Syracuse University's Department of Drama offers a bachelor of fine arts in stage management. The BFA program gives students the opportunity to oversee productions at Syracuse Stage, a member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT). These theaters--there are only 74 in the United States--are for professional companies so that students can get on-the-job experiences in a professional atmosphere. Students start out working as production assistants during their freshman year in addition to taking classes. During the second and third year, they can move up to positions as assistants and stage managers in student productions. Seniors can apply for Syracuse Stage internships that allow them to be production assistants for a professionally produced play. Each year, seven Syracuse Stage professional productions use student assistants. Tuition for 2010-2011 totals $34,970.
College of Visual and Performing Arts
Syracuse University
202 Crouse College
Syracuse, NY 13244-1010
315-443-2769
syr.edu
`The Theatre School at DePaul University gives students the opportunity to learn from award-winning faculty in Chicago, a city known for groundbreaking theater productions. Students in the BFA program receive a comprehensive education in design, management and technical skills in a collaborative environment. Students start out as production assistants during their freshman year. Upperclassmen are stage managers in at least two productions and seniors can participate in a professional internship. DePaul stage-management alumni are winners of prestigious theater awards and are involved in the highest levels of the industry on Broadway and in touring companies. Tuition for the Theater School in 2010-2011 totals $30,665.00.
The Theatre School
DePaul University
2135 N. Kenmore Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
773-325-7917
theatreschool.depaul.edu
Aspiring stage managers who already have an undergraduate degree in theater or extensive experience in the field can apply for Yale's master of fine arts program. The prestigious Ivy League university offers an MFA and a certificate. Admission requirements for the MFA include an interview, a statement of purpose and submission of a prompt book and a production book. The GRE general exam is mandatory for applicants. Student train at Yale Repertory Theatre and their work qualifies for admission into the Actors' Equity Association, the union for theater professionals. The duration of the program is three years. Tuition and fees in 2009-2010 totaled $26,250.
Yale School of Drama
149 York St.
New Haven, CT 06511
203-432-1507
drama.yale.edu