Stage Management
M.F.A. in Theatre
Preparing You to Lead, Communicate, and Problem-Solve
Virginia Tech's M.F.A. in Theatre in Stage Management is a professionally focused graduate program. We combine coursework with hands-on learning to provide a theoretical framework and practical experience in rehearsal coordination, production management, and ethical leadership to prepare students for the demands of today's professional stage management roles in live performance.
Whether your background is in theatre, dance, opera, or live events, this program offers the opportunity to develop advanced production skills, engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, and prepare for careers as stage managers, production managers, and company managers in professional theatre, touring productions, and higher education.
Program Overview
Virginia Tech's Master of Fine Arts in Stage Management is a three-year program providing professional training through a personalized tutorial-based curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in the ever-evolving field of professional theatre in the United States. Housed within the M.F.A. in Theatre degree in the School of Performing Arts, the program supports students with diverse backgrounds in theatre, music, dance, opera, and live events. M.F.A. students work closely with faculty, professional guest artists, and peers from across the performing and visual arts, developing the collaborative skills essential to stage management practice.
The M.F.A. in Theatre program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.
Why choose this program?
- Ethical Leadership Development
Students build skills in professional communication, equitable practices, safety protocols, and ethical decision-making that are essential to stage management leadership in contemporary performance environments. - Advanced Career Preparation
The program prepares students for careers in stage and production management across theatre, opera, dance, and live events, emphasizing the integration of artistic collaboration, organizational leadership, and technical fluency. - Comprehensive Skill Building
Students engage in rigorous coursework and production assignments that cultivate skills in rehearsal and performance coordination, communication and documentation, scheduling, budgeting, and personnel management. - Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Students work closely with faculty, professional guest artists, and peers from across the performing and visual arts, serving as central communicators and facilitators in the creative process. - Professional Production Experience
Opportunities include stage managing and assistant stage-managing productions in the School of Performing Arts, as well as working with regional and professional companies during summers. - Flexible Curriculum
Electives are offered in a range of subject areas in the School of Performing Arts and in graduate programs across campus, allowing students to tailor their academic experience to their interests and career goals. - Graduate Assistantships
Assistantships are available and may provide tuition support and a stipend. Awards are competitive and based on qualifications and departmental needs.
What You'll Study
To complete the degree, successful completion of a minimum of 60 credit hours is required. The program is designed to be completed in three years. The program is highly individualized. Courses include:
- Production Studio (5 semesters) – one-on-one or small group studio that focuses on AEA rules, leadership, communication, and advanced stage management techniques
- Topics in Arts Leadership – HR in the Arts
- Topics in Arts Leadership – Financial Management
- Graduate Seminar (4 semesters)
- Sound Design
- Electives (15 credits)
- Production Work – students are assigned to SOPA productions each semester as stage managers, assistant stage managers, or student production managers.
What Our Students Are Saying
“My time in the M.F.A Stage Management Program at Virginia Tech has been filled with growth, open conversations, and a variety of opportunities to fill in my knowledge gaps. I have also had the great joy of working with many undergraduate and graduate actors, designers, and fellow stage managers throughout my time at Virginia Tech. I started this program with a good deal of stage management experience in small professional theatres, but what this program provided me more than anything are the resources and confidence to proceed with my career on an upwards trajectory. Stacy’s leadership of this program emphasizes kindness, community, and problem solving, while leaving room to focus on more traditional leadership skills, specific career interests, and personal growth.”
-Leah Tucker, 2026 M.F.A. in Stage Management
Admissions Information
Application Deadline: January 15
Campus Visits: Strongly encouraged
Contact: Stacy A. Blackburn, M.F.A., sblackburn1@vt.edu