The University of Utah Department of Theatre is home to the state’s only BFA program in Stage Management. This practical, professionally-oriented course of study prepares students for careers in stage and production management, helping them develop an artistic sensibility as they acquire a strong working knowledge of technical production and the essential organizational and management skills required to orchestrate the smooth execution of a production.
The BFA Stage Management Program is designed to give each student a focused, comprehensive, dynamic, and challenging educational experience in a supportive environment. By working in teams, students benefit from peer mentorship, honing their collaboration skills as they learn new concepts. Students complete five stage management courses while gaining a fundamental understanding of theatre design disciplines, acting, and directing. These foundations are enhanced by guest lecturers, workshops, mentorships with working professionals, directed electives in management and advanced theatrical techniques, and a variety of courses elsewhere in the College of Fine Arts.
The size of the program allows students to work on multiple departmental productions each year, with additional opportunities available outside the department. Past students have shadowed or worked on productions with professional and semi-professional companies such as Pioneer Theatre Company, Utah Opera, Ballet West, Plan-B Theatre, and The Grand Theatre. Students can also elect to work toward Actor’s Equity Association membership through jobs and internship opportunities, or even pursue projects in their areas of interest with the support of university grants. As a Tier 1 research institution, the University of Utah provides funding to students for applied projects; current topics include app development, robotics, and other cutting-edge aspects of theatre technology.
In addition to networking within the expansive Salt Lake City performing arts community, students will also meet with working professionals from nationally and internationally recognized companies such as Cirque du Soleil, Pacific Northwest Ballet, The Phantom of the Opera National Tour, and Washington National Opera. Interested students can pursue other out-of-state experiences such as shadowing productions, participating in national conventions and organizations like USITT, or signing up for the London Learning Abroad Program. With a core of rigorous fundamentals supplemented by countless opportunities for exploration and enrichment, the BFA Stage Management Program allows students to tailor their experience to fit their own professional goals.
Program Head
Amber Bielinski
801-587-1594
Learn more about Academic Advising.