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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.
Stage Management
The CCM's Stage Management program offers a four-year BFA program (120 credits) and a two- or three-year MFA program (75 credits).
Within CCM's Department of Theatre Design and Production (TD&P), students will receive a broad education in the various areas of technical theatre including stagecraft, scenic, lighting, sound, costume and wig & make-up design. To enhance the artistic side of stage management, students are also encouraged to take introductory classes in directing, script analysis, arts administration and aesthetics. There are opportunities to stage manage (or assistant stage manage) four to six productions over the course of the degree program.
In addition to production assignments, students will also take classes in stage management. The first is the Assistant Stage Management course. This is a nuts and bolts class about being a stage manager and, more specifically, how to be an assistant stage manager, with a focus on paperwork and organization. The second course is called Stage Management Foundations. This is a more intensive course focusing on the role, expectations, and duties of a lead stage manager.
Next is the Stage Management Styles course, which is where advanced stage management students dive into relevant topics in management such as communication, problem solving and conflict management. In addition to these theory courses, stage managers get extensive practice stage managing four to six productions (dance, plays, opera and/or musicals) and receive credit via Production Practicum.
All lead stage managers meet weekly to discuss their productions in a forum-like setting. At this time, students are encouraged to bring specific problems and achievements to the table for discussion with their fellow stage mangers. In addition to the weekly meeting of lead stage managers, both SMs and ASMs do a presentation on their production updating their fellow stage managers on the progress of their show just prior to moving into technical rehearsals. Students are encouraged to question the reporting team to develop a problem-solving dialogue.
In addition to formal theatre classes, BFA stage managers are encouraged to take business management classes, psychology classes, stress management classes and any other relevant courses agreed upon by the student and the department in the form of free electives that will enhance their growth as a stage manager. MFA students are encouraged to pursue studies with the Preparing Future Faculty program to ready themselves for a future teaching stage management at the collegiate level.
Unique to the stage management program at CCM is the opportunity to stage manage not only plays and musicals but also operas and dance productions. CCM's Division of Theatre Arts, Production and Arts Administration (TAPAA) produces six mainstage productions (two musicals, two plays and two operas) and approximately eight studio or workshop productions per year. CCM stage managers graduate with a diverse resume that will give them a competitive edge over other stage managers starting out in the workforce.
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 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
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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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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.
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GALLERY: CCM Play Series presents 'Rope' Feb. 12-14
Event: February 12, 2026 12:00 AM
UC College-Conservatory of Music's Play Series continues with Rope, a mystery thriller centered on college classmates who commit the perfect murder "just for fun." Adapted by CCM alumna Amy Berryman and Professor Brant Russell, the play runs Feb. 12-14 in Patricia Corbett Theater.