|
||||||
BFA Stage Management degree |
||||||
Inherent
in the program is a commitment to teach and foster excellence in technique
along with professionalism, intellectualism and collaboration. While certain
classes may have a primary focus, and emphasis may change from year to
year, all values are certainly reaffirmed and developed in nearly all
area classes throughout the four-year program of study. | ||||||
Freshman
Year |
||||||
Analysis |
Technique |
Collaboration |
Professional |
|||
| Creating theatre ultimately involves connecting the unique talents and visions of many individuals. Therefore, practicing skills in collaboration is the main focus of this year. Students will be involved in several class group projects as well as participate outside of the classroom in practicum and Assistant Stage Management experiences, which support our main stage production season. It is expected that through these experiences individual self-discipline will be developed as well as the ability to work supportively and cooperatively within an ensemble. Students will also learn about and practice fundamental analysis of scripts and basic techniques in acting. Stagecraft theory and practice helps stage managers to be aware of and therefore be able to coordinate the variety of skills and talent needed in production areas of theatre. Support classes intended to open up expertise in management are interwoven through the four-year curriculum. First-year Stage Management students take Introduction to Computers and Information Systems, Introduction to Design Theory as well as an appropriate Quantitative Reasoning course. Professional skills will be developed through creation of a theatrical resume, and identification of career opportunities for summer work. Freshman University studies classes of Critical Writing, Reading, and Research I and II enhance theatre students' sensitivity to language, develop close reading skills, and expand abilities in creative expression and research skills. |
||||||
|
Sophomore
Year |
||||||
| Analysis |
Technique |
Collaboration |
Professional |
|||
Second year students delve more deeply through theory and practice into developing skills in communication and the fine arts. Introduction to Communication Theory, two semesters of Music Theory and Design Studios lay groundwork for working with future musical directors and conductors as well as designers and technicians. The History of Style course continues to open up awareness of historical aesthetics. Collaborative skills continue through Pipe Dreams attendance and stage management positions both as an assistant stage manager for a department main stage production as well as the initial internship as a Stage Manager at the Kirkland Fine Arts Center. A course in U.S. Studies increases theatre students' awareness of cultural diversity of the human experience. Also taken may be the non-sequential course requirement in Natural science, which helps to develop logical and systematic thinking processes to balance creative and imaginative ways of knowing the world. Language/Culture track class choices continue to be taken in this year. |
||||||
Junior
Year |
||||||
| Analysis |
Technique |
Collaboration |
Professional |
|||
|
While the second year emphasizes depth of study, the junior year encourages breadth. Theatre courses include Directing I, two semesters of theatre history through Integrated I and II, another design studio course along with a course in Dramatic Literature. An upper level communication course in Organizational Culture explores further techniques in group leadership and management skills. These techniques can then be practiced through the second internship at the Kirkland Fine Arts Center as well as through the first stage management assignment in a department main stage production. A dance elective and theatre elective choices allow the student to add depth to an area of knowledge. A choice of a Global Studies course continues to expand theatre students' awareness of diversity in the world beyond the Western traditions. |
||||||
Senior
Year |
||||||
Analysis |
Technique |
Collaboration |
Professional |
|||
The final year stresses professional growth through integration and application of analytical, technical, collaborative, and professional skills. Students hone their own personal process through a capstone stage management position on a main stage production. Directing II and a final Design Studio course both continue to develop skills for professional collaboration. Students continue to explore other areas of personal interest through completion of their selected elective courses as well as developing connections in the community through off-campus service learning experiences. | ||||||