WATCH: Mini documentary explores how CCM students bring a musical to the stage

As the largest single source of performing arts events in Ohio, UC's College-Conservatory of Music presents nearly 1,000 major public performances each year. CCM students are involved in each step of the process from planning to performing, both on stage and behind-the-scenes.

In a new short film created by CCM's Production Master Class, viewers can peek backstage to see how the September 2023 production of the musical rom-com Sweet Charity was designed and run by a team of students from throughout the college's Theatre Design and Production Department.

Current CCM students Kali Ashurst, Baron Leon, Clara Cavins and Claire Bonnette, along with alumni guest artist Joshua E. Gallagher, discuss how they put their education into action while creating this acclaimed production.

CCM’s production of Sweet Charity struck a sweet chord with critics, with Scott Cain’s review for Talkin’ Broadway declaring, “This cast, along with superb design and a traditional staging of the show (including a lovely re-creation of Bob Fosse's iconic dances), makes this a must-see musical this fall in Cincinnati.”

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

• Costume Design and Technology (BFA and MFA)
  
• Lighting Design and Technology (BFA and MFA)
• Make-up & Wig Design (MFA)
  
• Sound Design (BFA and MFA)
  
• Stage Design, Props and Scenic Art (BFA)
  
• Stage Design (MFA)
  
• Stage Properties (MFA)
  
• Stage Management (BFA and MFA)
  
• Technical Production (BFA)

Described as "a training ground where aspiring theatre designers and technicians gain top-quality experience" by Talkin' Broadway, CCM's TD&P program features cutting-edge facilities and technology. The program provides opportunities for students to apply their design and production skills in multiple acting, dance, musical theatre and opera productions each year. Learn more by visiting ccm.uc.edu/tdp

CCM Media Production is student centered with small class sizes and an innovative, flexible curriculum that reflects the dynamics of industry demands and student needs. Students acquire the hands-on skills and digital portfolio necessary to transition successfully into the professional world. In addition to classwork, students are connected with professional internships that are integrated into the curriculum. The division’s award-winning, full-time faculty has extensive professional media backgrounds that allow them to emphasize current professional media production tools and techniques while providing students with connections to the industry.

Featured image at the top: Senior Musical Theatre major Grace Marie Rusnica has her stage make-up applied by Make-Up and Wig Design graduate student Claire Bonnette in a scene from CCM's "The Making of Sweet Charity" mini documentary.