Foundation
An active and discussion driven introduction to the arts as a profession. This course will set you up to get the most out of your Michigan Tech education, exploring fundamental foundations of artistic practice and how they apply to a myriad of connected industries.
- Credits: 1.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
Overview of the basic technical techniques, theories, and terminology for the entertainment industry, including theatre. Focuses on practical application of stagecraft and rigging for a theatrical production, safety in technical theatre, physical theatre structures, production processes, and theatre organization.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
Overview of the basics of entertainment lighting, stage electrics, and techniques for theatrical production. Focus on practical application of static and automated lighting for a theatrical production, including instrumentation and control.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
Introduction to basics of costume shop technology, costume construction/sewing. Focus on costume shop procedures, practical use of tools, machines, and techniques through individual projects. Overview of hand sewing and pattern fitting/alteration.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
Explores creation, development and communication of design for theatre, museums, galleries, zoos, community centers, art installations and specialty projects. Students practice collaboration design development, model making, rendering, and hand drafting, as they develop immersive experiences for a variety of venues.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-4)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
Introduction to drafting conventions and standards by the entertainment industry. Focus on technical and design techniques using CAD for communication through: ground plans, elevations, sections, detail drawings, orthographic projections, system diagrams, and 3D representations.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
Introduction to the technological fundamentals, both practical and theoretical, of sound equipment and systems for the performing arts. Focus on the basics of sound physics, sound measurement and perception, and sound system components and interconnections.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
History and Literature
An examination of dramatic literature with an emphasis on theatre production. Students will examine a selection of plays each semester. Students can repeat the course up to four times; each semester examines different plays.
- Credits: 1.0; Repeatable to a Max of 4
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-1)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer
- Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Technical Theatre, Sound Design, Audio Production & Technology, Theatre & Entertain Tech (BS), Theater Arts, Theatre & Electr. Media Perf.; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Study of the Cultural History of Theatre from its likely beginnings through the contemporary period, including traditions of both eastern and western theatre.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
Examines post-Shakespearean drama and the cultural history of theatre. Courses will focus on a selection of plays each semester, and address a range of topics, including theatre history and performance theory.
- Credits: 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 6
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
In-depth study of a limited number of Shakespearean plays with special attention to dramatic structure, character development, theme presentation, and theatre history. Includes extensive study of Renaissance influences, possibly film versions of selected plays, and examination of current critical theories.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015
A U.S.-based travel course focused on experiential arts learning. Students study theatre, arts, music, design, architecture, and arts engagement, considering local, regional, and national contexts. Experiences include gallery exhibits, museums, design festivals, live performances; participating in and reflecting on cultural life.
- Credits: variable to 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 9
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
An International travel course focused on experiential arts learning. Students study theatre, art, music, design, architecture, and arts engagement, considering local traditions and international context. Experiences include gallery exhibits, museums, design festivals, live performances; participating in and reflecting on cultural life.
- Credits: variable to 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 9
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Professional Development
Open to students selected for the crew of an entertainment production sponsored by Visual and Performing Arts department. Positions on stage crews are open to all MTU students. Work assignments will be make by the technical director. This is a basic introduction to all areas of backstage work.
- Credits: 1.0; May be repeated
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-1)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Restrictions: Permission of instructor required
Provides students the opportunity to attend professional events which contribute to the development of their careers. Students will experience seminars, workshops, performance opportunities, competitions, and may perform services and interact with professionals at such events as KCACTF and USITT.
- Credits: 1.0; Repeatable to a Max of 6
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-1)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Sound Design, Theatre & Entertain Tech (BS), Theatre & Electr. Media Perf., Audio Production & Technology
Provides students the opportunity to present at professional events which contribute to the development of their careers. Students will prepare and present design, technical, or performance projects, papers, and/or posters to be viewed and critiqued by professionals at such events as KCACTF, AES, USITT, and URTA.
- Credits: 1.0; Repeatable to a Max of 4
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-1)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): FA 3700 or FA 3730 or FA 3750 or FA 3760 or FA 3650 or FA 2640 or FA 2730 or FA 2705 or THEA 3340(C) or SND 3330(C) or THEA 3320(C) or THEA 3330(C) or THEA 3660(C) or THEA 2330(C) or THEA 2130(C) or THEA 2111(C)
Techniques for building a professional design and technical portfolio for the theatre and entertainment industry. The final result of the course will be a portfolio of all work to date.
