Stage Management Colleges

[Amie]

I think Yale requires the GRE.

Yes! I think this was the one.

Is it worth taking the GRE for the limited number of schools that require them? I suppose it's always "worth it" to take these exams, but I don't want to waste my money if not necessary.

[zayit shachor]

Is it worth taking the GRE for the limited number of schools that require them? I suppose it's always "worth it" to take these exams, but I don't want to waste my money if not necessary.

I would say if you're seriously considering applying to Yale (or any other school that requires the GRE), take the test.  Even if you're undecided at this point but think that you might end up applying, it's better to take it.

[Amie]

Just to update people on the status of my question about Stage Management (MFA) and GRE (Graduate Record Exam test), every school but 1 I applied to required it:

The schools are:

Montclair University
Rutgers
Yale
University of Illinois - Urbana


I don't know how heavily the decision weighs on acceptance into the graduate stage management program, but just throwing that out there that more schools require it, it seems, than do not.

-Amie

[ewharton]

That's interesting. When I applied to (and was accepted by) Rutgers they did not require it. I started in '06. I guess their requirements have changed since then.

[Amie]

That's interesting. When I applied to (and was accepted by) Rutgers they did not require it. I started in '06. I guess their requirements have changed since then.

It's possible the school itself requires it, but not the program.

[Gruetz]

As a graduating stage management student at Western Michigan University, I can't say enough how grateful I have been for this program.

It truly is all the benefits of a masters program specifically and exclusively for undergraduates. Plus, stage management is a specific degree program, so there is really specialized attention in that area.

Plus, we have the benefit of being about 2 hours from both Chicago and Detroit, a thriving Kalamazoo theatre community, and Grand Rapids (a very large theatre community) also only 45 minutes away.

[katykat29]

I wanted to put a plug in for my alma mater, Millikin University in Decatur, IL.  The program is intensive with a black box, medium proscenium and large proscenium.  They have some excellent scholarship programs and great mentoring from the staff.  The program is small enough that you get to know everyone and large enough that you're not always stuck with the same people.  I staged managed almost from day one there and was able to create my own program (with an advisor's help) that has stood me in good stead.

[RachaelBaciocco]

Hello everyone!
I am currently finishing up my freshman year of college, and I don't like the university I am attending...I am in Virginia at the University of Mary Washington, and I am planning on studying technical theatre and stage management, but I don't like UMW.  Plus they don't specifically have a technical theatre major.  They focus more on performing dramas, and I have not been very impressed with the 4 or 5 productions I have seen.  I want to go to a school that has a great theatre program, bigger than this one, where I can essentially learn everything there is to learn about stage management and theatre.  Do you have any recommendations?  I've been doing some searches online but there are so many universities listed that it's hard to weed through them all.  I'm trying to stay in Virginia because of money, so if you could keep that in mind that'd be great.  Thank you guys so much!

=)
Rachael Baciocco

[yomanda]

Rachael, 

I don't have any college suggestions but I would like to point you to this post by Matthew Shiner that has some solid advice about choosing a school.
Good luck in your search! 

[MatthewShiner]

Rachel,

I think since you have a desire to stay in VA, the list of schools with good theater programs can't be that long.

I know the head of the program of Virginia Tech, and he's a great guy - and although they have a grad program, it's small enough that I think as an undergrad you will get some good opportunities.  Other then that, I don't know of many outstanding theater programs in VA (And it's not because there isn't any - I am just not that familiar with VA).

[Eric Toler]

I don't know much about VA or the area/schools or what you're looking for exactly, but I did seriously considering applying to Virginia Commonwealth University after receiving emails about their stage management program and talking to some people there. I don't know if you've already looked into or considered the school or anything, just a suggestion.

Here is their website & stage management page: newbielink:http://arts.vcu.edu/theatre/apply-now/programs/bfa-studio-management/ [nonactive] You'd have to contact the school or something for more information but it seems pretty nice.

Hope you find what you're looking for, whatever that may be!

[bex]

I worked with a SM from VCU who was FANTASTIC, and what she told me about the program made a very good impression on me. I also know that JMU has a large & active theater department, but I don't really know anything about the SM program there.

[BARussell]

I worked with a SM from VCU who was FANTASTIC, and what she told me about the program made a very good impression on me. I also know that JMU has a large & active theater department, but I don't really know anything about the SM program there.

Who did you work with? Have we already had this discussion? I graduated from VCU's program so if you are interested I can tell you about it (or anyone for that matter) I also know a bit about VTech.

HAHA just clicked on the page link to the VCU website and there is my stupid face!

[PSMKay]

Wow, you actually ARE a poster boy for something. That's so cool!

[BARussell]

Thank you!

It is sort of cool, but you know it is so staged because I am wearing white socks, I would never put blacks on with white socks. Photoshop please?