The job of stage manager is considered one of the most challenging roles in theater. Lillian Hayward, a theatre production major with an emphasis in stage management, knows this well. From running rehearsals to facilitating communication between the director and the actors, Hayward has to do a little bit of everything as …
Stage Directing Undergraduate Certificate
Learn how to shape performances, guide creative teams and bring stories to life with an undergraduate Stage Directing Certificate. From rehearsal studios to live productions, you’ll develop your voice as a collaborative theatre artist and director.
The undergraduate Stage Directing Certificate explores the art and craft of directing through rehearsal practice, collaboration and performance. You’ll learn how to analyze scripts, communicate a directorial vision and guide productions from early concept through staging and performance. Along the way, you’ll gain experience in acting, design and visual storytelling while building skills that apply across theatre, film and other creative fields.
Program Type
Undergraduate Certificate
Program Format
On Campus
The arts are for everyone
A minor or certificate in the arts provides a well-rounded education. That’s because the arts foster creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They enhance communication and presentation skills, which are valuable in any professional setting. Engaging in the arts also increases empathy and understanding of diverse people and perspectives. Plus, they bring a unique selling point to your resume by demonstrating a versatile skill set.
And let’s be honest: The arts are also a lot of fun, adding stress relief and variety to your college experience.
89%Executives agree that creativity is a top skill
91%Americans agree the arts are vital to education
73%Americans say the arts help them understand others
45Minutes of art making can reduce stress levels
Stage Directing Certificate Program Details
The undergraduate Stage Directing Certificate provides focused training through a sequence of theatre, design and storytelling courses. You’ll study acting, text analysis and rehearsal processes while learning how staging, pacing, visual composition and collaboration shape live performance. Coursework combines creative practice with critical thinking, helping you develop a clear artistic voice and approach to directing.
The interdisciplinary curriculum includes options in theatre, film, art and architecture, allowing you to explore directing through multiple creative perspectives. As you progress through the program, you’ll gain hands-on experience directing or assistant directing productions within the department or through professional theatre partnerships in the Milwaukee area.
By completing a capstone experience and building a directing portfolio, you’ll graduate prepared for entry-level directing opportunities or further study in theatre and related fields.
Explore the Stage Directing, Undergraduate Certificate requirements in the Academic Catalog.
Performances
From backstage to center stage, front of house or in front of a classroom, our public performances are a vehicle for training students in every aspect of theatre. They are also a source of high-quality performing arts entertainment for our campus and community. Explore our upcoming performances or take a look at recent productions.
Internships & Opportunities
Students work and intern professionally with Milwaukee’s professional music organizations, theatre and dance companies, and film festivals, as well as leading art museums, galleries and creative agencies. See where your education can take you. Learn more about internships and opportunities.
Student Organizations & Clubs
Meet like-minded people in a wide variety of student organizations and clubs who inspire creativity and will support your aspirations. Collaborate and create, network with professional artists, and deepen your connection with faculty, mentors and fellow students outside of the classroom.
Study Abroad
We believe that a complete education in the arts should take you beyond the classroom and the local community. By studying abroad, you’ll gain more than a change of scenery. You’ll embark on a transformative educational experience and bring a global perspective to your field of study. Explore upcoming trips offered in partnership with the Center for International Education.
Theatre Alumni Stories
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UWM stage manager sets the stage for student success
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Theatre alum brings ghostly features to life in world premiere productionIn Milwaukee’s recent World Premiere of The Forgotten Girl, production design is more important than ever. Viewers are immersed in the world of the main characters Iris and Daniel as they discover the abandoned grave of a girl in their grade and begin interacting with her ghost. Scenic designer Amaya …
Theatre Careers
- Actor / Actress
- Agent
- Art Director / Creative Director
- Artistic Director
- Arts Administrator / Box Office Manager
- Arts Council Director
- Camp Director
- Carpentry / Scenic Artistry
- Casting Director
- Choreographer
- Comedian
- Community Arts Organizer
- Conflict / Resolution Facilitator
- Corporate Trainer
- Costume Designer
- Costume Director / Manager
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- Curator
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- Director
- Drafter / Designer
- Drama Therapist
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- Draper / Cutter
- Educator / Education Administrator
- Electrician
- Entertainment Designer / Manager
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- Hair / Makeup Designer / Artist
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- Marketing & Sales
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- Milliner
- Model
- Musical Theatre Artist
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- Scenery Designer
- Scenic Artist / Painter
- Screenwriter
- Set Designer / Decorator
- Singer
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- Sound Technician
- Special Effects Artist
- Stage Director / Manager
- Stage Hand
- Staging Fabricator
- Stunt Double
- Tailor
- Talent Agent / Director
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- Television / Radio Personality
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- Theatre Critic / Journalist / Blogger
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- Trade Show Designer
- Visual Effects Director / Engineer
- Vocal Coach
- Voiceover Artist
- Wardrobe Specialist
- Wigmaker
Stage Directing Certificate Program Faculty
Which faculty you have within this program is dependent upon your chosen courses or interests. For a list of all Theatre faculty and staff please click the button below.
- Teaching Faculty III, Theatre Education & Directing
- Area Head, Theatre Education
- Outreach Coordinator, Theatre
- Living Learning Community Coordinator, Performing Arts
- janes@uwm.edu
- 414-251-8209
- Art Building 232