Presidential Advisory Committee of
(Voting Units: Academic Senators)
1. Program Description:
A Bachelor
of Arts degree in Theatre and Entertainment Technology is an interdisciplinary
program that integrates studies in theatre production and the liberal arts with
comprehensive coursework in technology and computer science. Throughout the entertainment industry,
current consumer expectations and technological advances are driving a need for
theatre production professionals who are educated not only in the fundamentals
of theatre, but also in specific areas of technology. Structures, mechanical operations,
electronics, acoustics, electro-acoustics, pneumatics, computer applications,
and other disciplines are at the heart of modern theatre production and this
degree.
2. Rationale:
The design
and production of live performance is changing and expanding as rapidly as the
technology within our society.
Careers in live performance are no longer limited to designing the
spectacle of traditional play productions or classical hall acoustics for
concerts. Even theatrical plays
have expanded to regularly include stunning effects such as falling chandeliers,
landing helicopters, and large pools of water onstage while live and recorded
sound effects are blended with laser shows in classical concerts.
The
increasing complexity of stage effects is driving the specific need for
theatrical production artists who have solid foundations in computing and in
engineering technology. The modern
theatre and entertainment technology professional needs training in the
fundamentals and traditions of theatre, integrated with technological skills
gained from studies in engineering, computer science, and media
production.
Standards
for entry into careers in theatre and entertainment technology are continually
increasing and the requisite technical and artistic expertise is rarely
obtainable through apprenticeship/internship opportunities without a strong
undergraduate education.
Currently,
there are few theatre and entertainment technology degree programs that
incorporate engineering technology or computer courses to complete the education
of theatre technicians. It is the
intent of the Fine Arts Department of Michigan Technological University to
integrate theatre education with engineering technology and with computing to
create a comprehensive, professional performing arts technology program. A Theatre and Entertainment Technology
major will receive a solid education in general theatre practices as well as
knowledge of new technologies being used throughout the entertainment
industry. A graduate of this
program will have marketable skills for a broad range of performing arts venues
that includes traditional theatre and concerts, but goes far beyond.
3. Related
Programs:
·
At
Current Fine
Arts degrees
Technical
Theatre Minor
Music
Technology Minor
Theatre Arts
Minor
Art Minor
Music
Minor
Other
proposed Fine Arts degrees
Theatre and
Entertainment Technology, B.S.
Audio
Production and Technology, B.S.
Sound
Design, B.A.
·
At Other
Institutions
In the
Region
Several
institutions in
Benchmark
Institutions
Four of the
colleges and universities identified as Michigan Tech's benchmark institutions
offer degrees in theatre. Our
proposed degree has a high engineering technology component. Benchmark institutions
are
§
Georgia
Institute of Technology: Minor in
Theatre.
§
§
§
4. Projected Enrollment:
The program
is planned to grow modestly. We are
confident of an initial enrollment of between three and five students in the
major when this program is launched, prospectively in Fall’05. By 2009, total enrollment is expected to
grow to twelve to fifteen in the major, and we will graduate our first class.
5. Scheduling Plans:
This degree
will be administered as part of the regular course schedule, including
alternate-year cycling of certain courses.
The proposed teaching schedule is Attachment A.
