M.F.A. in Stage Management | Introduction

The M.F.A. Stage Management program at the University of California, Irvine is dedicated to the professional training of advanced students who seek to elevate their skills, knowledge, and leadership in production stage management, expanding their experience, network, and future opportunities. 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The graduate program at UC Irvine is comprised of five key components:

COURSE STUDY:

Graduate students explore the art and science of stage management through rotating advanced topics each quarter in the Graduate Stage Management courses, which form the core of the program’s curriculum.

Other Drama courses allow students to broaden their skills, knowledge, and practical experience. Required coursework emphasizes production techniques, dramatic literature, and foundational theatre practices, including script analysis and collaborative processes, to strengthen communication and leadership within production teams. Elective options include fight choreography, voice work, all areas of design and construction, and other advanced Drama courses.

To further support professional versatility, students may also enroll in courses across the university. Studies in areas such as business management, languages, and dance provide valuable tools to meet the evolving demands of stage management in the entertainment industry.

PRODUCTION ASSIGNMENTS:

Each graduate stage management student will serve as the stage manager or assistant stage manager on at least seven UCI productions, with scope and complexity increasing throughout the program. These laboratory classes offer opportunities to learn and grow. Professional faculty and staff mentor graduate students through every phase of the production process. Graduate stage managers have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty, guest artists, and fellow graduate designers, music directors, actors, and choreographers across a wide range of genres, including drama, musical theatre, dance concerts, and other unique experiences.

ACADEMIC STUDENT EMPLOYMENT (TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIP):

As part of the program’s financial support package, graduate students are guaranteed a 25% employment appointment (10 hours per week) within the Drama Department, which includes full tuition and fee remission and health insurance. Employment assignments vary each quarter and are made by the Head of the Stage Management program based on student interests and departmental needs. Graduate students may serve as Teaching Assistants or Instructors, work within specific production areas, or provide broader support to the Drama Department.

INTERNSHIP:

Traditionally, in their final year of the program (or earlier if appropriate), students pursue a professional internship to build industry relationships and create potential employment opportunities. The stage management program supports this process by collaborating to identify internships aligned with individual career goals, providing mentorship and guidance, and offering letters of recommendation; students are responsible for securing their own internships.

THESIS PROJECT:

During their final year, students complete a thesis project of their choosing, developed in consultation with and approved by the Head of the Stage Management.

PROGRAM RESOURCES & INFORMATION

The professional credentials of the faculty and staff include regional, national, and international work in theatre, dance, music, themed entertainment, film and television, and special events. Instruction is further enriched by a robust roster of guest speakers representing all areas of the live entertainment industry. These industry connections, combined with UC Irvine’s extensive alumni network, provide graduate stage management students with multiple opportunities for internships and future employment.

Mentorship, academic advising, and professional counseling for M.F.A. Stage Management students are provided by the Head of the Graduate Stage Management program, Joel Veenstra.

Program Learning Outcome information for the M.F.A. program can be found here.

For additional information on our graduate programs, please visit our UC Irvine Drama Graduate Hub website here.