MFA PRO SOUND DESIGN

MFSound is the youngest professional design field in theatre. It should be understood that the training desired and skills needed for sound design are similar yet in many ways different from the other sight-based design fields. This program stresses a strong training in dramatic interpretation and collaboration coupled with a mastery of recording studio and audio production skills. The graduate from this program will be prepared to design for the best major and regional theatres. Other employment opportunities exist in audio production facilities, audio-for-video production, broadcast production, and sound reinforcement design and operation.

The faculty mentor develops the path of learning which is tailored for each individual student. The faculty mentor determines the various aptitudes of the student and outlines a sequence of learning that improves upon an individual's weaknesses and supports that individual's areas of interest.

Depending upon production schedules, the student designer is required to attend two conventions each year, the AES convention in the fall and the annual USITT convention each spring. The Sound Design Commission produces an intensive collection of workshops, discussions and design presentations. This is the most significant gathering of sound designers and serves as a gradual introduction to the profession.

The sound design program has five main components:

(1) Design--involving interpretation, collaboration and idea development.

(2) Technical Skills--involving the mastery of the tools of production.

(3) History--involving research, text analysis and dramatic history.

(4) Production--involving the artistic merging of design, history and technical skills through the experiences of numerous and varied productions.

(5) Entrepreneurship--involving the study of the business of the profession and career growth.

The MFA degree requires a minimum of sixty credit hours of approved courses, including twelve hours in history and literature. An accumulated grade point average of 3.0 ("B") must be maintained throughout the student's training. Observation of the student's progress is continuous. Design presentations are developed each year by the growing artist and are evaluated by other students, the faculty mentor and working professionals.

CURRICULUM

MFA Sound Design || Alumni || Shakespeare Festival || KC Rep Sound || Conservatory Recording