Presidential Advisory Committee of Michigan Technological University

 

Proposal 13-05

(Voting Units: Academic Senators)

 

Fine Arts Department Degree Proposal

Theatre and Entertainment Technology, B.A.

 

 

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 Michigan Tech  

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 Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin offer traditional Bachelor of Arts degrees in technical theatre.  With Michigan Tech's existing faculty, staff, and theatrical facilities, the Department of Fine Arts is well positioned to offer a theatre and entertainment technology degree rivaling any in the area.

 

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. 

§         California Polytechnic:  Bachelor of Arts in Theatre

§         Lehigh University:  Bachelor of Arts in Theatre   

§         Carnegie Mellon University:  Production Technology Management degrees (undergraduate and graduate)

 

 

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 1701 Backstage Technology (r)  An overview of the basic techniques, theories, and terminology of technical theatre. Focus on practical application of stagecraft and rigging for a theatrical production, safety in technical theatre, physical theatre structures, production processes, and theatre organization.  Prerequisites:  None.  Credits:  3.0  Lec-Rec-Lab:  (0-3-0)  Semesters Offered: Fall.

 

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 2800 ­ Script Analysis (r)  An examination of drama for the purpose of gaining various textual methods of analysis for production: character analysis, thematic analysis, functional analysis, and plot analysis.  This class emphasizes learning how to examine and understand a playscript for design production. Prerequisites:  None.  Credits:  3.0  Lec-Rec-Lab:  (0-3-0) Semesters Offered:  Fall.

 

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:

Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts

Proscenium theatre

1100-seat venue

State-of-the-art facilities and equipment

http://www.aux.mtu.edu/rozsa/

 

McArdle Theatre, Walker Arts and Humanities Center

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 Walker

Light lab, 210 Walker

Recording studio, 214, 215  & 208 Rozsa

Sound technology lab, 210 Walker

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:

 

Progression                                                         Date Submitted for Review                Date Approved

  1. Department/School                                                       09.28.04                                  09.28.04
  2. Dean of Sciences & Arts                                              10.04.04                                  10.11.04
  3. Provost                                                                        10.26.04                                             
    1. University Support Units                                                                                              
    2. University Senate                                                                                                         
    3. Academic Affairs Off. Comm.                                                                          
    4. Board of Control                                                                                                         
    5. Provost Final Decision                                                                                     
  4. Vice Provost for Instruction                                                                                                     
  5. Campus Implementation                                                                                                           

 

 

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

 

Mary Ann Beckwith - NWS

            Professor of Art

            B.A., Art and English; Marygrove College, Detroit, Michigan (1967)

            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.

 

Richard Blanning

            Associate Professor of Theatre and Art

            M.F.A., Playwriting, Acting, and Management; University of Iowa, Iowa

            City, Iowa (1972)

            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.

 

Dr. Debra Bruch

            Associate Professor of Theatre

Ph.D., Theory & Criticism and Theatre History; University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri ( 1987)

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.

 


Mary Carol Friedrich

            Assistant Professor of Theatre

M.F.A., Design and Technical Theatre, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1984)  

            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.

 

Michael J. Irish

            Associate Professor of Music

M.M.E., Jazz Studies, University of WisconsinStephens Point, Wisconsin (1982)

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.  

 

Dr. Milton L. Olsson

            Professor of Music

D.M.A., Literature and Performance of Choral Music, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado ( 1975)

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.

 


Christopher Plummer

            Assistant Professor of Theatre

M.F.A., Sound Design, Univesity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois (2002)

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 New York.  Professor Plummer is a member of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology and is active in the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival. He has chaired panels and presented papers on theatrical sound and conducts workshops on visualizing sound.

 

Dr. Suzanne A. Stephens

            Associate Professor of Fine Arts

Ph.D., English/Contemporary American Drama, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio (1972)

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