BA/AA program structure

[megf]

Hi all,

I'm trying to piece together a program for student stage managers at my college. Right now, the administration is trying to advertise for student SMs, but there is no official "track" for stage managers and production managers. What courses (if any) are recommended at your high school/college/other training program?

Megf

[digitaltec]

One of the best known schools I can think of would be North Carolina School of the Arts. I have even looked into this school. It has just about anything you can think of to do with theatre such as Costume Design, Lighting Design, Performing Arts Managment, Scenic Design, Sound Design, etc. If you are serious about the arts, take a look at this school. But in terms of classes you might take for stage managment:

http://www.ncarts.edu/ncsaprod/desig...age_manage.asp


That link is to their stage managment course requirments.


Hope that helps you out a bit.

[sallyj]

The University I am employed at is still building a tech curriculum. I attended a conservatory program (a while ago) and there is one consistent thing that stands out: Include at least freshman level design/ drawing/ tech classes. Some SMs follow the mainly management track, where they only know how to delegate. Others follow the hands on track so they can help trouble shoot and brainstorm for a solution to a problem. In my opinion the latter is the type of SM I prefer to work with. Get online and look at other programs: NCSOA, Yale, Carnegie Mellon, Webster, UC Long Beach... Hope this helps.

SJM

[digitaltec]

sallyj, what univ. do you work for? I'm originally from Pittsburgh. Just woundering what school is building a tech program. Thanks.

[sallyj]

I am the technical director at Point Park University, home of the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Point Park has owned the Playhouse since the 60's but have never really had a tech program. For the past 5 years we have been trying to cultivate one. Still too early to tell how we are doing, but we do have some graduates out working in the field.

SJM

[digitaltec]

Cool, I have friends that go to Point Park but I don't beleive any of them are there for theater. I have seen a few shows at the Playhouse though. Always a pleasure to go see a show there. For anyone who happens to ever be in the PGH area, you got to check it out.

[tenor_singer]

Originally Posted by sallyj

I am the technical director at Point Park University, home of the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Point Park has owned the Playhouse since the 60's but have never really had a tech program. For the past 5 years we have been trying to cultivate one. Still too early to tell how we are doing, but we do have some graduates out working in the field.

SJM

I have an ex-student who attends Point Park and who interned at the Playhouse last year. Her name is Stephanie and I cannot recommend her to you highly enough. She is a wonderful person, talented actress and hard worker.

Tenor.

[sallyj]

Hey Tenor-I know a Stephanie or two. Is she in the Stage Management program? Just curious.
SJM

[EntRigger]

If you all are looking for a very hand on environment and one that encourages you to work in the professional field, I recommend NYC College of Technology. At Citytech we have 2 amazing professors, one is John Huntington, who has written the only book on show control in the market and is also a sound engineer. The other professor, David Smith is part owners in a company that provides a virtual orchestra. Besides that we have some of the most advanced and up to date equipment like the whole hog II, we also own about 20 moving lights and a whole array of show control products.

[Toul]

There is talk here of the North Carolina School of the Arts. It's in my home state, and I've talked to a number of people who are familiar with the program there. I'd like to share the advice that someone once gave me.

My theatre teacher, who works professionally a Tech Director, tells me that they will put you through a good program, and make you into a fine technician by the time you're out.

However. He couldn't promise me that I would enjoy my years there. The freshman year, apparently, is designed to scare away as many as half of the freshman who aren't serious. Even those who are serious don't enjoy it. From what JT told me, it didn't sound like I could look forward to actually enjoying any of my time there. They also teach a good degree of attitude. When he used to get together with his TD friends and decide who to hire, they would share tidbits about each of the applicants, and it was pretty much universally agreed that NCSA could stand just as easily for North Carolina School of Attitude.

You know the type. They're so sure that they're right that they're **** hard to work with. Even if they're ridiculously talented, you just can't stand listening to them talk for any period of time. Have you ever worried that you might become one of them? NCSA can help you get there.

But don't take my word for it. Go there, ask questions, get information from students. This is all thirdhand by the time it gets to whoever's reading it now.