Digital technology has become a strong influence in the entertainment industry. Students in the Dramatic Media program acquire the complex mix of technical and artistic skills necessary to create computer-generated animation, live stage productions incorporating interactive media, and special digital effects in filmmaking. This unique program of study provides students with the skills and vision to become leaders in the rapidly growing and expanding digital media industry. Students in the Dramatic Media program come from diverse backgrounds ranging from professional stage directors with little previous computer experience to experienced digital artists who know little about theatre. Whatever their previous experience, all students graduate with a solid background in both dramatic art and digital media technologies. The expectation is that students who graduate from the program will be qualified to work professionally with digital technologies either as theatre and performance practitioners, or in the film, television or video game industries. The Dramatic Media program focuses on three distinct but interconnected areas: 3D computer animation. The program’s governing principle is to recognize that animation is not just a visual medium, but first and foremost a form of drama. Intensive training in high end, commercial level 3D animation software is combined with training in dramatic writing, acting, and design. Interactive media. Students learn to create interactive narratives using 2D and 3D gaming and mobile computing technologies. Students in the dramatic media program are leading the way towards making computer games a truly dramatic medium with the focus on story and character rather than simply action. Integration of interactive media into live performance.Students explore new forms of art and entertainment that result from the marriage between live theatre and interactive media. This is a three-year program requiring 60 semester hours of coursework. Graduate Handbook
