Sound Design

In the first year, this curriculum will bring together students from design, technology, and related programs in a collaborative and immersive experience. By engaging directly with the culture of production and design, students will build foundational knowledge through coursework in sound technology, technical drawing, and computer networking. This exposure to a broad range of audio components and specifications will prepare them to design and construct complete sound systems. As a practical culmination of their learning, students will participate in three production crew assignments during the public production season.

In the second year, students expand their creative and technical skills through the study of design principles, elements, and script analysis, fostering metaphorical and abstract thinking. The music theory aspect of the coursework supports their development in music composition, as they work with software to create, edit, sequence, compose, and arrange sound cues. The year culminates in a course on sound design for musical theater, where students integrate first-year training in sound technology with advanced sound design concepts. Throughout the production season, they serve as associate sound designers and production sound engineers.

In the third year, students enter a combined, biennial model that merges third- and fourth-year cohorts to foster peer mentorship and deepen specialization. This approach allows students to explore advanced concepts collaboratively and concentrate on specialized skills such as mixing musicals, troubleshooting, diagenetic sound recording, custom synthesizer creation, and advanced Dante networking.  Students gain hands-on experience during the production season and work closely with the production team with increased responsibilities.   

The fourth year serves as a transitional phase, focused on advancing students' artistic and technical abilities while preparing them for entry into the professional world. Coursework emphasizes larger-scale plays with complex design challenges, and students devote significant time to refining their professional portfolios in preparation for graduation.  Production work continues, with each student designing one final show in the season. In addition, students may complete a professional internship of their choosing or participate in the Study Abroad Program in collaboration with The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London (optional and additional cost).  

Students also participate in the Michael Merritt Awards, where graduating students present their portfolios alongside peers from other institutions and established professional designers. With support from faculty, students curate and exhibit their work to an audience that includes artistic directors, alumni, and professionals from the theatre, film, and television industries.