Skip to content Skip to main navigation Report an accessibility issue

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 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 464 CAD for Theater (3)
    • Introduction to entertainment drafting, graphical standards, drafting techniques, drafting layout, and presentation.
  • Theatre580 Design Seminar (3)
    • In this intensive 3-semester design course, students learn to analyze research, interpret and design productions in a cross-disciplinary environment. Through a series of fast paced projects, semester one is designed to dramaturgically connect the designer to the source material and develop a visual expression of that understanding.
  • Theatre 573 Projects in Sound and Media Design (1)
    • Conception and completion of major projects, both hypothetical and actual, in Sound and Media Design

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 580 Design Seminar (3)
    • In the second semester we will return to the text and embark on a series of projects designed to stimulate creative concept creation and the initial aural and visual images that support your ideas. Each week, through written, oral and visual presentation you will share your bold, innovative concepts with the class. You will be expected to step out of your comfort zone during this semester and present your conceptual ideas clearly and concisely explain how your research and visual aids support the text.
  • Theatre 492 Off-Campus Study (1)
    • Intensive study NYC trip.
  • Theatre 573 Projects in Sound and Media Design (1-3)
    • Conception and completion of major projects, both hypothetical and actual, in Sound and Media Design

SEMESTER 3:

  • Theatre 570 Graduate Studies in Sound and Media Design (3)
    • Theory, practice, and Technique. Specific topics chosen to develop individual skillset.
  • Theatre 580 Design Seminar (3)
    • In the third semester, design students explore advanced projects in design including those outside of the traditional theatre setting. Diverse productions, large-scale projects and complex design situations are the primary focus this semester.
  • 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.
  • Theatre 573 Projects in Sound and Media Design (1-3)
    • Conception and completion of major projects, both hypothetical and actual, in Sound and Media Design

SEMESTER 4:

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

SEMESTER 5:

  • Theatre 570 Graduate Studies in Sound and Media Design (3)
    • Theory, practice, and Technique. Specific topics chosen to develop individual skillset.
  • Theatre 599 Project in Lieu of Thesis (6)
    • 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.
  • Theatre 573 Projects in Sound and Media Design (1-3)
    • Conception and completion of major projects, both hypothetical and actual, in Sound and Media Design
  • Required Elective (3)
    • Music, Time-Based Art, or Technology Course from CBT Sound Supervisor.

SEMESTER 6:

  • Theatre 599 Project in Lieu of Thesis (3)
    • Preparation of marketing materials, portfolio, and catalog of individual work produced while in the program, culminating in a formal presentation and oral defense.
  • Theatre 557 Period Styles for the Theatre (3)
    • The history of décor, architecture, clothes, and music as it relates to theatrical design.
  • Theatre 473 Advanced Sound Design (3)
    • Advanced applications of theatrical sound design practice, principles, and technology.
  • Theatre 573 Projects in Sound and Media Design (1-3)
    • Conception and completion of major projects, both hypothetical and actual, in Sound and Media Design

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.