Skip Navigation
search: People | Departments | Penn State | Web
Penn State mark
Penn State mark

University Bulletin

Graduate Degree Programs

Theatre (THEA)

THEA 285 Introduction to Sound Design (3) An introduction to sound design for the theatre.

THEA 285 Introduction to Sound Design (3)

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the techniques and the tools of sound design and the sound designer's role in the collaborative design process in the theatre setting. The goal of this course is to develop a method of understanding sound and sound design, and discovering a language with which to express this understanding in a theatrical context. In order to accomplish these goals, there is fundamental exposure to the terms and techniques of contemporary sound design that is necessary along with an understanding of the challenges and problems inherent in designing sound for the stage. The course also serves as an introduction to continuing advanced study in topics such as audio recording and advanced sound design that relate to sound design.

Projects will make up the majority of the assignments for the class, and therefore will constitute the majority of the grading. The evaluation of these projects will not only consist of written and audio submitted portions, but also the student's presentation of the project to the class. During the sections of the class based on the terminology and tools of theatrical sound design, quizzes will be administered in order to check the progress of the students and ensure their comprehension of the material. Each student will complete a final project in lieu of a final exam: the sound design of a theatrical script. This project will not only consist of the final design work, but also the class presentation of the conceptual basis for the design as well as the implementation of the design.


General Education: None
Diversity: None
Bachelor of Arts: None
Effective: Spring 2011
Prerequisite: INART 258A orTHEA 150

Note : Class size, frequency of offering, and evaluation methods will vary by location and instructor. For these details check the specific course syllabus.