Stage Management

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.