Sound Design

Where technology and storytelling meet.

Boston University’s sound design programs stand firmly on a dual foundation: encouraging students to think creatively about sound for theatre in musical and unconventional ways, and guiding each student in the development, implementation, and execution of their designs.

As a BFA or MFA Sound Design student, you’ll…

DEFINE an identity for yourself as a sound designer and artist
Develop the skills necessary to enter into the theatre industry with TECHNICAL COMPETENCE and ARTISTIC INTEGRITY
Gain skills in DIGITAL AUDIO MANIPULATION and AUDIO SYSTEMS DESIGN, as well as the necessary understanding of signal flow, interconnection, audio and control systems networking, MIDI, production intercom systems, and video

At BU, they learn there is no “one way” of approaching a design challenge. Each project provides unique collaborative opportunities. Our program is focused on the creative challenges and development of artistic theatre practice, with technology being a means to an end. Students in BU’s sound design programs work alongside each other extensively, as designers, assistants, and system and production audio engineers. Graduates of BU’s sound design programs go on to work at all levels of theatrical production, including commercial, non-profit, and educational.

Degrees Offered

BFA Sound Design
Degree Type

Undergraduate
The BFA Sound Design program at Boston University encourages students to think creatively about sound for theatre in musical and unconventional ways, and guides each student in the conception, development and execution of their designs.
Formats

In-Person

Availability

Full-Time

Location

On-Campus
MFA Sound Design
Degree Type

Graduate
The MFA Sound Design program encourages graduate-level students to conceive creative ideas and solutions for theatrical sound in musical and unconventional ways, while focusing on leadership skills and advanced conceptual and technical skills.
Formats

In-Person

Availability

Full-Time

Location

On-Campus

A person with dirty blonde hair wears a black t-shirt while positioned in front of music production equipment with red, blue, and green illuminated controls. Warm orange and yellow studio lighting glows in the background.

Developing an artistic voice as a sound designer and theatre-maker

Originally from Minocqua, Wisconsin, Dane Krusick (CFA’27) came to BU School of Theatre because of the University’s location on the East Coast and what the Sound Design program offered. “I really liked the prospect of developing a stronger sense of artistic expression with sound and felt the program would best suit that endeavor.”

Describing CFA as community, Dane says there is a strong sense of camaraderie within the School of Theatre that made him feel instantly at home. As a CFA student, Dane has sound designed BU productions and worked as an assistant designer around Boston through connections with alumni.