Areas of Study [Stage Management]

 

• Costume Design
• Costume Production
• Entertainment Technology
• Lighting Design
• Set Design
• Sound Design
• Stage Management
• Technical Direction

The stage management emphasis within the Division of Design & Technology provides students with a well-rounded background in all aspects of theatre and prepares them for work in as a stage manager in a variety of professional situations. Over the course of their four years, student stage managers will work on plays, musicals and touring productions. A combination of SM and ASM assignments on both large and small productions will provide time and experience to develop both the art and craft of stage management.

Course work also includes a solid background in technical production, the basics of design in all areas, introductory classes in acting, directing, dramaturgy, and non-profit arts management, as well as the School’s core courses in literature and history.

Select students may have the opportunity to apply for an internship with the Hartford Stage Company, spending a semester working as a member of their stage management team on several productions.  Several interns have remained in Hartford after the internship is over, hired by the theatre as production assistants or assistant stage managers.

Recent graduates have gone on to work for such theatres as The Shakespeare Theatre in Washington D. C., Manhattan Theatre Club, The Julliard School, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, on the Japan tour of Blast!, The Alley Theatre in Houston, the Utah Shakespearean Festival, Arizona Opera, and in related positions for music, dance and other arts organizations.

 

Classes in Stage Management

• Introduction to Stage Management (TAR 430) This class focuses on the basic skills needed to be a stage manager, following a mock production from pre-production to closing night.  Time is also spent looking at a stage manager’s relationship with unions, comparative work in dance, opera and music production, and the growing world of corporate and event management. As part of this class, students will receive their first stage management assignment on an Arizona Repertory Theatre or Workshop Series production.
• Advanced Stage Management (TAR 496G) This class features a series of rotating topics, allowing BFA stage managers to develop specific skills and augment their knowledge in particular areas of the job.  Topics include leadership and management skills, working with Actors Equity Association, calling and managing a musical, paperwork, and portfolio development and job searching.  Time is also spent each week discussing shows currently in production, allowing for brainstorming and creative problem solving with the class as a whole.