School of Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies
Design and Stage ManagementBFA
Program starts in the fall. Review deadlines.
Create world-class theatre. Emerson College’s Design and Stage Management BFA program uses hands-on learning and intense mentorship to develop the next wave of theatre professionals.
At a Glance
- Gain access to cutting-edge production facilities, venues, prop-building workshops, and more.
- Learn from faculty in the Department of Performing Arts who have spent their careers managing and building world-renowned theatrical performances.
- Work with other Performing Arts students to create their plays.
- Present your work in your senior year to a showcase of industry professionals and alumni.
Manage Every Aspect of the Stage
Every theatrical production begins with a story, but bringing that story to life takes a team—artists, collaborators, and problem-solvers who keep the show going behind the scenes. Emerson’s BFA in Design and Stage Management will prepare you to master the visual, technical, and organizational elements of live performance. Starting on day one, you’ll gain hands-on training in design, production, creative and technical skills, and learn the production process.
The program begins with a foundation in design, production, and critical thinking through studio courses, production assignments, and work in Emerson’s performance venues. You’ll explore rendering, drafting, visual communication, collaboration, and production practices. In the spring of sophomore year, you’ll choose a concentration in Costume Design, Lighting Design, Scenic Design, or Stage Management, and begin more specialized training. As you advance through your coursework, you’ll develop professional skills while collaborating with performers, directors, designers, technicians, and fellow stage managers.
Through Emerson Stage productions, you’ll take on a significant role in designing and managing performances, under the mentorship of faculty and professionals. Boston has a rich history of live performance, and you’ll have the opportunity to be a part of that history by interning at theatres, live event companies, and other performing arts institutions. In your senior year, you’ll participate in a showcase where you’ll present your work to industry professionals, and network with alumni in the business. You’ll graduate with a portfolio of complete productions, a wealth of hands-on experience, and a skillset ready for Broadway and beyond.
Real Hands-on Skills
As a Design and Stage Management student, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art production facilities and professional training.
- Design and Technology Studio: Design world-class sets in a studio complete with a drafting and rendering area, CAD lab, sound station, and craft space.
- Scene Shop: The Scene Shop has space for prop and scene construction, stagecraft, and painting.
- Costume Shop: Create stageworthy costumes in a shop with over 10,000 pieces to work with, as well as cutting tables, industrial sewing machines, leather machines, and more.
- Bobbi Brown and Steven Plofker Design Technology and Makeup Suite: Located in the Tufte Performance and Production Center, this suite provides access to makeup courses and instructors.
The work doesn’t stop when class ends. You’ll apply your skills through Emerson Stage productions, collaborate with other theatre students to bring full-scale performances to life, and participate in Boston’s thriving arts community. Build portfolios, professional connections, and a body of work that culminates in a senior showcase for industry professionals and alumni.
Artistic Direction on the Global Stage: Experiencing Santiago A Mil
Help produce one of the largest theatre festivals in the world, Chile’s Santiago A Mil festival. Attracting millions of visitors over the years, the festival highlights groundbreaking works that comment on social and cultural issues happening in the world today. Work alongside the team that puts this festival together, speak with performers and organizers, and learn the business side of festival production.
Barcelona: Art, Theatre & Culture
Spend four weeks studying visual arts and theatre in the vibrant city of Barcelona. You’ll attend performances at the Grec Festival de Barcelona, a showcase of theatre, music, and dance from international companies in the city’s storied venues. Visit Barcelona’s historic museums, attend lectures by Catalan scholars, and immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Learn from Industry Professionals
Design and Stage Production faculty are professional set designers, prop builders, scene painters, and more.
Take a Performing Arts Tour
Explore Emerson’s theatres, rehearsal spaces, and production studios, then stay for an informational session about the Performing Arts programs and Artistic Review process.
Apply to Emerson
If the Design and Stage Management BFA program is for you, you’ll need to first apply to Emerson College. You’ll then need to create an Artistic Application through Emerson’s Acceptd portal. Here you’ll submit a production resume highlighting your work, along with a headshot. You’ll also upload transcripts, letters of recommendation, and schedule an interview.
The interviews fill up fast and spaces are limited, so make sure to get your application in as soon as possible.