Areas of Study

DRAMA 254: GRADUATE STAGE MANAGEMENT COURSES

Below are examples of the rotating advanced topics that graduate students explore in the Graduate Stage Management courses, which form the core of the program’s curriculum. Seven of these courses are required over the 3 years of study. Topics vary each year and may expand based on students’ expressed interests and needs, as well as unique opportunities.

• Elevating Stage Management, Core Skills, and Leadership
• Psychology and Self-Care For Stage Managers
• Theatre Safety
• Stage Management Technology
• Actors’ Equity Association and Other Unions
• Production Management and Producing
• Opportunities Beyond Theatre: Themed Entertainment, Dance, Opera, And More
• Self-Marketing And Launching Your Career 
   

DRAMA 240: PRODUCTIONS & PROJECTS

Mentored by faculty and staff, with professional credits, throughout every phase of production, each graduate stage management student will be the stage manager or assistant stage manager on at least seven UCI productions while at UC Irvine. Each of these is a course. Graduate stage managers serve as the communication hub for each production, in conjunction with their stage management team and show collaborators, and manage performers and running crews of 60 or more individuals.

OTHER REQUIRED COURSES

3 Courses in Drama 251A-C: Foundations of Theatre Courses

2 Courses in Production Techniques

1 Course in Dramatic Literature, Criticism, Contemporary Theatre, or History Of Music Theatre

3 Graduate-Level (Drama 200+) Or Upper Division (Drama 100-199) Electives

DRAMA 295: PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP QUARTER

Typically, a student completes an internship during a quarter in their final year of the program (or earlier, if appropriate) by enrolling in the 12-unit internship course, which allows them to focus exclusively on their internship during that quarter. Past internships have included: Center Theatre Group, South Coast Repertory, Pasadena Playhouse, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Wicked on Broadway, Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group, Seattle Opera, The Disneyland Resort, LA Opera, among others. 

DRAMA 257E: THESIS PROJECT

During their final year, students complete a thesis project, which includes a 4-unit course to support focused work on the thesis. The topic of the thesis is chosen by the student, developed in consultation with and approved by the Head of the Stage Management. In addition, a designated thesis show is selected, often aligned with the thesis topic. At minimum, the thesis show represents the culmination of the student’s training at UC Irvine. In some cases, but not guaranteed or required, this production may include additional opportunities, such as focused technological support, that can serve as the basis for the written thesis.

Primary options for the thesis project, one of which is chosen, include:

1. Assemble a professional production book of the thesis show
2. Create a stage management promotional and marketing package
3. Write a formal thesis based on a specific research topic

The capstone of the thesis project is a formal one-hour presentation to current stage management students, guests, and a three-member thesis committee.

Complete degree requirements document available here or in the UCI Catalogue.