- Credits: 1.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Students will gain an advanced knowledge in leadership in entertainment technology leadership positions, taking a larger role in VPA entertainment production, such as: stage manager, assistant technical director, or assistant designer for any of the design positions.
- Credits: 2.0; May be repeated
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Restrictions: Permission of instructor required
- Pre-Requisite(s): THEA 3610
Capstone course extending the student's knowledge and skill in a chosen fine arts discipline through independent research or other focused creative activity. A detailed proposal of the student's final project must be approved in writing by a Visual and Performing Arts faculty advisor before the student enrolls.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions: Permission of instructor required; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Emphasis Areas (Choose Two Areas)
Costume
Introduction to art and design. Explores design principles and creative problem solving using multiple materials. Students also examine design's ability to shape and interpret information. Hands-on studio work, lectures, and discussions. Emphasizes creativity, inventiveness, and experimentation.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-4)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Senior
Research and exploration of the theatrical techniques used to create costume crafts and personal props. Practical projects will challenge students to develop skills in areas such as millinery, leatherwork, painting and dyeing, fabric manipulation, mask making and jewelry, as well as the safe use of materials.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
- Restrictions: Permission of instructor required
A practical guide to the theory and practice of makeup in the entertainment industry. Students will study basic techniques including corrective, aging, character makeup, and special effects.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
Open to students selected for the crew of an entertainment production sponsored by the Department of Visual and Performing Arts. Positions on stage crews are open to all MTU students. Work assignments will be made by the technical director of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts.
- Credits: variable to 3.0; May be repeated
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Building on basic sewing skills and costume technology, students will explore fabrics and more advanced construction techniques: patterning methods such as flat patterning, draping, gridding, pattern alterations for fit and using slopers, construction of historical costumes such as corsets.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
- Pre-Requisite(s): THEA 2130
A study of costume fashion, emphasis on the western world, from antiquity through the 20th Century. Including: basic characteristics of each period, environmental & cultural influences, specific costume terminology. Comparative analysis of historic costume choices found in film & theatre.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
Fundamentals of designing costumes through various explorations and projects. Focus on professional design development and presentation techniques: costume renderings, patterning, color/fabric analysis. Also script/character analyses, research, design concepts.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Students will gain an introductory knowledge in leadership in entertainment technology leadership positions. Open to students who take significant responsibility for a VPA entertainment production, such as: assistant stage manager, assistant technical director, lead electrician, or wardrobe head.
- Credits: 2.0; May be repeated
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Restrictions: Permission of instructor required
- Pre-Requisite(s): THEA 2610
Crafts
Focused on making works of art "on location" - in forests, community centers, museums, theatres, and as special projects in unique spaces. Students explore different materials, and ask open-ended ideas about how art is made and what it can be.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer, in even years
Large-scale drawing and painting for theatre, opera, museums, and special projects, such as community murals. Emphasis is on matching a designer's vision or "scaling up" a designer's rendering to very large scale. Includes a community/professional painting project.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
Introduction to contemporary sculpture using a range of materials and practices: wood, fiber, paper, found objects. Emphasizes sculptures' ability for storytelling and student's personal creative language. Class is in Rozsa student gallery; includes student exhibit at end of semester.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-4)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
A focus on the design, research, production, and management of stage properties including: script, analysis, period and style, appropriateness, set dressing. Development and utilization of effective tools, materials, and techniques for structure, details, and finishing.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years
- Pre-Requisite(s): FA 1701 or THEA 1110(C)
Research and exploration of the theatrical techniques used to create costume crafts and personal props. Practical projects will challenge students to develop skills in areas such as millinery, leatherwork, painting and dyeing, fabric manipulation, mask making and jewelry, as well as the safe use of materials.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
- Restrictions: Permission of instructor required
A computer-intensive introduction to the principles for creating clear, effective graphic communication. Students critique the work of other designers in terms of the work's audience and intended effect, and they construct and critique their own design projects as well.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Open to students selected for the crew of an entertainment production sponsored by the Department of Visual and Performing Arts. Positions on stage crews are open to all MTU students. Work assignments will be made by the technical director of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts.