6. Curriculum Design:
Theatre
and entertainment technology, BA – 126 credits
Major
Requirements: 48 credits
Foundation
Courses: Take all 27 credits
FA
1701 Backstage Technology
3
FA
1702 Lighting and Sound Technology
3
FA
2500 Music Theory I
3
FA
2800 Script Analysis (new course)
3
FA
2821 Performance Design Principles (new course)
3
FA
3810 Ancient Theatre History
3
FA
3821 Modern Theatre History (new course)
3
FA
3650 Production Management (new course)
3
FA
4970 or FA 4971 Final Project
3
Design
Courses: Choose 9 credits
FA
3750 Lighting Design
3
FA
3760 Costume Design
3
FA
3700 Scenic Design
3
FA
3730 Sound Design
3
Advanced
Design: Choose 3 credits
FA
4750 Advanced Lighting Design (new course)
3
FA
4900 Independent Study: Research
1-3
FA
4910 Independent Study: Studio
1-3
Practicum:
Take 9 credits
FA
2661 Mainstage: Runcrew
5
up to 2 credits can be FA 2662 Mainstage: Sound
Runcrew
FA
3661 Mainstage: Management and Design
4
Computer
Science/Technology/Engineering/Math Sequence: 35 credits
CET
1110 Introduction to CAD
2
Take
one of the following concentrations for 33 credits
Electrical
Engineering Technology: 33 credits
EET
1120 Circuits I1
4
EET
2120 Circuits II1
4
EET
2141 Digital Electronics and Microprocessor Fundamentals
4
EET
2233 Electrical Machinery
4
EET
3390 Power Systems
3
MAT
1155 or MA 10321
4-5
3
credit science class with a separate lab1
4
EET,
MET, MA, MAT, EE, MEEM, SAT, CET, CE, or CS elective
5-6
1These
courses fulfill the General Education Science/Mathematics
requirement.
Electro/Mechanical
Technology: 33 credits
MET
1540 Materials Science1
3
MET
2000 Power Transmission1
3
MET
2120 Statics and Strength of Materials
4
MET
2130 Dynamics
3
MAT
1155 or MA 10321
4-5
MAT
1195, MA 1160 or MA 11611
3-5
CH
1100 General Chemistry1 OR
4
CH 1110 University Chemistry I1 AND
4
CH 1111 University Chemistry Lab I1
1
EET,
MET, MA, MAT, EE, MEEM, SAT, CET, CE, or CS elective
5-9
1These
courses fulfill the General Education Science/Mathematics
requirement.
Computer
Science: 33 credits
CS
1121 (Intro. to CS I AND CS 1122 Intro to CS II) OR
(CS 1131 Comp Sci I)1
4-5
CS
1721 Object Oriented Programming1
1
CS
2321 Data Structures1
3
CS
2141 Software Development using C++
3
CS
2311 Discrete Structures
3
MA
1032 Data, Functions, & Graphs Plus1&2
4
MA
1090 Functions, Change, and Chance
3
3
credit science class with a separate lab1
4
EET,
MET, MA, EE, MEEM, MAT, SAT, CET, CE, or CS elective
7-8
1These
courses fulfill the General Education Science/Mathematics
requirement.
2MA
1032 requires proficiency in MA 0099.
Credit in MA 0099 does not count towards
graduation.
Free
Electives: 15 credits
General
Education Requirements: 28 credits – see course catalog
UN
1003 World Cultures Distribution
1
Modern
Language*—6 credits in one language
*UN 1002 is replaced with UN 1003 and 6 credits of modern language, which is required for this degree. Three of these modern language credits may be double listed to fill 3 credits of the distribution requirements.
Co-Curricular
Activities: 3 credits
7. New Course
Descriptions:
The proposed
new courses have been carefully designed to rely on present faculty and
facilities. Appropriate restructuring of positions has already taken place. Each of the theatre and entertainment technology faculty (hired
in 2000 and 2002) has been charged with developing courses for the minor in
technical theatre that was introduced in the 2000-01 academic year and to design
the degree proposals currently under consideration. These faculty and their courses serve as
a foundation for the proposed degrees.
Some
of the new courses are redesigned older courses (r), and several courses will be
offered in alternating years (a).
There may be a modest reduction in the total number of sections of Speech
to avoid faculty overloads.
FA 1702
Lighting and Sound Technology
An overview
of the basics of theatrical lighting, stage electrics, audio systems, and
techniques for theatrical production.
Focus on practical application of static and automated lighting for a
theatrical production, including instrumentation and control. Introduction to live sound
reinforcement, recording, and complex playback.
Prerequisites: None. Credits: 3.0 Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0) Semesters Offered: Spring.
FA 2821 Performance Design Principles (r) An introduction to the design principles of the live art and entertainment industry, including design needs, production methods, equipment, and facilities for various venues. Among the applications to be surveyed are theatre, concerts, theme parks, museums, and corporate events. Related career opportunities will be explored. Prerequisites: None. Credits: 3.0 Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0) Semesters Offered: Spring.
