Theatre Design and Production

Four students stand surrounded by a stylized representation of the solar system in a performance image from CCM's Spring 2022 production of the opera "Galileo Galilei." Photo/Mark Lyons

CCM’s Department of Theatre Design and Production (TD&P) offers Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts with specialization in the following areas:

Described as "a training ground where aspiring theatre designers and technicians gain top-quality experience" by Talkin' Broadway, our Theatre Design and Production program features cutting-edge facilities and technology, with:

CCM offers Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in costume design and technology; lighting design and technology; stage design, props and scenic art; sound design; stage management and technical production.

CCM offers Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees in costume design and technology; lighting design and technology; stage design; stage properties; sound design; stage management and make-up and wig design.

  • 8,500 square foot scene shop
  • 3,000 square foot costume shop
  • Wig, make-up and prosthetics studios
  • 1,500 square foot design/drafting studio
  • 800 square foot light lab
  • CAD drafting stations
  • Three performance venues
  • Production season includes musicals, plays, operas and dance (classical and contemporary)
  • Student opportunities on all productions
a training ground where aspiring theatre designers and technicians gain top-quality experience

Talkin' Broadway

Get to know our faculty and staff

CCM's admissions process begins on August 1 (undergraduate) and September 1 (graduate) for entrance in the following year's fall semester. All application materials must be submitted on or before December 1 to be considered for specific scholarship awards. Visit the CCM Admissions website for additional application instructions.

Pre-screeing and interview requirements are listed on the CCM Admissions website and in the program-specific pages linked above.

In the interview, questions the students ask are as important as the responses the student offers. This visit is also necessary for the student's exploration of our program, the facility and exposure to our students and activities.

Pre-screening and interview requirements are listed on the CCM Admissions website and in the program-specific pages linked above.

Some important information for interviews:

  • The interview may be requested through the CCM Admissions Office or directly through the Head of TD&P.
  • There are three announced formal CCM interview dates on-campus from January through March, but special interviews may be arranged for other times. (However, be sure to confirm whether your interview is indeed formal and evaluative, or just an informal exploratory visit.)
  • Formal acceptance into the TD&P program cannot be given until the formal interview and full application procedures are complete.
  • Foreign students, where English is not the first language, must successfully pass the TOEFL examination.

News and Events

1

WATCH: Student-produced documentary explores CCM’s role in BLINK...

May 14, 2025

In a new short film created by CCM's Production Master Class, viewers can watch as a team of students put their education into action during one of Cincinnati's most popular events. Titled "Blink: A Spotlight on CCM," this mini documentary explores how CCM Lighting Design and Technology students contributed to BLINK, the nation's largest immersive art and light event. Held Oct. 17-20, 2024, BLINK transformed 30+ city blocks from Over-the-Rhine through Northern Kentucky and drew an estimated crowd of over 2 million people to the Greater Cincinnati region.

2

'HAIR' '60s rock musical on stage at CCM April 24-27

Event: April 24, 2025 8:00 PM

The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) invites audiences to experience a bold and joyful revival of "HAIR," the groundbreaking rock musical that defined a generation. Directed by Vincent DeGeorge with musical direction by Steve Goers, CCM's production of "HAIR" brings the revolutionary spirit of the 1960s to life for a new generation.

3

CCM Opera presents gripping chamber opera 'Dark Sisters'

April 3, 2025

CCM Opera concludes its 2024-25 season with Nico Muhly’s Dark Sisters, a harrowing journey of repression and self-discovery. Inspired by real events, the story follows one woman’s attempt to change the course of her life and escape the FLDS Church (Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints), a polygamous sect that split from the mainstream Mormon Church more than a century ago. The opera runs April 3-5 in Cohen Family Studio Theater. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.

4

CCM Dance Series presents whimsical 'Coppélia' ballet

April 3, 2025

The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) invites audiences to experience the timeless charm and comedic mischief of "Coppélia," a family-friendly ballet filled with magic, mistaken identity and joyful romance.

5

REVIEW: CCM's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' an 'exuberant triumph

March 10, 2025

The Cincinnati Business Courier praises UC College-Conservatory of Music's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Presented as part of the Opera Series on March 6-9, the production was directed by Robin Guarino and conducted by alumni guest artist William Langley.

6

CCM Opera presents Britten's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

Event: March 6, 2025 12:00 AM

Step into a world of enchantment as the UC College-Conservatory of Music's Opera Series presents "A Midsummer Night's Dream." This opera fuses William Shakespeare's beloved romantic comedy with Benjamin Britten's stunning musical score. This captivating production, directed by CCM Opera Professor Robin Guarino, offers a fresh perspective on the classic tale, exploring themes of love, transformation, and the power of the natural world.

7

CCM presents In The Spotlight: A Celebration of Rising Talent

Event: March 13, 2025 6:00 PM

UC College-Conservatory of Music is proud to introduce “In The Spotlight,” a new event showcasing the talents of graduating students from Musical Theatre, Acting and Theatre Design and Production (TDP)! Hosted by CCMpower, a dedicated group of friends and alumni fueling the future of the arts, this inaugural showcase extravaganza offers audiences an exclusive opportunity to experience the work of CCM’s next generation of performing and creative artists.

9

CCM's production of 'Little Women' named best local show of 2024

January 6, 2025

Cincinnati Magazine recently interviewed theatre aficionado Kirk Sheppard, who publishes reviews of local productions on his Sappy Critic website. When asked about his favorite show of 2024, Sheppard singled out the UC College-Conservatory of Music's February 2024 production of Little Women: The Broadway Musical.

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