THE STUDENTS Responding instructors were asked a series of questions about the students working as stage managers in their departments. Most report they have just a few stage managers working on multiple productions. Some colleges and universities with dedicated degrees in stage management, particularly a BFA, boast larger numbers, but this is the exception rather than the rule. In my own teaching I often acknowledge when a student has what I have nicknamed "the stage management gene"-a predisposition to the complex communication and organizational skills that are required of stage managers. These are the students I encourage to follow the training program at my university and possibly pursue a career in stage management. Many students choose this path without my prompting. Most undergraduates identify their interest to pursue a career in stage management within the first two years of college (chart 3). n 3. Students typically join our stage management program as... Previous stage management experience Essential Very Important Somewhat Important Not Important n 4. When evaluating applicants, how important are the following? 8% 17% 40% 35% Previous technical theatre experience Essential Very Important Somewhat Important Not Important 0% 40% 48% 12% Previous acting experience Essential Very Important Somewhat Important Not Important 0% 6% 57% 37% Internships or volunteer work in theatre outside of school Essential Very Important Somewhat Important Not Important 0% 6% 62% 32% Theatre portfolio Essential Very Important Somewhat Important Not Important 6% 27% 40% 27% Personal interview or written statement Essential Very Important Somewhat Important Not Important 14 theatre design & technology F A L L 2010 38% 29% 12% 21%