Performing Arts Stage Mgt (PASM)

Stage Management I is an introduction to the job and responsibilities of a professional stage manager. Through a general examination of what a stage manager does throughout the process of running a show, students gain basic knowledge of every facet of the skills needed from pre-production to final performance. Through a combination of integration and application, with a strong focus on problem solving, the course introduces students to much of the backstage logistical and otherwise unseen work that makes theater possible

Stage Management II is a focused investigation of the day-to-day responsibilities of a stage manager during the rehearsal and technical rehearsal process of mounting a show. Through a detailed look at creating and utilizing all necessary forms and paper work, rehearsal room objectives and tactics, and scheduling efficient and successful technical rehearsals, students become proficient in all aspects of getting a show from pre-production to opening night. Through a combination of practical integration and long-term application, with a strong focus on problem solving, the course prepares students for leadership in managing a show.

This course introduces students to the practical experience of working on a Pace School of Performing Arts project. This class is partnered with PASM 121: Stage Management I and serves as a link between in-class concepts, skills, and knowledge and physical production work. The instructor works with students both in and out of the classroom to help them learn the ins and outs of Pace production specifics.

This course continues the students' experience in a Pace School of Performing Arts project, advancing them to more technical and hands-on experiences throughout the spring semester. This class is partnered with PASM 122: Stage Management II and serves as a link between in-class concepts, skills, knowledge, and physical production work. The instructor works with students in and out of the classroom to help them learn the ins and outs of Pace production specifics.

Stage Management III is a thorough examination of a stage manager's role in running and maintaining a show on tour. This includes the stage manager's preparation, planning, and paperwork when taking a show on the road. Through a combination of integration and application, with a strong focus on problem solving, the course prepares students for leadership in managing a touring show.

Stage Management IV is an overview of a stage manager's role in the entertainment industry other than theater. This course examines the changing responsibility of the stage management team within television, film, theme park, and event entertainment. This course also includes a thorough examination of a stage manager's preparation, planning, and paperwork. Through a combination of integration and application, with a strong focus on problem solving, the course prepares students for leadership.

In this course, students explore the fundamental principles of the director’s role in the life of a production, including creating stage composition, working with colleagues, and preparation of the script for production from analysis and concept through rehearsal.

Stage managers are the backbone of any theatrical production, and a strong understanding of the actor’s process is essential for effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving in the rehearsal room and in performance. This course provides stage managers with foundational knowledge of acting techniques, scene work, and character development to enhance their ability to support actors and directors. Through practical exercises, script analysis, and hands-on experience, students will explore key acting methodologies, including Stanislavski and Meisner. Students will learn how to interpret actor-driven needs, anticipate challenges, and develop strategies for facilitating a productive rehearsal environment. This course will also examine the relationship between actors and stage managers from the actors' point of view. There will be working Broadway actors as class guests. Special topics include managing actor-director dynamics, meeting industry guests, learning how to direct actors in understudy rehearsals and examining the actor's preparation process. This course is ideal for stage managers seeking to deepen their understanding of performance work and how that will assist them in the collaboration.

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the critical roles of stage management and intimacy choreography in contemporary theater, tv, and film. This course will take an in-depth look at the collaboration and relationship between the stage management team and the intimacy choreographer. What should that relationship be? Who is responsible for what during rehearsals and run of a show? How do stage managers help to maintain a show for a long run? When does the intimacy choreographer need to be consulted or called back into a show? When can and should the stage manager make the judgement call regarding intimacy choreography (especially when understudies go on at the last minute)? This course will discuss topics from Foundations of Consent-Based Practices through trauma-informed, anti-racism, and gender diversity in the rehearsal space and performance venue. Students will learn how to use desexualized and de-loaded language when documenting the choreography as set by the Intimacy Choreographer. This course also addresses why intimacy choreography is a necessity in modern productions, where physical closeness, intimacy, or simulated sex scenes require clear boundaries and safety for performers. Students will learn best practices in ensuring actor consent, emotional safety, and creating a supportive environment through choreographed scenes of intimacy. This course aims to empower students with the tools to foster collaboration and professionalism while maintaining respectful approaches to scenes involving personal boundaries.

Students are introduced to the fundamentals of production management for theater and live performance. The course includes class lectures, assigned reading, and participation in discussions of theater production and organization . Students complete practical and written projects, and observe and assess elements of the production process.

Students are introduced to the world of theatrical management. The course uses the financial, travel, contract, unions, and general day to day aspects of running a commercial theatrical show as the backdrop for learning.

This course provides students with practical stage management experience by offering the opportunity to assistant stage manage or stage manage a PPA main stage production. This is the first of a two-level lab course sequence. This first level provides the student the opportunity to apply stage management skills with significant faculty oversight in the expectation that the student ASM/SM will develop his or her skills and individual voice through the experience, and thus progress to Production Stage Manager.

This course Introducesstudents to labor laws, hiring practices, and how they relate to !healer management practices both at lhe federal and state level. This course also begins the conversation about fundamental techniques for conflict resolution. Students are exposed lo potenllal challenges in working in the theater as stage managers, company managers, production managers, and directors. Special attention is paid to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the work place.

This course prepares students for the business side of the entertainment industry and to what it takes to be a working stage manager in the live and taped event industry. Students learn how to prepare for interviews as well as for general meetings with producers, directors, other stage mangers, and technicians, and how to market themselves effectively.

This course provides students with practical experience in production stage management (PSM) by offering the opportunity to PSM a PPA main stage production. This is the second of a two-level lab course sequence. This second level provides students the opportunity to apply PSM skills with significant faculty oversight in the expectation that the student PSM will develop his or her skills and individual voice through the experience and progress to professional work.