BFA Stage Management Program
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Stage Management at FSU is a highly competitive program and provides students with the essential training and practical experience required to become a professional stage manager and a successful theatre artist. The curriculum educates students through a series of academic coursework, one-on-one mentoring, and individualized practical production experiences. Students take dedicated coursework in stage management from professionally-practicing faculty while also receiving well-rounded training in areas such as hospitality, arts administration, score reading, stage combat, and theatrical production. The program lays the groundwork for professional practice upon graduation, and it is also an excellent foundation for continued graduate study.
Advisor Contact Info
Program Overview
Students are given the opportunity to work on productions at The School of Theatre in their first year. Over the course of four years, students may serve on management teams at The School of Theatre, The College of Music, and The School of Dance. Stage managers may also participate in Theatre Academy London or explore professional internship opportunities during their time at FSU. Graduating students will leave the BFA Stage Management program with a comprehensive portfolio of work to jumpstart their career goals.
Previous students studying stage management at FSU have gained admission to prestigious graduate programs, such as Yale University and Columbia University. Alums have also participated in esteemed opportunities including The Juilliard School Stage Management Apprenticeship, the Cody Renard Richard Scholarship Program, and USITT’s Stage Management Mentorship Project. FSU SM alums can be found on Broadway, national tours, regional theaters, cruise ships, corporate production companies, opera companies, and theme parks across the country.
How to Apply
Step 1: Complete the Florida State University Application and pay the $30 application fee.
Step 2: Complete the BFA Stage Management Supplemental Application to qualify for an interview. The Supplemental Application will be added to your Application Checklist within 1-2 hours of submitting your application to FSU.
Step 3: Submit your Pre-Screen Materials via the Admissions Portal:
- A current resume of theatre-related work, which should include a list of all productions in which you have been involved, in what capacity, and when and where produced
- A headshot or photo (does not need to be a professional headshot)
- A brief personal statement, 650 words or less, outlining the applicants career goals and how the FSU BFA Stage Management program will help the applicant reach these objectives
- A minimum of three letters of recommendation from a director, theatre teacher, mentor, or anyone who can speak to your work and future success in a rigorous BFA program
- A sample stage management portfolio or prompt book, including paperwork materials such as: calendars and schedules, blocking and calling scripts, backstage tracking and running paperwork, production photos and descriptions of artistic and technical components, and any additional content to support prior experience or interest in stage management as a profession.The portfolio can be from one production, or multiple projects. Sample coursework is also permissible. A digital portfolio submitted as one singular PDF is preferred.
Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning November 1.Step 4: Complete your Interview
- Interviews will be conducted with the BFA Stage Management Program Director virtually beginning in January.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
The School of Theatre awards scholarships to selected incoming and continuing students in all BFA areas. Scholarships are awarded to incoming BFA students on the basis of academic ability and potential for achievement in their particular BFA emphasis.
London Theatre Program
The undergraduate program also offers students to attend our London Theatre Program! Perhaps no other college or university has a finer London Study Center than Florida State University. Our theatre students work with some of England’s best teachers and artists as well as with faculty from the Tallahassee campus. They attend theatre every week (some attend every day) and visit other countries during their breaks. Studying theatre in London is an extraordinary experience.
