Stage & Production Management

A student wearing all black and a headset stands on a set on stage in the Philip Chosky Theater.

Where Artistry Meets Logistics

Carnegie Mellon’s MFA Stage & Production Management program offers a dynamic blend of comprehensive coursework and extensive production opportunities for aspiring stage and production managers. The program emphasizes collaboration, fostering a tight-knit community where students work closely with peers, faculty, and industry professionals. Our faculty actively work in the field and our tight-knit alumni network spans the country, providing students with invaluable industry connections and resources. With a wealth of production opportunities available, students gain practical experience across various projects, preparing them to manage a wide range of live events.

A student wearing a red shirt and a headset sits at a table inside a theater with computer monitors and a large binder open in front of her.

Stage & Production Management Curriculum

Students study and practice both stage and production management, honing their communication and leadership skills alongside their technical and organizational knowledge. Problem-solving, collaboration, and time and resource management are integral parts of the program, as is specialized training in the technological tools available to those working behind the scenes. This intensive curriculum is designed to synthesize academic development and production experience with increased levels of learning as a student progresses.

MFA PTM CURRICULUM

Student Work

Two student production managers wearing white hard hats sit at a table in a black box theater, working on their laptops.

Production Experience

Sidney Rubinowicz (BFA Class of 2023) and Danielle Bergman (MFA Class of 2024) worked as production managers for the School of Drama’s production of “Dance Nation.”

Here, they lead the team during load-in in the Helen Wayne Rauh Studio Theater.

A group of students pose with arms out and big smiles, in front of the Universal Studios globe statue in Los Angeles.

Showcase & Expo

The Stage & Production Management Class of 2024 toured Universal Studios as part of their Creators’ Expo.

Each year, the graduating class has the opportunity to travel to New York and LA to meet our alumni networks, tour shops and studios, showcase their portfolios, and more.

A large group of students pose for a picture, smiling, under a large sign that says ARENA.

Field Trips & Guest Artists

Stage & Production Management students took a field trip to PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh to meet with the stage management team of the touring Cirque du Soleil company presenting “Crystal,” which was artistic directed by School of Drama alumna Crystal Manich (Class of 2004).

alumni stories

Photo of Kyrie Bayles, a white woman with long brown hair standing outside and wearing a flannel shirt and yellow jacket.

Kyrie Bayles

 A photo of JuanCarlos Contreras, a man with dark brown hair and glasses wearing a shirt and tie.

JuanCarlos Contreras

 Photo of Rachel D'Amboise, a white woman with long brown hair, wearing a green blouse.

Rachel D’Amboise

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Featured Faculty

Black and white photo of Tina Shackleford, a white woman with curly blonde hair.

Tina Shackleford

Teaching Professor of Stage Management

Tina teaches Stage Management and Production in the School of Drama, and currently serves as Area Chair for Production Technology and Management.

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Photo of Miso Wei, an Asian woman with medium length dark hair, wearing a cream colored sweater, smiling.

Miso Wei

Assistant Teaching Professor of Stage & Production Management

Miso Wei is a member of the Production Technology and Management department. She teaches courses such as Stage Management, Production Management, Communication, International and Cross-Cultural Management, and Embodiment Leadership.

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Photo of David Holcomb, a white man with a bald head and white facial hair, wearing glasses and a blue collared shirt with a paper airplanes patterns.

David Holcomb

Associate Head, Director of Production

Having been at the School of Drama since 2003, David’s primary focus is the operation of the production laboratory experience. He teaches upper-level production management classes and mentors students in PM positions in their production lab experiences. He also consults on and/or manages data systems used to keep the School of Drama operating efficiently.

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Photo of Sayantee Sahoo, an Indian woman with short dark hair, with a light streak, wearing large hoop earrings and a collared shirt.

Sayantee Sahoo

Production Manager

Sayantee Sahoo is the Production Manager for the School of Drama at Carnegie Mellon University.

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How often will I be assigned to a production as a stage manager or a production manager?

Every semester Stage & Production Management graduate students are assigned to productions in various positions, either in the School of Drama or elsewhere. These assignments are made based on the student’s level of ability, progression through the program, and career interests and goals. Students often receive multiple concurrent assignments, which reflects real world multi-tasking.

Are you ready to take the next step toward your dreams? Learn more about our application, audition, and interview process.

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