- Credits: variable to 3.0; May be repeated
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Students will gain an introductory knowledge in leadership in entertainment technology leadership positions. Open to students who take significant responsibility for a VPA entertainment production, such as: assistant stage manager, assistant technical director, lead electrician, or wardrobe head.
- Credits: 2.0; May be repeated
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Restrictions: Permission of instructor required
- Pre-Requisite(s): THEA 2610
Introduction to basic electrical principles and devices including DC and AC circuits, diodes, transistors, operational amplifier ICs, power supply regulation, and elements of communication systems.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Information Technology, Surveying Engineering, Computer Network & System Admn, Mechanical Engineering Tech, Cybersecurity, Theatre & Entertain Tech (BS)
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031 or MA 1032 or MA 1120 or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C) or MA 1121(C)
Introduction to the structure, processing, properties, and performance of engineering materials, including metals, polymers, glasses, ceramics, and composites. Topics include material selection in design, material processing in manufacturing, and structural material failure mechanisms.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1112 or CH 1122 or (CH 1150 and CH 1151) or (CH 1160 and CH 1161)
Principles of metal casting, including melting practice, casting design, mold design, heat transfer and solidification, fluid flow and gating design. Introduction to computer simulation techniques for mold filling, solidification, and development of residual stress. Structure-property relations in cast metals. Recycling and environmental issues of the cast metals industry.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): MY 2100 or MSE 2100 or BE 2800
Design
Exploration of fundamental principles of drawing. Develop skills in representational drawing, perspective, and composition. Develop creative and modern drawing techniques using a wide range of subject matter. Presentations and discussions illustrate classic principles. Course encourages development of individual expression.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-4)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Introduction to art and design. Explores design principles and creative problem solving using multiple materials. Students also examine design's ability to shape and interpret information. Hands-on studio work, lectures, and discussions. Emphasizes creativity, inventiveness, and experimentation.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-4)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Senior
Observational and imaginative drawing including the human figure and abstraction techniques. Contemporary drawing systems, concepts, and processes. Emphasis is on proportion, structural framework, visual measurement, movement, and relationships. Students work in a variety of drawing media.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-4)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): ART 1100 or ART 1110 or ART 2130 or ART 2160 or ART 2190 or ART 2195 or ART 3130 or ART 3180 or ART 3190 or ART 4450
Large-scale drawing and painting for theatre, opera, museums, and special projects, such as community murals. Emphasis is on matching a designer's vision or "scaling up" a designer's rendering to very large scale. Includes a community/professional painting project.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
Concentrated instruction on realistic drawing is combined with methods for abstraction and seeing the world anew. Experiment with perceptual skills that inspire 'flow' and drawing with ease. Use a variety of media to make drawings only you can imagine.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-4)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): ART 1100 or ART 1110 or ART 2100 or ART 2195 or ART 3180 or ART 4450 or ART 2310 or ART 2160
Open to students selected for the crew of an entertainment production sponsored by the Department of Visual and Performing Arts. Positions on stage crews are open to all MTU students. Work assignments will be made by the technical director of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts.
- Credits: variable to 3.0; May be repeated
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Fundamentals of designing lighting for theatre, architecture and entertainment through various explorations and projects. Focus on professional design development and presentation techniques; theatrical drafting conventions, light sketches, plots. Also, designer/director relationships, script analysis, research, design concepts/history.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): THEA 1120 and UN 1015
Fundamentals of designing costumes through various explorations and projects. Focus on professional design development and presentation techniques: costume renderings, patterning, color/fabric analysis. Also script/character analyses, research, design concepts.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
An introduction to scenic design for theatre and collaborative design in entertainment. This project-based class develops technical and conceptual skills: collaborative relationships, design development, story boards, rendering paint elevations, model making, hand drafting.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): THEA 1110
Students will gain an introductory knowledge in leadership in entertainment technology leadership positions. Open to students who take significant responsibility for a VPA entertainment production, such as: assistant stage manager, assistant technical director, lead electrician, or wardrobe head.
