1
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.
Stage Design Props and Scenic Art
CCM offers a BFA in Stage Design, Props and Scenic Art, as well as MFA programs in Stage Design and Stage Properties.
Stage, Set or Scenic Design is the art, craft and practice of designing and implementing theatrical 3-D environments for plays, opera, musical theatre, dance performance, live concert events, film, video and television productions and themed events and environments. Though similar in some ways to interior or architectural design, Stage Design goes beyond decoration to visually and environmentally support and thematically expand a script, screenplay or scenario by facilitating human interaction and/or choreography within the context of a theatrical event.
Stage Design: BFA and MFA
The student of Stage Design should work to develop his or her artistic talent in the visual and decorative arts; exercise the imagination to create dramatic space, imagery and effects; acquire a broad-based knowledge of theatre arts and technical production; become very observant; practice drawing, painting, rendering, model-making, drafting and research; and develop a strong interest in the spoken or lyric theatre.
The study of mankind and his surroundings – past, present and future – is of ongoing importance for a familiarity of periods and styles and for a strong sense of history. The focus of theatre throughout history is the human condition, and the stage designer creates the visual 'world' – realistic, suggestive or abstract – in which to dramatize this, whether a serious play, an entertaining musical or a dramatic opera. Professional stage designers have various training backgrounds but essentially share all these characteristics.
CCM is well-prepared to train the student set designer in these requirements. Post graduation career opportunities include stage design for plays, musicals, opera, dance, video and film, exhibitions and displays, themed attractions, environments and special events.
Stage Properties: MFA
One of the only programs of its kind in the nation, CCM’s MFA in Stage Properties provides professional training for talented and motivated students who wish to pursue a career in theatre, opera, film production or related fields. Stage Properties involves the management, acquisition and creation of items used practically or decoratively on stage: furniture, draperies, weaponry, puppets, fake food and much more.
A Properties Master’s bag of skills might include carpentry, leatherwork, puppetry, mold-making, welding, electronics and digital imaging, to name just a few. Graduate and undergraduate specialists from CCM’s Stage Properties program have produced props for film, opera, television, Cirque du Soleil and Broadway.
Faculty
Ashley Crockett,
Staff Props Supervisor; Adjunct Instructor of Theatre Design and Production
513-556-3713
Jessica Secrest,
Scenic Artist; Adjunct Instructor of Theatre Design and Production
513-556-9440
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 admissions process begins on August 1 for entrance in the following year's fall semester. All application materials must be submitted on or before December 3 (for BFA applicants) and March 3 (for MFA applicants) to be considered for specific scholarship awards. Visit the CCM Admissions website for additional application instructions.
Theatre Design and Production - BFA
Pre-screening
Applicants must submit the required pre-screening materials via getacceptd.com/ccm on or before December 3 to be considered for admission and invited for an audition.
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?
- Upload contact information for three references
- Portfolio (include theatre, artistic, and/or craft work)
- Theatre Design and Production questionnaire
Interview
Interview Requirements
- 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.
Additional Information
- Candidates should only apply to one major within Theatre Design and Production unless you are seriously considering two areas.
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
2
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.
3
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.
4
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!
5
In practice: A summer of performance and design for Hoffman Honors Scholars
June 29, 2026
Hoffman Honors Scholars studying at the College-Conservatory of Music are pursuing growth opportunities in performance and design throughout the summer of 2026.
6
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.
7
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.
8
CCM Stage Design alumna receives prestigious Rome Prize
May 5, 2026
UC College-Conservatory of Music alumna Cameron Anderson (MFA Stage Design, '02) is a 2026 recipient of the Rome Prize, a national competition that supports innovative work in various disciplines across the arts and humanities. The American Academy in Rome announced Anderson won the Billie Tsien Rome Prize in Design.
9
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.