Stage Management

The first year curriculum is taken in collaboration with other design and technology students and is an immersion into the culture of production and design. Students explore thinking metaphorically and abstractly with an appreciation of design and technology and begin to explore the different design and technical areas in theatre production.  They also begin to examine how stage managers collaborate with the different production departments within The Theatre School.

Students complete three production assignments: 
1. Crew person on a mainstage production.
2. Production Assistant on a Stage Management team for a mainstage production.
3. Stage Manager of a small studio performance.

In the second year, students take specific stage management courses and focus on the fundamental skills and responsibilities of stage managers. Students take elective coursework in other design and technical areas to support their education as stage managers who are knowledgeable in all aspects of theatre production. Students continue to work on Stage Management assignments in the Theatre School Season and put the classroom work to practice.

Students complete three production assignments:
1. Assistant Stage Manager on mainstage production.
2. Assistant Stage Manager on a second mainstage production.
3. Stage Manager for an Elevated Studio Performances (ESP) with a full creative team. 

In the third year, students dive deeper into more advanced coursework in management and leadership skills. They build on their introductory level design and technology education or expand to other areas. This year of study will also include a three-quarter series of directing classes to inform their stage management practice.

Students typically complete two production assignments:
1. Assistant Stage Manager for a mainstage production.
2. Lead Stage Manager for a mainstage production.

The fourth year is a transition year, further developing students’ abilities and preparing students to enter the profession in leadership roles. Coursework includes preparation of their professional portfolio, development of their networking and interview skills, and an exploration into the world of being a freelance artist, while continuing their studies in the design & technology areas. 

Students benenfit from a variety of options:
1. Mentor a Stage Management team.
2. Stage Manage at least one production.
3. Professional internship at one of the many theatres in Chicago.
4. Study Abroad in London at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (option and additional cost)