- Credits: 2.0; May be repeated
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Restrictions: Permission of instructor required
- Pre-Requisite(s): THEA 2610
Introduction to designing sound through design projects. Focuses on fundamental technical understanding, practical design presentation techniques, specific drafting conventions, exploration of sound equipment, designer/ director/artist relationships, script analysis and design concepts, and design history.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): SND 1102 and SND 1101
Digital Media
Learn the fundamentals of projection and LED technology through hands-on labs in safety, power, cabling, and networking. Students set up, test, and document live media systems while developing essential troubleshooting and operational skills for entertainment production.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
Explore digital media creation for projection and LED displays. Using Adobe Creative Suite, Blender, TouchDesigner, and Isadora, students design and optimize still, moving, and interactive content. Emphasis on storytelling, system integration, and creative workflows for live events.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years
Open to students selected for the crew of an entertainment production sponsored by the Department of Visual and Performing Arts. Positions on stage crews are open to all MTU students. Work assignments will be made by the technical director of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts.
- Credits: variable to 3.0; May be repeated
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Focus on full-scale design for live productions, concerts, and corporate events. Students synthesize system and content design, create schematics, plan budgets, and present proposals. Emphasis on collaboration, scalability, and the artistic impact of digital media in professional contexts.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years
Students will gain an introductory knowledge in leadership in entertainment technology leadership positions. Open to students who take significant responsibility for a VPA entertainment production, such as: assistant stage manager, assistant technical director, lead electrician, or wardrobe head.
- Credits: 2.0; May be repeated
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Restrictions: Permission of instructor required
- Pre-Requisite(s): THEA 2610
Focuses on critical engagement with cinematic form and its relationship to cultural, historical, and/or theoretical contexts.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Explores the history, aesthetic, theory, and practice of digital imaging. Students learn to find, make, and analyze images.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
A computer-intensive introduction to the principles for creating clear, effective graphic communication. Students critique the work of other designers in terms of the work's audience and intended effect, and they construct and critique their own design projects as well.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Production-intensive focus on how media producers use audio, video, and digital platforms to tell a story, realize a creative vision, and engage an audience.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-3)
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Pre-Requisite(s): HU 2324
Advanced work in documentary production and storytelling. Students will research, develop, and produce documentary films, with an emphasis on visual storytelling, sound design, and narrative, as well as documentary process and ethics. Study of history and theory of documentary sub-genres.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
- Pre-Requisite(s): HU 2633 or HU 3370
Electrical
Fundamental theory of lumped-element DC and AC electrical circuits. Voltage, current, resistance, energy, and power. DC network analysis and network theorems. Inductance and capacitance. First-order transient analysis for RL and RC circuits. Sinusoidal steady-state analysis of simple AC circuits.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Co-Requisite(s): EET 1122
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031 or MA 1032 or MA 1120 or MA 1121(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C)
Laboratory exercises designed to complement the theory in a first course in lumped-element DC and AC electrical circuits. Electrical laboratory safety. Breadboard construction of electrical circuits. Electronic instrumentation, measurement techniques, and data analysis.
- Credits: 1.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Co-Requisite(s): EET 1121
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031 or MA 1032 or MA 1120 or MA 1121(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C)
Introduction to basic electrical principles and devices including DC and AC circuits, diodes, transistors, operational amplifier ICs, power supply regulation, and elements of communication systems.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Information Technology, Surveying Engineering, Computer Network & System Admn, Mechanical Engineering Tech, Cybersecurity, Theatre & Entertain Tech (BS)
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031 or MA 1032 or MA 1120 or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C) or MA 1121(C)
Introduction to basic networking concepts and implementation. Topics include OSI model, subnetting, network addressing, data encapsulation, network topologies, ethernet and basic configuration of network hardware including cabling, bridges and other communications.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
- Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Sophomore, Junior, Senior
Study of switching and routing fundamentals in enterprise networks. Topics include VLANs, STP, LLDP, VTP, IPv4/Pv6 routing, EIGRP, and OSPF introduction with Cisco configuration and troubleshooting. Emphasizes secure and efficient Layer 2 and Layer 3 designs.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): SAT 2343 or CS 3411
A practical overview of the pre-production and technical process of installing and programming a lighting design.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
- Pre-Requisite(s): THEA 1120
Open to students selected for the crew of an entertainment production sponsored by the Department of Visual and Performing Arts. Positions on stage crews are open to all MTU students. Work assignments will be made by the technical director of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts.
