Program
Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredIn-Person or VirtualHighly SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsUniversity App RequiredStudy Abroad
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
No Audition
Interview Required
Highly Selective
Under 12 Students
University App Required
Study Abroad
Program Highlights
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•Blend of training in management, design, and technical aspects of theatre, simulating professional stage management
•Students participate in The Theatre School's 30+ productions per year as assistant stage manager or stage manager
•Professional internship required; past sites include Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Kennedy Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music, and Metropolitan Opera
FACULTY
•Program head Christine D. Freeburg — professional stage manager in Chicago and regionally for 25+ years
•Brings guest lecturers from across the industry and opportunities to observe rehearsals at major Chicago theaters
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES
•Combined Bachelor's and Master's degree option available
•Study abroad: Design/Technical students may spend fall quarter of final year at the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama (University of London)
•Located in Chicago, one of the country's most active theatre cities
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Theatre School graduates work as stage managers at leading regional theatres, touring Broadway productions, opera companies, and in film and television across the country
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 15, 2025
Regular DecisionFeb 1, 2026
Program AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Prescreen/ApplicationDec 1, 2025
Interview RegistrationFeb 15, 2026
Auditions
In-Person Interview (Chicago)Feb 13, 2026
In-Person Interview (Chicago)Feb 20–21, 2026
Prescreen Requirements
•Two LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
•PHOTOGRAPH (for identification purposes; does not need to be an official headshot)
•RESUME
•WRITING SAMPLE: One page essay answering both of the following questions:
-What are the skills and qualities of a successful stage manager?
-What is it about managing that you most enjoy?
•Stage Management PORTFOLIO
-Include examples of your stage management paperwork
-Your paperwork should demonstrate your organizational and management skills and should include samples of the following: prompt book pages, blocking notes, call sheets, rehearsal reports, and tracking documents to help demonstrate your stage management practice
-You may also choose to include additional items such as a video, artwork, or examples of other technical theatre involvement, but the focus of your portfolio should be on stage management
-Please also be aware that while the content of your portfolio is important, how you organize and present your work within the portfolio is equally important. We expect stage managers to be organized, thorough, and clear in how they represent themselves as artists and present their work
Good to Know
Must submit complete application AND all supplemental materials by December 1 (earlier deadline than most Theatre School programs); cannot register for interview until prescreen is passed
What's The Process
PRESCREEN
•All application materials must be received by December 1 (earlier than all other Theatre School majors)
•Prescreen decisions sent out via email, typically by mid-December
•Applicants who pass the prescreen will be prompted to register for an interview
INTERVIEW
•The interview is the final step and is required for admission
•Interviews take place in-person (Chicago) or virtually (Zoom), November through mid-February
•February 15 is the deadline to register
•Registration is first come, first served — apply and submit materials early
INTERVIEW DATES (FALL 2026)
•Friday, February 13 — Chicago (9 a.m.–2 p.m.)
•Friday, February 20 — Chicago (9 a.m.–2 p.m.)
•Saturday, February 21 — Chicago (9 a.m.–2 p.m.)
•November 15–February 15 — Virtual (various times)
DECISIONS
•All applicants receive a final admission decision by mid-March
Scholarship Info
•Theatre School Scholarship — automatically considered for all applicants who complete the audition or interview process; scholarship amount and requirements to maintain it are included in the decision letter
Program info updated Mar 23, 11:47 PM
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•Blend of training in management, design, and technical aspects of theatre, simulating professional stage management
•Students participate in The Theatre School's 30+ productions per year as assistant stage manager or stage manager
•Professional internship required; past sites include Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Kennedy Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music, and Metropolitan Opera
FACULTY
•Program head Christine D. Freeburg — professional stage manager in Chicago and regionally for 25+ years
•Brings guest lecturers from across the industry and opportunities to observe rehearsals at major Chicago theaters
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES
•Combined Bachelor's and Master's degree option available
•Study abroad: Design/Technical students may spend fall quarter of final year at the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama (University of London)
•Located in Chicago, one of the country's most active theatre cities
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Theatre School graduates work as stage managers at leading regional theatres, touring Broadway productions, opera companies, and in film and television across the country
Updated Mar 23, 11:47 PM
Academic School Information
3.78
Avg GPA (W)
76%
Admit Rate
69%
Grad Rate
14,090
Enrollment
$68,751
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$45,999
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$30,902
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Family Income $0 - $30k$27,359
Family Income $30k - $48k$25,950
Family Income $48k - $75k$28,687
Family Income $75k - $110k$31,057
Family Income $110k+$37,092
