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Alumni from our Global Campuses

Stage managers work on every phase of a production process, from pre-production planning to set breakdown after closing night. The program at the Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts trains the next generation of theatre and live events leaders by blending classroom training with practical production work. Students will learn about projection, lighting and moving turntable sequence from industry professionals and how to call the cues of the show for technical rehearsals, previews, and performances

Country village scene with fruit cart vendor talking to actress in red plaid skirt

Amélie

Person plays piano while two actors dance beside him, other actors sitting or standing on props, all wear white

Student Voices

Backlit actor wearing crown talking in front of dead body on raised funeral platform

Burial at Thebes

Two women in colorful period dress sit at table talking to man in period suit and wig

Learned Ladies

Intricate patchwork background, violinist to the side, actors moving in the middle

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

spotlighted line of singers on scaffolding above musicians

Sondheim on Sondheim

Three actresses around kitchen table, one pulls head off doll; words on screen in background reads Revolutionize the Body (Stop Eating), Revolutionize the Body/the Language (Stop Speaking)

Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again.

Develop Your Portfolio

Students receive instruction and one-on-one mentorship from industry professionals with a vast range of experience, including Broadway, off-Broadway, regional, dance, corporate events, and opera. Students also have the opportunity to intern and assist on productions with professional companies in St. Louis and across the country.

Year One: Build Foundation

The trajectory of courses begins by building a foundation in the technical skills of stage management; students can begin working as production assistants their first semester.

Year Two: Forge Relationships

In the second year, students explore the inter- and intrapersonal aspects of a stage manager's work and focus on the relationships forged in a theatrical process.

Years Three and Four: Increase Experience

In the third and fourth years, students synthesize coursework, production assignments and professional experience.

The trajectory of courses begins by building a foundation in the technical skills of stage management. These include:

  • Preparing for and running a rehearsal successfully.
  • Creating paperwork.
  • Calling a show.
  • Taping out a set in a rehearsal room.
  • Running a tech rehearsal.

Throughout their time at Webster, students steadily build their own network and add tools to their literal and metaphorical kits, uniquely equipping the student to take on any professional endeavor.

A stage manager is a skilled leader who knows what to say, when to say it, and how to say it. Stage managers facilitate communication between directors, choreographers, writers, designers, actors, office staff, and other collaborators. Stage managers run rehearsals and attend meetings. Once installed in the theatre, the stage manager coordinates all production elements and calls the cues of the show for technical rehearsals, previews, and performances. After official opening, other creative collaborators will depart and the stage manager becomes responsible for maintaining the production’s artistic integrity. As theatre makers continue to blaze new trails in the world of virtual performance and work toward diverse and fully equitable and accessible rehearsal and performance spaces, the leadership of a stage manager is more important than ever.
Student actors in Conservatory show

Join Us at the Theatre

Student actors in Conservatory show

At Webster's Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts, we'll help you achieve academic excellence preparing you for future career successes. The first step is to fill out our application.

Contact: Evangeline Rose Whitlock, Head of Stage Management

Step 1: Complete Your ApplicationStep 2: Schedule Your Interview
Delaney Dunster
Student Success

“With the skills I have gained from my professors, classmates and experiences at Webster and beyond, I am equipped to walk into any rehearsal room and ensure that the cast and creative team feel supported throughout the process.”

Delaney Dunster
Delaney Dunster

BFA in Stage Management, ‘22

Explore the Program

BFA in Stage Management

Find out more about the overall curriculum, electives, learning outcomes and more.

Discover the Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts

Program Details

Explore our catalog for more details about courses, modalities and admission requirements for the bachelor’s in Stage Management.

Locations

This program is offered only at Webster Groves, Missouri campus.

Evangeline Rose Whitlock
Program Vision

“The entire body, mind and soul must be engaged in the manager's work. The end product will hold little to no meaning if the process of getting there hasn't deepened the sense and value of community and artists working together.”

Evangeline Rose Whitlock
Evangeline Rose Whitlock

Assistant Professor, Stage Management

Email Professor Whitlock

Alumni Success and Job Outlook

  • Jobs for producers and directors are predicted to increase 24% through 2023. As of May 2021, the median annual wage for producers and directors was $79,000 (U.S. Bureau of Labor & Statistics).
  • Jobs for art directors are predicted to increase 11% through 2023. As of May 2021, the median annual wage for producers and directors was $100,890 (U.S. Bureau of Labor & Statistics).

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