FA 3650 Production Management
(a) Procedures
and skills of effective production management. Authoritative coordination of performers
and technicians during rehearsal and performance periods. Maintenance and use of
the production prompt book, notation, of ground plan and blocking; scene shifts;
cues for lighting, sound, special effects, and performers; opening and calling
the show; post-show wrap-up.
Practical experience in stage managing. Prerequisites: FA 1701, FA 1702 Credits: 3.0 Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0) Semesters Offered: Spring; Offered alternate years,
beginning with 2005-06 academic year.
FA
3821 Modern Theatre History (a) An examination of American and
European theatre history from the late 1700s to modern times. An emphasis
on the interrelationships among technology and theatre space, design and drama,
and how culture and society affected style. Prerequisites: UN1002 or UN1003.
Credits: 3.0 Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0) Semesters Offered: Spring; Offered alternate years,
beginning with 2006-07 academic year.
FA 4730
Advanced Sound Design (a)
A study of
the musicality of noise and texts and their integration in theatrical sound
design, mixing, and mastering.
Emphasis is on student creativity and critical listening. This class develops further applications
of artistic concepts introduced in FA 3730. Prerequisite: FA 3730 Sound Design. Credits: 3.0 Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0) Semesters Offered: Fall; Offered alternate years, beginning
with 2006-07 academic year.
FA 4740
Transducer Theory (a)
In depth
study of Microphone and Loudspeaker design as it applies to usage in recording
and live sound reinforcement with an emphasis on interaction with the acoustical
environment. Prerequisite: FA 3730 Sound Design. Credits: 3.0 Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0) Semesters Offered: Fall; Offered alternate years, beginning
with 2005-06 academic year.
FA 4750 Advanced Lighting Design (a)
Studies of the visual results of lighting
in a variety of environments, including theatrical, architectural, and
industrial. Expansion of artistic
concepts introduced in FA 3750. An
exploration of various types of lighting equipment, control systems, reflectant and
absorbent surfaces, and color mixing in light. Prerequisite: FA 3750. Credits: 3.0 Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0) Semesters offered: Fall: Offered alternate years
beginning with the 2006-2007 academic year.
8. Library
& Other Learning Resources:
The J. Robert Van Pelt Library offers services and resources to meet the
informational and research needs of the University and to support members of the
University community in the development of skills to be information literate and
lifelong learners. Librarians offer
a range of services, including workshops, online tutorials, course-related
library seminars, and consultation services for students and
faculty.
Students will be directed to active and regular use of the university
library. This library has a broad
range of print resources available in areas such as theatre architecture,
costumes, scenery, stage lighting, and theatrical sound. There is also an extensive collection of
play script anthologies and other dramatic literature. There are resources, not specific to
theatre, that are relevant to research for students in this degree program. These include but are not limited to
books on general history and architecture as well as journals on topics such as
audio engineering.
The Fine
Arts Department Conference Room offers a collection of classic and recent play
scripts, as well as relevant theatre and audio journals. These include: Theatre
Design and Technology: the USITT journal for design, production
and technology professionals in the performing arts and entertainment industry,
Stage Directions: a resource for the non-equity theatre
market, Pro Lights and Staging News,
Front of
House: live sound news, Lighting Dimensions, and Entertainment Design: on the art and technology of show
business.
Much
information is transitory in this area and current trends in design are
important to the student’s education. Online resources will be a necessary
research tool. The United States
Institute for Theatre Technology’s website, http://www.usitt.org/, is one such
resource.
9. Computing Access
Fee:
A computer
access fee of $200.00 will be assessed with each semester’s tuition. Individual courses may require
additional computer fees.
10. Faculty Resumes
:
See Attachment B
11. &
13. Available/Needed Equipment
& Space:
In addition
to facilities and equipment across the Michigan Tech campus that we encourage
students to look at and take part in while here at Michigan Tech, the spaces and
equipment dedicated to the needs of theatre include:
Proscenium
theatre
1100-seat
venue
State-of-the-art
facilities and equipment
McArdle
Theatre,
Black box
theatre
Flexible
seating up to 265
2004 ETC
lighting system
Calumet
Theatre
Historic
proscenium theatre
Hemp
rigging
Scene shops,
110 Rozsa, 206 Walker
Costume
shop, 204
Light lab,
210
Recording
studio, 214, 215 & 208 Rozsa
Sound
technology lab, 210
Computer
lab, 213 Rozsa
12. Program Costs:
14. Policies, Regulations, &
Rules:
The program
will be administered by the Fine Arts Department in accordance with standard
Michigan Tech policies governing baccalaureate degrees. The chair of the Department of Fine Arts
will appoint a faculty member to direct the degree program.
