WATCH: CCM presents 'Ready, Set, Action!' mini documentary
See how technical production students and faculty set the stage for a CCM play
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into CCM performances courtesy of the new Backstage at CCM documentary series.
Titled Ready, Set, Action!, this mini documentary takes viewers inside of CCM faculty member Stirling Shelton's Technical Production 2 class as students rig the set and lights for the play Blue Stockings by Jessica Swale.
This behind-the-scenes video was produced by UC students Lauren Dull and Dominick Widmeyer as part of CCM's Production Master Class. Watch the mini documentary below.
The discipline of technical production combines the skills of scenic carpentry and stage rigging. Although it is a technical and craft discipline by nature, the dramatic and aesthetic challenge of working creatively with directors, designers and performers transforms technical production into an artistic calling as well.
CCM's comprehensive Technical Production BFA program develops students' expertise in wood, plastic and metal construction techniques, scenic assembly, traditional and computer-aided design drafting, along with familiarity with scene painting, prop making, stage electrics and stage management.
Featured image: Stirling Shelton works with students on the Patricia Corbett Theater stage in a scene from the CCM mini documentary Ready, Set, Action!
There's More To Explore!
Watch recent CCM performances on demand by visiting our website.
Looking for CCM's School, Stage & Screen podcast? Tune in here.
Related Stories
CCM Philharmonia presents concert + livestream on Feb. 20
February 18, 2026
Audiences can enjoy CCM Philharmonia's next concert in person or watch at home via livesteam at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20. Featuring alumni guest artists Rebecca Barnes, viola; and Jonathan Lee, cello; tickets for the "Midlife Crisis" concert are on sale now through the CCM Box Office. The livesteam is free to watch on CCM's website and YouTube channel.
Niehoff Center for Film & Media Studies kicks off 2026 series
February 16, 2026
The Niehoff Center for Film and Media Studies at the University of Cincinnati invites the campus and community to delve into the thought-provoking “2026 UC European Film Series: Perspectives on Our World.” Five recent films will be screened, with introductions and discussions led by UC faculty. Using a variety of genres and forms, these films encourage audiences to think about their place on the planet, in relation to civic engagement, to the natural world, to others, and even to space aliens in Moravia. “The series is a mix of realism, reality, comedy, and escapism that we hope will make you see things differently,” said Michael Gott, Neihoff Center director of programming and College of Arts and Sciences professor. “Film can make us rethink our ideas about the world and see things from different perspectives.” Past topics have ranged from artificial intelligence to migration, urban spaces, and women in film. Following each screening, discussions with filmmakers and UC faculty aim to spark meaningful conversations.
Alumnus makes $3 million estate gift to UC’s College-Conservatory of Music
February 16, 2026
A $3 million gift from the estate of Barry Mitchell, CEAS ’82, will benefit the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). This donation will establish the Barry L. Mitchell Endowed Chair and Barry L. Mitchell Music Endowed Scholarship Fund at CCM.