Program: Stage Management, BFA - Syracuse University

2024-2025 Undergraduate Course Catalog

Mar 31, 2025

Contact

Don Buschmann, Program Coordinator

820 East Genesee Street

315-443-2669

dgbuschm@syr.edu

Faculty

Dianna Angell, Don Buschmann, Stuart Plymesser

Description

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Stage Management prepares the student for a career as a professional stage manager. Program requirements are a combination of classes and experiential learning. The department works hand in hand with Syracuse Stage to provide a learning environment that emulates the professional world of the stage manager. First-year stage management students participate behind the scenes as production assistants. From the second year on, the students participate as assistant stage managers and production stage managers for main stage and Theatre productions. Students will also serve as interns with Syracuse Stage productions allowing them the experience of working as production assistants on professional productions.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Leadership: Student creates a way for others to contribute to the production process; demonstrates a dedication to the project and an acceptance of responsibility

2. Communication: Student accurately relates all notes and concerns to all involved in a timely manner

3. Artistry: Student adapts stage management techniques and approach to the genre, style, concept and situation

4. Decision Making: Student accepts responsibility for position appropriate decisions, demonstrates good judgement and encourages collaboration

5. Organization: Student effectively and efficiently utilizes information and people for all work-related activities

6. Professional Standards: Student will demonstrate the ability to participate in collaborative artistic endeavors to a professional standard

Program Requirements

Drama Requirements: 42 credits

Stage Management Requirements: 44 credits

DRD 337 - Practicum in Stage Lighting
DRD 338 - Practicum in Theater Sound
DRD 599 - Internship in Theatrical Design, Technology, or Management (x2) 3 credits each
DRM 251 - Introduction to Stage Management
DRM 340 - Stage Management Rehearsal Techniques
DRM 395 - Theater Management II
DRM 450 - Stage Management: Performance Techniques
DRM 460 - Stage Management for Production (x2) 4 credits each
DRM 460 - Stage Management for Production 2 credits
DRM 465 - Stage Management: Communication and Collaboration
DRM 467 - Stage Management: Touring Techniques
DRM 492 - Production Management
Technical Practicum (x2) 2 credits each

Theatre Laboratory: 0 credits

DRA 090 - Theater Lab
Seven Required semesters of Theater Lab: total of zero credits

Drama Electives: 8 credits

Drama electives (also known as drama support) are courses that are not required specifically for the student’s program of study, but which are meant to enhance their understanding of their major field or their overall undergraduate experience.

Academic Requirements: 6 credits

Academic Electives: 23 credits

Academic electives are courses that involve critical thinking and theoretical understanding as opposed to practical application, mostly in the Liberal Arts. These academic courses usually have non-art-related content, such as math, natural sciences, astronomy, global history, political science, psychology, entrepreneurship, and languages, among others. You can find a comprehensive list of approved academic electives here. A maximum of 9 credits out of 23 can be from the department of drama.

Note:

Students may only have a combined total of 12 credits from Independent Study or Experience Credit

Course Catalog