Master of Fine Arts in Stage Management

About the Program

The Department of Theatre Arts has a long and proud tradition as one of the preeminent centers developing both theatre works and theatre artists. We emphasize the development of new work and encourage stage management students to participate in these endeavors. This includes new plays by professional artists-in-residence and by students of the Playwrights Workshop as well as new approaches to traditional work.

The department considers the stage manager an important collaborator in the process of developing new work and mounting a production. He or she must develop artistry in the management of others, possess a working knowledge of all aspects of production, and have an intellectual and intuitive knowledge of the creative process.

The MFA in stage management is an intensive three-year program dedicated to educating students to enter the professional theatre. The program is composed of two elements: classroom instruction and production assignments. Students learn to coordinate all aspects of the production process, to manage performances in different theatres and environments, and to collaborate on the development of both new and classic scripts.

Course Work

Students pursuing an MFA in stage management must complete a minimum of 60 semester hours of graduate work. The candidate must maintain a GPA of 3.0 in each core course. The program curriculum includes departmental core courses in literature, history and criticism; supporting courses in other production areas; and courses particular to stage management. Students must have a Plan of Study approved by their program committee during the first semester of study. This plan will be developed in conjunction with the head of stage management and reviewed at the end of each academic year. Modifications to this document must be approved by the stage management program committee.

Stage Management Plan of Study

Two faculty members provide instruction in stage management. Their professional credits include work in theatre, dance, opera, musical theatre, themed entertainment, and special events.

Academic Progress

The first year is a probationary period for all students admitted to the MFA program in theatre at The University of Iowa. During this year, program faculty will make decisions on a student’s eligibility to continue in the program based on demonstrated talent, management potential, originality, discipline, and satisfactory progress in academic/artistic learning situations.

Once students are accepted into the second year, they usually will proceed to satisfactory completion of the degree, subject to continuing evaluation. If a student’s grade point average falls below 3.0, it must be raised to that level by the end of the following semester. Students must also continue to present work of distinction in their production assignments. Failure to do either may be grounds for dismissal from the program.

Production Opportunities

All Theatre Department productions model the Equity LORT Rule Book. Actors Equity Association (AEA) practices and rules are covered in all stage management classes, and additional experience in actual Equity rehearsals with Iowa Summer Rep provide the student with an active, hands-on knowledge of professional practice and rules.

Each year the department presents approximately 25 productions, most of which are new plays. In addition, the Departments of Music and Dance produce their own seasons, and the most accomplished students may have an opportunity to stage manage in those venues, rounding out their production experience.

Production Assignments

MFA Stage Management students must complete their production assignments to fulfill the program graduation requirements. Students are awarded stage management assignments that increase in complexity as they progress through the program. The specific number and progression of assignments will vary according to scheduling, availability, and student ability. Typical production assignments are as follows:

First Year

Assistant Stage Manager, Mainstage Production (Fall)
Assistant Stage Manager, Mainstage Production (Spring)
Stage Manager, Iowa New Play Festival
Stage Manager, Gallery Production

Second Year

Stage Manager, Mainstage Production
Stage Manager, Dance or Opera Production
Stage Manager, Iowa New Play Festival
Stage Manager, Gallery Production

In the second year, a student may earn up to 1 hour of credit for work on a Mainstage production.

Third Year

Stage Manager, Mainstage Production
Stage Manager, Dance or Opera Production
Production Stage Manager or Stage Manager, Iowa New Play Festival
Stage Manager, Gallery Production

In the third year, a student may earn up to 2 hours of credit for work on a Mainstage production.

Internship

MFA Stage Management Candidates are encouraged to complete an internship during one semester of graduate study. The purpose of the internship is to augment the student’s education and encourage the development of professional contacts. Ideally, the student should serve as a production assistant or assistant stage manager on one or more productions at a major regional theatre.

Before beginning an internship, the student will submit a written internship proposal to the Head of Stage Management for approval. This proposal must include goals, duties, time commitment, supervisor, and contact information. Should the student elect to receive academic credit for the internship, arrangements can be made with the Head of Stage Management.

Comprehensive Exam

At the end of the second year of study the MFA stage management candidate will participate in a comprehensive review of his/her academic and production work accomplished during the first two years. During the exam the program committee will review material including student performance evaluations, academic record, and the student’s personal statement. This statement, submitted by the student two weeks prior to the scheduled exam, will include a summary of production assignments to date, past accomplishments within the program, and future career goals.

Thesis

MFA Stage Management Candidates are required to complete a thesis production under the supervision of a thesis committee. The candidate is responsible for establishing this faculty committee, which may include members outside of the stage management area.

The thesis production is typically a new work which has been developed at the University of Iowa. The student will stage manage this production and submit a reflective narrative of their work using an outline developed by the thesis committee. Additionally, the student submits a portfolio of selected production documentation that could be used for job interviews and other career advancement possibilities. Alternate thesis proposals must be submitted in writing to the student's committee for approval by the beginning of the second year. The thesis format must comply with the guidelines as outlined by the committee and the Thesis Manual of the Graduate College.

Stage Managers at Work

Students in the stage management program further their production experience through professional assignments during the summers. The following are summer positions awarded for 2009:

• Erin Burns, Stage Management Intern, Old Globe Theatre, San Diego, CA
• Morgan Gire, Production Electrician, Iowa Summer Rep, Iowa City, IA
• Erin Glasspatrick, Production Coordinator, Department of Dance, University of Maryland
• Elise Johnson, Assistant Stage Manager, Dance/Opera, University of Iowa
• Tresa Makosky, Production Stage Manager, Crossroads Repertory Theatre, Terre Haute, IN
• Jennifer Sears, Stage Manager, Capital Classics, Hartford Shakespeare Festival, Hartford, CT
• Rebecca J. Simons, Assistant Stage Manager, Iowa Summer Rep, Iowa City, IA
• Michelle Weidinger, Stage Manager, Iowa Summer Rep, Iowa City, IA

Alumni Testimonials

Bios - Past and Current Students

• Submit to the Graduate College an application for admission. As of September 2008, we no longer require students to take the GRE examination.

• Submit to the department a "Common Packet" which includes a resume, three letters of recommendation that speak specifically to the candidate’s skills in stage management, a written statement of purpose and professional goals,official transcripts, and two writing samples (which can be from previous academic or professional work). For U/RTA candidates, the due date for the packet is set by the U/RTA organization. For non-U/RTA candidates, the packet must be received no later than January 15th.

• Be proficient with word processing and spread sheet programs.

• Have a personal interview with the Head of Stage Management or other program faculty. Interviews may be arranged at U/RTA or at The University of Iowa.

Contact Information

James P. Birder, Head of Stage Management
Department of Theatre Arts
The University of Iowa
107 Theatre Building
Iowa City, IA 52242-1705
319-353-1814
james-p-birder@uiowa.edu