Theatre - Stage Management
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with a focus on Stage Management equips students with the knowledge and skills to coordinate, organize, and manage all aspects of theatrical productions. The program emphasizes organizational expertise and creative collaboration, enabling students to oversee rehearsals, coordinate technical elements, and ensure smooth execution of performances. Students develop practical skills in scheduling, budgeting, communication, and problem-solving, while gaining an understanding of production design, stagecraft, and theatre operations. Coursework integrates both theory and hands-on practice, preparing graduates to manage professional productions across theatre, film, and live performance environments.
Over four years, students engage in courses covering stage management principles, theatre production, lighting and sound, performance studies, and arts administration. Practical experiences, including internships, production assignments, and collaborative projects, provide opportunities to apply organizational and creative skills in real-world settings. Students also explore leadership, team management, and professional networking, preparing them to coordinate complex productions effectively. By the final year, graduates demonstrate professional readiness and technical competence, positioning them for careers in stage management, production coordination, theatre administration, or further studies in performing arts management.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Theatre - Stage Management
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, United States
- Field of Study: Management Studies
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 - Foundations in Theatre and Stage Management
• Introduction to Stage Management
• Fundamentals of Theatre Production
• Academic Writing and Research Methods
• Performance and Theatre History
Year 2 - Core Stage Management Practices
• Rehearsal and Production Coordination
• Technical Theatre: Lighting and Sound
• Theatre Administration and Operations
• Elective Modules in Performance or Design
Year 3 - Applied Stage Management
• Production Planning and Scheduling
• Team Leadership and Communication
• Internship in Theatre Production
• Elective Modules in Management or Theatre Studies
Year 4 - Capstone and Professional Integration
• Independent Stage Management Project
• Internship or Residency in Professional Theatre
• Seminar in Contemporary Stage Practices
• Advanced Topics in Production and Management
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in stage management, production coordination, theatre administration, and live event management. Career paths include positions in professional theatres, production companies, film and television studios, event management firms, and educational institutions, where professionals organize performances, manage teams, and oversee all aspects of production. Graduates may also pursue careers as theatre educators, arts administrators, or continue with graduate studies in performing arts management. The program equips students with organizational skills, technical knowledge, and professional competence, enabling them to execute productions efficiently and contribute to the performing arts industry.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for students passionate about theatre and management, seeking to combine creative and organizational expertise in live performance environments. Learners develop leadership skills, organizational competence, technical proficiency, and professional readiness, enabling them to coordinate complex productions, manage teams, and problem-solve effectively. The four-year curriculum balances stage management theory, practical production experience, internships, and leadership training, providing a comprehensive foundation in theatre production and management. By integrating hands-on production work with managerial knowledge, students gain the confidence and competence to pursue careers in professional theatre, live performance coordination, event management, or continue with advanced studies in performing arts administration, positioning themselves as skilled and versatile theatre professionals.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the graduate admissions office at:
Phone: 217-333-0035
Email: grad@illinois.edu
Address: The Graduate College, 507 East Green Street, Suite 101, MC-434, Champaign, IL 61820, United States
