM Philharmonia.
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GALLERY: CCM presents Dance Works, March 5-7
March 5, 2026
UC College-Conservatory of Music presents Dance Works, playing March 5-7 in Patricia Corbett Theater. Tickets are on sale through the CCM Box Office.