Stage & Production Management

Graduate Programs

Today’s professional theater environment requires a comprehensive grasp of all modern management, specialized skills and technological tools available to those producing the performing arts.

An advanced understanding of resource management, communication and facilitation of every aspect of the creative process is an integral part of Stage & Production Management training, both in the classroom and in hands-on production experiences.

The School of Drama’s Graduate Program in Stage and Production Management provides a wide array of classroom and hands-on experiences to create leaders who facilitate creative projects in all aspects of the profession.

Curriculum

Our curriculum joins comprehensive classroom training with a rigorous series of production assignments designed to demonstrate learning.

Students enter the three-year program with significant experience in their chosen area and then complete a rigorous series of classes and productions designed to strengthen and expand each student’s existing skills and knowledge.

Communication, collaboration and time and resource management are an integral part of the program, as is specialized training in the technological tools available to those working behind the scenes. This intensive curriculum is designed to synthesize academic development and production experience with increased levels of learning as a student progresses.

Opportunities

Students in the Stage and Production Management Program are assigned production responsibilities designed to develop their skills and build their leadership, management, and collaborative expertise. Students begin as assistants and progress to larger assignments on a wide variety of shows.

Production opportunities, both on-campus and in the Pittsburgh community, include theater, dance, opera and events. Particular emphasis is given to building productive and collaborative teams on each project. Students may be involved in several productions concurrently, as this kind of challenge builds experience that mirrors the professional world.

Each production opportunity is chosen based on a student’s abilities and vocational aspirations. Faculty advisors support and monitor each student’s progress throughout the course of the program.

Unique Platforms

All School of Drama students have to opportunities to participate in the following:

DANCE/LIGHT
Dance/Light is a performance opportunity for students across all disciplines to collaborate in the creation of original dance and movement pieces.

PLAYGROUND
A Festival of Independent Student Work: Playground is the annual, School of Drama, three-day performance festival showcasing independent, student-produced work across multiple disciplines.

VISITING ARTISTS PROGRAM
The Visiting Artists Program brings distinguished national and international guests to campus to work with students across all disciplines.

SHOWCASE
The School of Drama Showcase presentations in Pittsburgh, New York and Los Angeles are designed to give graduating students from all disciplines the opportunity to meet with and present work to leading arts and entertainment professionals.

Particular emphasis is given to building productive and collaborative teams on each project. Students may be involved in several productions concurrently, as this kind of challenge builds experience that mirrors the professional world.

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Production, Technology and Management Curriculum

Faculty

Miso (Cheng-Yu) Wei

Assistant Teaching Professor, Stage & Production Management

Tina Shackleford

Teaching Professor of Stage Management; Area Chair: Production Technology & Management

David Holcomb

Associate Head, Director of Production

News & Alumni

April 6, 2024

MFA Dramatic Writing Thesis Readings

April 5, 2024

“Scenes from an Execution”

March 25, 2024

Remembering Barbara Anderson

February 12, 2024

School of Drama Wins Big at USITT

Your Future

Graduates of the Stage and Production Management Program are sought after as leaders in their disciplines across all areas of the performing arts.

In-depth study and practice of industry standards and union guidelines enable graduates to transition seamlessly into the professional world. The School of Drama’s Visiting Artist Program provides students with an in-depth understanding of professional practice through classes, workshops and productions with leading industry professionals.

Recent graduates have found employment with Tait Towers and Chicago Scenic Studios, On- and Off-Broadway, with Cirque Du Soleil, with regional theaters and opera companies across the country, and in many facets of the television and film industry.