- Credits: variable to 3.0; May be repeated
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Fundamentals of designing lighting for theatre, architecture and entertainment through various explorations and projects. Focus on professional design development and presentation techniques; theatrical drafting conventions, light sketches, plots. Also, designer/director relationships, script analysis, research, design concepts/history.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): THEA 1120 and UN 1015
Students will gain an introductory knowledge in leadership in entertainment technology leadership positions. Open to students who take significant responsibility for a VPA entertainment production, such as: assistant stage manager, assistant technical director, lead electrician, or wardrobe head.
- Credits: 2.0; May be repeated
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Restrictions: Permission of instructor required
- Pre-Requisite(s): THEA 2610
Management
Introduction to basic principles, concepts, and theoretical framework of financial accounting with the emphasis on its use by economically rational decision makers. Topics include the decision-making environment and the accounting cycles, processes, and statements.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Emphasizes the role of accounting information within a firm. Topics include budgeting, responsibility accounting, cost allocations, cost behavior, decision models, capital budgeting, and an introduction to product costing in manufacturing and service sector firms.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): ACC 2000
Covers concepts of human relations and organizational behavior through the study of people's behavior at work. Develop understanding, attitudes, and skills leading to increased personal effectiveness.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
This course provides the means for gaining a foundational knowledge of Western musical theory principles. The course includes study in improvisation, aural skills, composition using industry standard notation software and functional harmony within the framework of Western tonal music. Prior experience reading notated music recommended.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
Open to students selected for the crew of an entertainment production sponsored by the Department of Visual and Performing Arts. Positions on stage crews are open to all MTU students. Work assignments will be made by the technical director of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts.
- Credits: variable to 3.0; May be repeated
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Students will gain an introductory knowledge in leadership in entertainment technology leadership positions. Open to students who take significant responsibility for a VPA entertainment production, such as: assistant stage manager, assistant technical director, lead electrician, or wardrobe head.
- Credits: 2.0; May be repeated
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Restrictions: Permission of instructor required
- Pre-Requisite(s): THEA 2610
Procedures and skills for effective stage management of theatrical productions, including coordination of performers and technicians during rehearsal and performance periods. Instruction in stage manager's notation used for blocking, scene shifts, and cues for lighting, sound, special effects, and performers.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Focus on techniques to coordinate production and artistic operations for the theatre and entertainment industries and venues. Emphasis on effective event management processes including: safety, budgeting, scheduling, personnel, rehearsals, performance, communication, facilities.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Mechanical
Focus on construction and the variable applications of stagecraft, rigging, and production processes with attention to safety and typical structures for the entertainment industry.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-2)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
- Pre-Requisite(s): THEA 1110
A focus on the design, research, production, and management of stage properties including: script, analysis, period and style, appropriateness, set dressing. Development and utilization of effective tools, materials, and techniques for structure, details, and finishing.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years
- Pre-Requisite(s): FA 1701 or THEA 1110(C)
Open to students selected for the crew of an entertainment production sponsored by the Department of Visual and Performing Arts. Positions on stage crews are open to all MTU students. Work assignments will be made by the technical director of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts.
- Credits: variable to 3.0; May be repeated
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Techniques, theories, and terminology of technical theatre. Focus on application of advanced stagecraft through safety, woodworking, metalworking, budgeting, project management, and shop management.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
- Pre-Requisite(s): (FA 2701 or THEA 2310) and (FA 2706 or THEA 2110)
An introduction to scenic design for theatre and collaborative design in entertainment. This project-based class develops technical and conceptual skills: collaborative relationships, design development, story boards, rendering paint elevations, model making, hand drafting.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): THEA 1110
Students will gain an introductory knowledge in leadership in entertainment technology leadership positions. Open to students who take significant responsibility for a VPA entertainment production, such as: assistant stage manager, assistant technical director, lead electrician, or wardrobe head.