During the
first two years in the program, a Theatre and Entertainment Technology major
will be assigned to a faculty advisor.
In the third year, the student will choose an area of emphasis and may
choose another advisor with expertise in the emphasis area.
Neither the Minor in Technical Theatre
nor the Minor in Theatre Arts is available to a Theatre and Entertainment
Technology major.
15. Accreditation
Requirements:
Accreditation
through organizations such as the National Association of Schools of Theatre
(NAST) or the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) is being explored
for relevance to the university and these programs.
16. Internal Status of
Proposal:
17. Planned Implementation
Date:
Fall 2005
Attachment A
Fine
Arts Proposed Teaching Schedules
Richard
Blanning
Fall FA 2330 Art Appreciation FA 2821 Live Art and Entertainment Design Alternate years
beginning 2006-07 FA 3333 Sculpture Alternate years beginning 2005-06 FA 4300 Advanced Sculpture |
Spring FA 2660 Mainstage Theatre: Acting Alternate years
beginning 2006-07 FA 3330 Art History I FA 3150 Life Drawing Alternate years beginning 2005-06: FA 3340 Art History II FA 3300 3-D Design |
Debra
Bruch
Fall FA 2800 Script Analysis FA 2090 Speech UN 1001 Perspectives |
Spring UN 1002 World Cultures Alternate years beginning 2006-07 FA 3780 Directing for Theatre FA 3821 Modern Theatre History Alternate years beginning 2005-06: FA 2660 Mainstage Theatre: Acting FA 3810 Ancient Theatre History |
Mary Carol
Friedrich
Fall FA 1701 Backstage Technology FA 2661 Mainstage Theatre: Crew 3 Sections Alternate years beginning 2006-07 FA 4750 Advanced Lighting Design Alternate years beginning 2005-06 FA 3760 Costume Design |
Spring FA 1702 Stage Electrics and Sound Technology FA 2661 Mainstage Theatre: Crew 2 Sections Alternate years beginning 2006-07 FA 3700 Scenic Design Alternate years beginning 2005-06 FA 3750 Lighting Design |
Christopher
Plummer
Fall FA 2661 Mainstage Theatre: Crew 2 Sections FA 2661 Shop Manager FA 3730 Sound Design Alternate years beginning 2006-07 FA 4730 Advanced Sound Design Alternate years beginning 2005-06 FA 4740 Transducer Theory |
Spring FA 1702 Stage Electrics and Sound Technology FA 2661 Mainstage Theatre: Crew 2 Sections Alternate years
beginning 2006-07
FA 3740 Recording Alternate years beginning 2005-06: FA 3650 Production Management FA 2660 Mainstage Theatre: Acting |
Suzanne
Stephens
Fall FA 3670 Acting Ensemble FA 2660 Mainstage Directing FA 2600 Technique of Acting |
Spring FA 3670 Acting Ensemble FA 2090 Speech 2 Sections |
Attachment
B
Michigan Tech Department of Fine Arts Faculty
All CVs
available upon request
Professor of Art
B.A., Art and English;
Professional
Activities:
Professor
Beckwith teaches drawing and watermedia.
She is a signature member of the National Watercolor Society, and is a
signature member and a Nautilus Fellow of the International Society of
Experimental Artists. She is a
member of Allied Artists of America, American Watercolor Society, Transparent
Watercolor Society of America, and the Society of Layerists in Multimedia. She has had numerous
national exhibitions, conducts workshops around the country, and has published
two books on watercolor.
