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The Entertainment Technology concentration within the Multidisciplinary Studies Program is off and running after it received final approval earlier this year.
Entertainment industry representatives, led by MU alumnus, Roy Clair, recommended the creation of a technology program to meet the needs of the expanding opportunities in the field of entertainment technology. Clair and his late brother, Gene, created “Clair Brothers Audio,” which has grown into “Clair Global.” “Clair Global” is a world leader in creating live concert and entertainment design, lighting and construction.
The addition of the Entertainment Technology concentration addresses the three goals of Our Bold Path by engaging learners that have a passion for the field, ensuring success of those learners by building a curriculum to meet their needs and embracing agility by presenting new ways to achieve their career goals.
“It offers students the opportunity to embrace their passion for technology in the industry of entertainment,” said Victor Capecce, associate professor of Communication and Theatre.
The concentration is designed to provide students with dynamic experiential learning tools to be career ready in the field of entertainment technology. The curriculum is a suite of programs that creates a launch pad for a career in the backstage of media. Using core studies from the Communication and Theatre and Applied Engineering, Safety & Technology departments, existing courses make up the curriculum.
“This new major allows me to focus on gaining the knowledge to pursue numerous career paths in the production of theater and entertainment,” said MU junior, Ryan Silver, who has dreams of working on Broadway in the future.
Silver has a passion for the arts and has been a part of numerous productions at MU including “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” “The Venetian Twins,” “A Lesson Before Dying,” “RENT,” “Shrek: The Musical,” “Aida,” “The Miser” and “Bury The Dead.” He has held positions as stage manager, production manager, sound designer and more.
With successful completion, students will be very familiar with structural, electrical and operational safety of equipment, be able to supervise and/or work with diverse local and road production crews representing the various trades, be able to integrate video and lighting technology with sound and much more. Students will have a strong foundation to adapt as technology changes rapidly.
The main laboratory with necessary equipment will be Clair Hall, named for the Clair brothers, located in the Winter Visual and Performing Arts Center.
For more information, please visit http://www.millersville.edu/mdst/approved-programs/entertainment-technology.php.
