Design and Production
Design and Production offers specialized course work supporting concentrations in scenic, lighting and costume design, technical direction and stage management within the context of a broad-based liberal arts education in theater. In addition to enriching course work in dramaturgy, history and performance techniques, undergraduates may pursue advanced work in their area of interest and may engage in challenging practical production experiences appropriate to their development.
Our students enjoy programs tailored to their academic and professional goals and are supported with individual mentorship. Our faculty, staff and guest artists are working theater professionals providing students with exceptional opportunities for creativity, risk-taking and success in the classroom, in our production season and in outside professional experiences. Our program cultivates collaboration, creativity, communication and leadership preparing our students for employment or advanced study. Graduates of our program enjoy prominent, successful careers on Broadway, in Hollywood and in many regional theaters.
Scene Design and Technology
After completing the introductory level course in Scenic Design, students may enroll in Scene Painting, AutoCAD Drafting, History of Design, Scenic Construction Techniques, and more. Advanced students are mentored by experienced professionals throughout. With faculty permission, they may take Scenic Design and Technology Studio, a graduate-level course that offers professional training in application of visual research, conceptualization of performing space, color theory, model making, presentation skills and portfolio development. Upper-level students are encouraged to assist graduate or faculty scenic designers. Exceptionally accomplished undergraduates may be invited to design departmental productions in either the Rand (proscenium) or Curtain (black box) theaters.
Email Professor Miguel Romero or visit his website.
Lighting Design
Lighting students in the B.A. Program study the art and craft of lighting design for the stage, as well as learning related technical crafts. Students learn to make choices for lighting a stage production based on the text or performance event, the space and resources, research and their own creative responses. Classes explore light as a medium for expression, and develop technical skills in drafting, electrics, assisting. We encourage students to develop skills for being creative and responsive, to learn to work well collaboratively and under pressure, and to observe lighting in the world, on the stage and in research.
Students in the BA program are encouraged to develop these skills as technicians and as designers through several courses that build on each other, as well as through production assignments. Undergraduate students studying lighting should expect to serve as electricians, light board operators, master electricians and assistant designers in the department. A handful of exceptional upper-level students may be invited to serve as lighting designers on department productions in the Curtain or in the Rand Theater.
Email Professor Penny Remsen or visit her website.
Email department master electrician Michael Dubin.
Costume Design
Email Professor June Gaeke or costume shop manager Cecilia Precciozzi-Chalfin.
Sound Design
Sound design students are exposed to varying instructional styles thanks to the 5-College Sound Design Instructor position. The structure of this position provides a rotation of professional sound designers through the 5 colleges, in a 3-year cycle, giving the students a chance to learn various approaches to and styles of sound design in their time at the university.
Current instructor, Robert Kaplowitz, focuses primarily on a dramaturgically driven approach to sound design, with the show text and physical performances functioning as the focal point of each design created. Varying techniques and tools are utilized to hone the students creative processes, as they incorporate ideas about story and arc, emotional responses to text and movement, and ways to attack even the most basic cues with a clear vision of the larger show in mind. Musicality, without a requirement for being a musician or composer, is stressed, as are communication skills, both with directors and fellow designers.
Meanwhile, a range of technological and technical skills are also taught to facilitate the creation of these designs. Students work in the state-of-the-art O'Connell Sound Lab, with 5 dedicated computers, a digital mixer, Genelec studio monitors, studio quality microphones, and the ability to view each others' work on a 46” flat-panel computer monitor.
The program does not focus on sound reinforcement at this time, but primarily on the creation of soundscapes and scores for straight plays.
As students advance in their skills, they receive various production opportunities within the department; outside production work is also highly encouraged.
Email Professor Robert Kaplowitz.
Technical Direction
Students are offered a variety of challenging opportunities in Technical Direction to develop skills in project management, technical design, hand drafting, AutoCAD, advanced wood and metal working, properties construction, furniture design and fabrication, and automation. Classes are project-based and interwoven with departmental projects so students can develop their skills in actual production situations. Students work alongside and are mentored by skilled professionals and given opportunities to work on professional projects done locally or in New York City. Advanced undergraduates can assume production roles of increasing responsibility such as Lead Carpenter, Master Carpenter, Prop Master, and Assistant Technical Director.
Email technical director Michael Cottom.
Stage Management
Stage managers enjoy rewarding relationships with faculty, graduate students and professional guest artists in a production process that mirrors that of the professional process. The liberal arts aspect of the UMass education is ideal for developing a strong understanding of the working relationship between artistic and technical collaborators. The stage management concentration typically begins with a comprehensive course focusing on practical production techniques supporting developing work from planning to performance and archiving. Stage Managers are offered practical and organizational techniques as well as a strong foundation in the artistry of stage management. Our production season provides the laboratory setting for stage managers to progress from assistant to lead stage manager. Within the context of our season stage managers strengthen abilities to craft schedules, facilitate communication, coordinate cue sequences and compile production books. Individual mentoring provides a personally tailored program encouraging challenge, development and success.
Email Production Manager Julie Fife.
More information about the Major
Student Work in the Real World
- Alumna Traci Klainer and current student Laura Schoch worked on lights for Hartford Stage's Dying City
- Student playwright Jacob Hellman has received a number of awards in his hometown of Baltimore and was interviewed on the Radar Findings blog.
- Student Jack O'Brien was a sound intern on Broadway's Fela.
