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MFA Sound and Media Design Sample Curriculum

The following is a typical 3-year study program. It can and should be adapted to suit the interests and experience of each individual student.

SEMESTER 1:

  • Theatre 464 CAD for Theater (3)
    • Introduction to entertainment drafting, graphical standards, drafting techniques, drafting layout, and presentation.
  • Theatre 501 Intro to Graduate Studies (3)
    • Through projects in dramaturgy, students learn research tools and methods for the theatre artist.
  • Theatre 503 Elements of Design for the Theatre (3)
    • Analysis of the principles of design including visual, structural and emotional relationships.
  • Theatre 573 Projects in Sound and Media Design (0-1)
    • Conception and completion of major projects, both hypothetical and actual, in Sound and Media Design
  • Theatre580 Design Seminar (3)
    • Analysis, research, interpretation, and design of plays in a cross-disciplinary environment.

SEMESTER 2:

  • Theatre 473 Advanced Sound Design (3)
    • Advanced applications of theatrical sound design practice, principles, and technology.
  • Theatre 475 Projection and Media Design (3)
    • The creation and execution of digital media for theatrical projection and multimedia/performance integration.
  • Theatre 492 Off-Campus Study (1)
    • Intensive study NYC trip.
  • Theatre 557 Period Styles for the Theatre (3)
    • The history of décor, architecture, clothes, and music as it relates to theatrical design.
  • Theatre 573 Projects in Sound and Media Design (0-2)
    • Conception and completion of major projects, both hypothetical and actual, in Sound and Media Design
  • Theatre 580 Design Seminar (3)
    • Analysis, research, interpretation, and design of plays in a cross-disciplinary environment.

SEMESTER 3:

  • Theatre 570 Graduate Studies in Sound and Media Design (3)
    • Theory, practice, and Technique. Specific topics chosen to develop individual skillset.
  • Theatre 573 Projects in Sound and Media Design (0-2)
    • Conception and completion of major projects, both hypothetical and actual, in Sound and Media Design
  • Theatre 580 Design Seminar (3)
    • Analysis, research, interpretation, and design of plays in a cross-disciplinary environment.
  • Theatre 584 Photography for the Theatre (3)
    • Photographic techniques for shooting live theatrical events under challenging lighting environments and the incorporation of these into a professional portfolio.
  • Theatre 587 Computer Aided Rendering for the Theatre (3)
    • Computer rendering programs and their use by theatrical designers.

SEMESTER 4:

  • Theatre 491 Foreign Study (1)
    • Intensive study abroad trip.
  • Theatre 510 Theatre History (3)
    • Intensive study of selected topics in theatre history.
  • Theatre 570 Graduate Studies in Sound and Media Design (3)
    • Theory, practice, and Technique. Specific topics chosen to develop individual skillset.
  • Theatre 573 Projects in Sound and Media Design (0-2)
    • Conception and completion of major projects, both hypothetical and actual, in Sound and Media Design
  • Theatre 588 Digital Portfolio (3)
    • Creating a digital theatrical design portfolio and supporting materials and the exploration of presentation options and standards.
  • Required Elective (3)
    • Coordinated Elective from Music, Time-Based Art, or Technology Course from CBT Sound Supervisor.

SEMESTER 5:

  • Theatre 570 Graduate Studies in Sound and Media Design (3)
    • Theory, practice, and Technique. Specific topics chosen to develop individual skillset.
  • Theatre 573 Projects in Sound and Media Design (0-2)
    • Conception and completion of major projects, both hypothetical and actual, in Sound and Media Design
  • Theatre 599 Project in Lieu of Thesis (3)
    • Culminating project, including produced production/performance/exhibit and written thesis, or in-depth research in a topic of specific interest to the student, culminating in a paper or project.
  • Required Elective (3)
    • Coordinated Elective from Music, Time-Based Art, or Technology Course from CBT Sound Supervisor.

SEMESTER 6:

  • Theatre 473 Advanced Sound Design (3)
    • Advanced applications of theatrical sound design practice, principles, and technology.
  • Theatre 557 Period Styles for the Theatre (3)
    • The history of décor, architecture, clothes, and music as it relates to theatrical design.
  • Theatre 573 Projects in Sound and Media Design (0-2)
    • Conception and completion of major projects, both hypothetical and actual, in Sound and Media Design
  • Theatre 599 Project in Lieu of Thesis (3-6)
    • Preparation of marketing materials, portfolio, and catalog of individual work produced while in the program, culminating in a formal presentation and oral defense.

SUGGESTED ELECTIVE COURSE MENU:

  • History of Art, History of Opera, Music Theory/ Technology, Music Composition, Music History, Dramatic Literature and Criticism, Renaissance Drama, Modern Drama, Contemporary Drama, Shakespeare, Drama of the Restoration and 18th Century, Costume Design, Lighting Design, Advanced Theatre Technology, Performance Art, Recording Arts, Scoring, Sound Art.