THE PATHWAY TO A MAINSTAGE DESIGN OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS
The opportunity for a student to design on the mainstage at JMU is an honor granted on the basis of a proven record of personal responsibility, academic and professional dedication, as well as a strong aesthetic sensibility. The availability of design opportunities will vary from year to year depending on the type of shows being produced and the desire of the school to enhance student experiences by hiring guest designers to augment faculty and staff design resources. Despite the historic commitment of the school to support student work, there is no implied right of entitlement that all students will be given the opportunity to design on the mainstage.
To be considered for a mainstage design opportunity, the student must have completed these steps. The student may be asked by the Design/Technical Committee to present a portfolio for review.
The student must have completed all preparatory class work in their design area with distinction.
The student must have successfully designed at least one Experimental Theatre show of sufficient scope to demonstrate the student’s level of preparation and expertise. “Success” is based on the artistic quality of the final product, the level of collaboration in the process, the ability of the student to work with budgets and schedules, completion of necessary design paperwork, and observations of demonstrated student maturity and responsibility.
The student must have successfully served as an assistant designer for a faculty member on at least one mainstage theatre or dance production. Assistant designers will register for academic credit and be graded for their work on the show
It is expected that the student will also have demonstrated through their various activities in the school a record of responsible behavior and personal maturity that sets a positive example for other students who might work as design assistants or shop personnel with the student.
Students who seek design and technical leadership roles on mainstage productions are welcome to speak with a faculty member in their area of expertise to discuss their interests. The entire design and technical faculty will review student design candidates and make a final determination based on student qualifications in conjunction with the academic program and the current season options.
If a student accepts the offer to design on the mainstage she/he will be required to agree to the following conditions. A student who does not work within these requirements may be removed from the production and be held accountable with a failing grade.
The student will accept no Studio Theatre or other production assignment at JMU or outside during the period extending from initial design conceptualization through opening.
The student will enroll for a credit earning course with the faculty supervisor. Thestudent will not be permitted to drop the course. The student will follow the requirements for meetings, deadlines, paperwork, artwork and any other documentation required by the syllabus. The design advisor is also the mentor and thus will participate in the design process, attend rehearsals and performances as needed, and will consult with the director/choreographer of the production regarding student progress and success.