Stage Management MFA

The stage manager is the prime communicator and liaison in the collaborative process of theatre, synthesizing the diverse elements of production into a cohesive whole. The stage manager is responsible for the implementation of a wide array of artistic choices throughout the production process.

The Stage Management program at UCSD offers in-depth, rigorous training in both the classroom and the theatre, in order to prepare students for work as professionals upon graduation. The program aims to develop individualized, creative artists with personal approaches to their work. UCSD creates a supportive and stimulating environment that allows each student to develop the confidence and flexibility necessary to meet the challenges of professional production.

Classes

All first-year students take a core curriculum in Stage Management Process that explores the role of the stage manager in professional theatre and offers a comprehensive investigation of the work from pre-production to closing a show. The first year series also covers other areas of stage management, such as dance, touring, and international work. All students attend the Stage Management Seminar, which serves as a weekly forum for sharing insights and solving problems on current production assignments, as well as examining the bigger picture of stage management and theatre in America today. Additional courses include special topics such as non-profit and commercial theatre, production management, opera, directing, design, dramaturgy, and the collaborative process.

Productions

Each year, students typically serve as both stage managers and assistant stage managers on a number of mainstage and studio productions in a variety of venues. In addition to established scripts directed by MFA, faculty, and nationally prominent guest artists, students also work on new plays by graduate or guest playwrights, as well as faculty, guest, and student choreographed dance concerts. Great emphasis is placed on the student's ability to apply the theories learned in class to the production process.

Externship

Each student is guaranteed at least one production opportunity at the La Jolla Playhouse, or a comparable professional residency experience.

Research and Other Opportunities

Students are encouraged to work in professional venues whenever their schedules permit, both in the summer and -- subject to approval by their program adviser -- during the academic year. During their time at UCSD, students have participated in internships or professional positions at the Old Globe Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Goodspeed Opera House, Shakespeare and Company, and other comparable venues.

Faculty

In addition to the full-time faculty, nationally respected guest faculty work closely with students on their academic and production work. This is as a critical element of the program. David O’Brien, in his second year as a visiting lecturer at UCSD, is the production stage manager for Grease, and hisother credits include Fiddler on the Roof and Sweet Charity. Professionals at both the Old Globe Theatre and the La Jolla Playhouse serve as guest lecturers and master classes are taught in many different areas by faculty visiting for short periods of time.

Alumni

UCSD is proud that our alumni are working actively in theatre and film. Alumni credits include the Broadway Productions of The Farnsworth Invention, Grease, Titanic, The Full Monty, Chicago, How to Succeed, and The Who's Tommy, at Hartford Stage, La Jolla Playhouse, Mark Taper Forum, The Old Globe Theatre, Long Wharf Theatre, Dallas Theatre Center, The Shakespeare Theatre, Signature Theatre, Alley Theatre, San Diego Rep, Great Lakes Theatre Festival, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, South Coast Rep, on the national tours of Wicked, Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia! The Full Monty, Les Miserables, and Victor/Victoria, as well as at Pixar, Disney, Dreamworks, and Warner Brothers Animation.

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Classes Productions Externship Research Faculty Alumni Admissions	Stage Management MFA The stage manager is the prime communicator and liaison in the collaborative process of theatre, synthesizing the diverse elements of production into a cohesive whole. The stage manager is responsible for the implementation of a wide array of artistic choices throughout the production process. The Stage Management program at UCSD offers in-depth, rigorous training in both the classroom and the theatre, in order to prepare students for work as professionals upon graduation. The program aims to develop individualized, creative artists with personal approaches to their work. UCSD creates a supportive and stimulating environment that allows each student to develop the confidence and flexibility necessary to meet the challenges of professional production. Classes All first-year students take a core curriculum in Stage Management Process that explores the role of the stage manager in professional theatre and offers a comprehensive investigation of the work from pre-production to closing a show. The first year series also covers other areas of stage management, such as dance, touring, and international work. All students attend the Stage Management Seminar, which serves as a weekly forum for sharing insights and solving problems on current production assignments, as well as examining the bigger picture of stage management and theatre in America today. Additional courses include special topics such as non-profit and commercial theatre, production management, opera, directing, design, dramaturgy, and the collaborative process. Productions Each year, students typically serve as both stage managers and assistant stage managers on a number of mainstage and studio productions in a variety of venues. In addition to established scripts directed by MFA, faculty, and nationally prominent guest artists, students also work on new plays by graduate or guest playwrights, as well as faculty, guest, and student choreographed dance concerts. Great emphasis is placed on the student's ability to apply the theories learned in class to the production process. Externship Each student is guaranteed at least one production opportunity at the La Jolla Playhouse, or a comparable professional residency experience. Research and Other Opportunities Students are encouraged to work in professional venues whenever their schedules permit, both in the summer and -- subject to approval by their program adviser -- during the academic year. During their time at UCSD, students have participated in internships or professional positions at the Old Globe Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Goodspeed Opera House, Shakespeare and Company, and other comparable venues. Faculty In addition to the full-time faculty, nationally respected guest faculty work closely with students on their academic and production work. This is as a critical element of the program. David O’Brien, in his second year as a visiting lecturer at UCSD, is the production stage manager for Grease, and hisother credits include Fiddler on the Roof and Sweet Charity. Professionals at both the Old Globe Theatre and the La Jolla Playhouse serve as guest lecturers and master classes are taught in many different areas by faculty visiting for short periods of time. Alumni UCSD is proud that our alumni are working actively in theatre and film. Alumni credits include the Broadway Productions of The Farnsworth Invention, Grease, Titanic, The Full Monty, Chicago, How to Succeed, and The Who's Tommy, at Hartford Stage, La Jolla Playhouse, Mark Taper Forum, The Old Globe Theatre, Long Wharf Theatre, Dallas Theatre Center, The Shakespeare Theatre, Signature Theatre, Alley Theatre, San Diego Rep, Great Lakes Theatre Festival, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, South Coast Rep, on the national tours of Wicked, Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia! The Full Monty, Les Miserables, and Victor/Victoria, as well as at Pixar, Disney, Dreamworks, and Warner Brothers Animation.