Master of Fine Arts in Theatre; Concentration in Stage Management
Stage managers are the master collaborators and communicators. Their real talents lie in nurturing the creative process, coordinating diverse artistic personalities and maintaining positive energy. Organized, responsible, tactful, adaptable, and graceful under pressure, they are the backbone of any production. Stage managers, considered "jacks of all trades," are understanding and sensitive to the processes of their fellow collaborators.
- The curriculum in stage management reinforces the importance of a broad base of knowledge by requiring studios in directing, technical direction, scenery, costumes, and/or lighting. Other aspects of management are also covered, including production management, company management, and front-of-house administration.
- Emphasis is also placed on management within the larger entertainment industry through a liaison with the UNLV's internationally recognized School of Hotel Administration. Opportunities for stage management exist in all theater venues as well as dance and music.
- Common principles of professional stage management. The student will learn common professional practices in preparing a prompt script, preparing standard paperwork and calling a show.
- Directing and acting. The student will learn about multiple approaches to directing and how to adapt stage management skills to various approaches. The students will also learn how to interface with actors, supporting their efforts in rehearsal and helping them maintain quality and consistency in performance.
- Stage technology and design. The student's basic knowledge of theatrical design and technology will be expanded so that the student is able to understand and share information with other production participants in their vernacular.
- Theatre management, production management and collaboration. The student will learn about front of house operations including structure and chain of command, by-laws, non-profit status, publicity, play selection, house management and company management. The student will come to understand the "big picture", the responsibilities of overall management of a production and the importance of collaboration and communication.
- Union regulations and legal aspects of the fine arts. The student will learn about the unions encountered in professional production. In particular, the student will learn how to interpret and implement the rules of Actors' Equity. The student will also learn about contracts, copyright, royalties and legal and social censorship.
- Aspects of management peculiar to Las Vegas production. The student will learn about tourism and convention administration as well as backstage operations within a Las Vegas show.