UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · UNITED STATES
Certificate in Stage Management
Certificate · Taught in en
At a glance
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Certificate
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The Certificate in Stage Management program at the University of Rochester is designed to provide students with practical skills and hands-on experience in the theatre production process. You will work alongside professional directors and designers, taking on key roles such as assistant and production stage manager. This program combines coursework with significant responsibilities in managing productions, preparing you to demonstrate exceptional stage management capabilities.
Curriculum
The program requires students to complete prerequisite courses and then fulfill requirements across five sections, focusing on technical knowledge, academic understanding, artistic processes, practical stage management skills, and professional experience.
- Core Requirements
- Theatre and Cultural ContextENGL 184
- Technical TheatreENGL 170
- Consent & PerformanceENGL 279
- Section 1: Developing Technical Knowledge
- Intro to Stage LightingENGL 124
- Intro to Sound for the StageENGL 172
- Advanced Technical TheatreENGL 270
- Section 2: Developing Academic Understanding or Required Skill
- Elements of MusicMUSC 101
- Classical and Scriptural BackgroundsENGL 112
- Renaissance Drama / What is TragedyENGL 208
- ShakespeareENGL 210
- African-American DramaENGL 228
- 20th Century DramaENGL 235
- Section 3: Developing an Understanding of the Artistic and Creative Processes
- Intro to Design for the StageENGL 154
- Acting TechniquesENGL 174
- Design for the StageENGL 178
- DirectingENGL 180
- Section 4: Developing Practical Stage Management Skills
- Stage ManagementENGL 296
- Stage ManagementENGL 297
- Plays in PerformanceENGL 292
- Plays in PerformanceENGL 293
- Plays in PerformanceENGL 294
- Plays in PerformanceENGL 295
Careers
The program strongly encourages students to gain professional experience through internships. The Theatre Program will assist qualified students in securing these opportunities.
- Assistant Stage Manager
- Production Stage Manager
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the Certificate in Stage Management?
- You must have completed prerequisite courses including ENGL 184, ENGL 170, and ENGL 279. Additionally, you need to complete specified courses from Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the curriculum, focusing on technical knowledge, academic understanding, artistic processes, and practical stage management skills.
- How do international students apply and what are the language requirements?
- International applicants must download and complete an application form, submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, resume, writing sample, and pay a $70 USD application fee. You will also need to provide TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency.
- What are the application deadlines for the program?
- The priority application deadline is July 1, 2026. Letters of recommendation can be submitted after the application and up to the deadline.
- What kind of career opportunities are available after completing this certificate?
- The program prepares you for roles such as Assistant Stage Manager and Production Stage Manager. The university also strongly encourages and assists students in securing professional experience through internships.
- Are there any scholarships available for this program?
- Yes, merit-based scholarships like the Merit Scholarships, Alan and Jane Handler Scholarship, and Dean's Scholarship are available, varying in amount and coverage. University of Rochester employees may also be eligible for tuition benefits for their dependent children.
Entry requirements
Prerequisite CoursesCompletion of ENGL 184 (Theatre and Cultural Context), ENGL 170 (Technical Theatre), and ENGL 279 (Consent & Performance).
Section 1 CourseCompletion of one course from: ENGL 124 (Intro to Stage Lighting), ENGL 172 (Intro to Sound for the Stage), or ENGL 270 (Advanced Technical Theatre).
Section 2 CoursesCompletion of two courses from: MUSC 101 (Elements of Music), ENGL 112 (Classical and Scriptural Backgrounds), ENGL 208 (Renaissance Drama / What is Tragedy), ENGL 210 (Shakespeare), ENGL 228 (African-American Drama), or ENGL 235 (20th Century Drama).
Section 3 CoursesCompletion of at least one course (or two 2-credit courses) from: ENGL 154 (Intro to Design for the Stage), ENGL 174 (Acting Techniques), ENGL 178 (Design for the Stage), or ENGL 180 (Directing), totaling 4 credits.
Other classes may be considered based on individual student needs. Substitutions require consultation with an academic advisor.
Fees
Tuition (international)—
Tuition (home)—
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How to apply
1. Download Application FormObtain the application form from the Theatre Program's website.
2. Complete Application FormFill out the application form thoroughly.
3. Submit ApplicationSubmit the completed application form.
4. Prepare Supporting DocumentsGather all required supporting documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a writing sample.
5. Submit TranscriptsScan and upload transcripts from all post-secondary institutions to the online application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for review. Official transcripts will be required upon admission.
6. Request Letters of RecommendationArrange for two letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources. These are managed through the online application system.
7. Write Statement of PurposeCraft a statement of purpose (2-4 pages, double-spaced) that outlines your past, present, and future career aspirations and how the Warner School program will help you achieve them.
8. Submit Resume/CVUpload a current and accurate resume or Curriculum Vitae.
9. Provide Writing SampleSubmit an academic writing sample (minimum 5 pages) with citations and a reference page.
10. English Proficiency (International Applicants)International applicants with degrees from outside the US must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores. Contact admissions for specific score requirements.
11. Pay Application FeeA $70 USD application fee is required.
Scholarships
Merit ScholarshipsVaries (average around $14,000 for undergraduates)
Alan and Jane Handler ScholarshipFull support (tuition, fees, room, board, books)
Dean's ScholarshipVaries
University of Rochester Tuition BenefitsUp to the cost of tuition
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the Certificate in Stage Management?
+
You must have completed prerequisite courses including ENGL 184, ENGL 170, and ENGL 279. Additionally, you need to complete specified courses from Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the curriculum, focusing on technical knowledge, academic understanding, artistic processes, and practical stage management skills.
How do international students apply and what are the language requirements?
+
International applicants must download and complete an application form, submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, resume, writing sample, and pay a $70 USD application fee. You will also need to provide TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency.
What are the application deadlines for the program?
+
The priority application deadline is July 1, 2026. Letters of recommendation can be submitted after the application and up to the deadline.
What kind of career opportunities are available after completing this certificate?
+
The program prepares you for roles such as Assistant Stage Manager and Production Stage Manager. The university also strongly encourages and assists students in securing professional experience through internships.
Are there any scholarships available for this program?
+
Yes, merit-based scholarships like the Merit Scholarships, Alan and Jane Handler Scholarship, and Dean's Scholarship are available, varying in amount and coverage. University of Rochester employees may also be eligible for tuition benefits for their dependent children.