Associate Professor of Theatre and Art
M.F.A., Playwriting, Acting, and Management;
City,
Professional
Activities:
Professor
Blanning directs theatre productions and teaches theatre appreciation, art
appreciation, art history, live art and entertainment design, three-dimensional
design, and advanced sculpture courses. Many of his original plays have been
produced, and he has professional experience in directing, theatre management,
scenic art, stage carpentry, and acting. He is a member of the Association for
Theatre in Higher Education.
Professor Blanning has been on panels for and presented many papers on
creativity and the arts.
Associate Professor of
Theatre
Ph.D.,
Theory & Criticism and Theatre History;
Professional
Activities:
Dr. Bruch is
a director, scenic designer, and actor.
She teaches directing, script analysis, theatre history, speech and World Cultures courses. She has published articles and book
chapters on acting/directing methods and Australian drama. Many of her original plays have been
published and produced. Dr. Bruch
is a member of the Association for Theatre in Higher Education where she is the
past chair and representative for the Religion and Theatre Focus Group for
ATHE. She has chaired panels and
presented papers on religious theatre and Australian theatre and is the editor
for The Journal of Religion and
Theatre.
Assistant Professor of
Theatre
M.F.A.,
Design and Technical Theatre,
Professional Activities:
Professor
Friedrich teaches technical theatre, lighting design, costume design, and scene
design. She designs in these areas
and manages the costume shop. She
has published articles on costuming research and techniques and has been a panel
member and presented papers in the areas of color science and costume
archaeology. She conducts workshops
on color science for theatre design.
She has worked professionally as a technical director, master
electrician, and scene painter. Professor Friedrich is a member of the United
States Institute for Theatre Technology and is affiliated with the Kennedy
Center/American College Theatre Festival as an adjudicator and
clinician.
Associate Professor of
Music
M.M.E., Jazz
Studies,
Professional
Activities:
Professor
Irish teaches music theory and is the director of jazz studies. He has composed and arranged many jazz
compositions that have been performed on campus and across the country. He has performed nationally and
internationally at numerous jazz festivals and concerts. Professor Irish is a member of the
International Association of Jazz Educators. His publications include compositions,
instructional materials, and articles on guitarists and jazz. He was the recipient of the first
National Band Association Award for Outstanding Achievement in Jazz
Education.
Professor of
Music
D.M.A.,
Literature and Performance of Choral Music,
Professional
Activities:
Dr. Olsson
chairs the Department of Fine Arts where he conducts the Concert Choir and the
Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra. His choirs have performed nationally and
internationally, and his choral compositions are available through National
Music Publishers (NMP). He is
affiliated with the American Choral Directors Association and the Michigan
School Vocal Music Association (MSVMA), and is a choral adjudicator and
clinician.
Assistant Professor of
Theatre
M.F.A.,
Sound Design, Univesity of
Professional
Activities:
Professor
Plummer is a sound designer, director, and recording engineer.
He
teaches
sound design, transducer theory, recording, production management and is
director of the recording studio. He has designed sound professionally in
Associate Professor of Fine
Arts
Ph.D.,
English/Contemporary American Drama,
Professional
Activities:
Dr. Stephens
teaches theatre appreciation, improvisation, and acting. She directs mainstage productions and
The Troupe, Michigan Tech's improvisational comedy ensemble. She has taught workshops on creative
dramatics and has taken children’s shows on regional tours. Dr. Stephens is active in the Kennedy
Center/American College Theatre Festival.
She has acted professionally and is a Certified Kripalu Yoga
Instructor.
Attachment
C
Michigan Tech Department of Fine Arts Degree Overview
The graphic below represents how the four proposed degrees fit into
Michigan Tech’s current offerings.
The degrees have been designed to provide students specific choices in
aural and visual study relevant to their particular post graduation goals.
Degrees on the left have a strong engineering focus for students interested in
designing and building specific pieces of equipment. Degrees on the right focus on artistic
background and are for students interested in working as artists on
productions. Degrees in the middle
provide a balance of artistic and engineering background for students interested
in entering into consulting or other support positions not directly involved
with either designing and building equipment or producing productions but
needing experience in both areas.
Adopted by the PAC (formerly Senate): 9 February
2005
Approved by President Mroz: 21 February
2005