- Credits: 2.0; May be repeated
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Restrictions: Permission of instructor required
- Pre-Requisite(s): THEA 2610
Practical application and theory of entertainment mechanics and rigging. Emphasis will be placed on theatrical equipment such as fly systems, turntables, and scenery lifts. Course will also explore automation through pneumatics, hydraulics, and motor control.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
- Pre-Requisite(s): FA 1701 or THEA 1110
Statics includes a study of forces, analysis of simple structures, equilibrium, moment of inertia, and friction.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): (PH 1110 or PH 1140 or PH 2100) and (MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C))
Sound
This course provides the means for gaining a foundational knowledge of Western musical theory principles. The course includes study in improvisation, aural skills, composition using industry standard notation software and functional harmony within the framework of Western tonal music. Prior experience reading notated music recommended.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
This course is for students seeking to learn about popular music. The course will examine three aspects of music: the societal and cultural context that produces musical style, the technical construction of music itself, and the resultant ideas that music expresses. To gain a deep understanding of these, the student will listen to and analyze historical musical examples and engage in hands-on work, using software applications to compose and produce songs.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-3)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Developments in western classical music from the 1770s to 1970s in Europe, Russia, and America. Concentrates on music, style, aesthetics, culture, and biographies of major composers from the Classical, Romantic, and Twentieth-Century periods.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
Introduction to the history of, and practices of making, electronic music. This course presents a survey of the most significant artists in the history of electronic music. Provides hands-on training and projects in electronic music production.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer, in even years
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): (FA 1601 and FA 1602) or (SND 1101 and SND 1102)
A hands-on introduction to mixing music with emphasis on the support of musical principles and style. Students develop a technical understanding and practice the manipulation of volume, frequency, dynamics, pitch, and time to support the focus, rhythm, melody, and mood of a wide variety of musical styles.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
An introduction to hands-on creative and technical work in sound. Work covers script analysis, storytelling approaches, dialog direction and editing, sound effect and ambiance design, music integration and DAW based mixing.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
Fundamentals of sound systems design & engineering for a variety of entertainment industry scenarios, including: speaker coverage, system tuning, DSP programming, technical documentation, design phases, revision control, interaction with clients, interaction with design teams in other disciplines, and budget estimation.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Theatre & Entertain Tech (BS), Sound Design, Audio Production & Technology; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): SND 1101 and SND 1150
Learning in the art of the recording engineer. Students develop an understanding of pop and classical recording approaches, skills to decide which approach is appropriate for a given task, and the technical knowledge necessary to implement the chosen approach.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Sound Design, Theatre & Entertain Tech (BS), Theatre & Electr. Media Perf., Audio Production & Technology
- Co-Requisite(s): SND 2151
- Pre-Requisite(s): (FA 1601 or SND 1102) and (FA 1602 or SND 1101) and (FA 1702 or SND 1150)
Hands-on learning in the art of the recording engineer. Students develop an understanding of pop and classical recording approaches, skills to decide which approach is appropriate for a given task, and the technical knowledge necessary to implement the chosen approach.
- Credits: 1.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Theatre & Entertain Tech (BS), Sound Design, Audio Production & Technology
- Co-Requisite(s): SND 2150
- Pre-Requisite(s): (FA 1601 or SND 1102) and (FA 1602 or SND 1101) and (FA 1702 or SND 1150)
Students get hands-on experience in live and recorded sound as well as in system maintenance and design. This work is done in a simulated internship experience. Students are expected to take this course multiple times and work towards leadership positions.
- Credits: variable to 3.0; May be repeated
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): SND 1610
Introduction to designing sound through design projects. Focuses on fundamental technical understanding, practical design presentation techniques, specific drafting conventions, exploration of sound equipment, designer/ director/artist relationships, script analysis and design concepts, and design history.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): SND 1102 and SND 1101
Open to students who take significant responsibility for sound on a major production, such as sound designer, recording engineer, live sound engineer.
- Credits: variable to 3.0; May be repeated
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): SND 2610 and (SND 2120 or SND 2150)