Dramatic Media

The Department of Dramatic Media at TLU strives to create a unique approach to storytelling by integrating the modern medians of the day (like computer-generated animation, digital video, and social media) in order to explore the ways we create content as a culture. Initially conceived as a hybrid degree program of theater, film, and new media, TLU's drama school encourages the study of text, performance, design, and technology as a way to develop a well-rounded foundation for a career in media.

With more and more industries and businesses looking to find ways to engage and entertain customers and clients, a dramatic media degree with practical applications for design, engagement, communication and technology is the first step towards a profitable career in theatre, film, media, marketing, event management and design.

What is Dramatic Media?

A relatively new concept, dramatic media has been defined by the Kennedy Center in its publication The National Standards for Arts Education as a “means of telling stories by way of stage, film, television, radio, or computer.” At TLU, that concept has been adapted to create a unique and dynamic program of instruction and production. Intentionally developed as a hybrid of theatre, film and new media training, the program explores storytelling by way of the stage or screen, through the fusion and study of text, performance, design and technology.

The department of dramatic media believes that storytelling, as found in the traditional disciplines of theatre or drama, should not be stagnant. It should evolve to incorporate the mediums of the day. Recent developments such as digital video and projection are combining with computer-generated animation, modeling and environments to provide exciting new ways to tell stories in a dramatic way.

Facilities

Studio Theatre, Weston Center

This black box theatre is a flexible performance and instructional space designed to adapt to the needs of each production. The theatre has the capacity to seat around 200 if needed and provides spacious dressing rooms, a box office, and a well-equipped control booth/media room.

Jackson Auditorium

This auditorium seats 1,048 and has featured hundreds of events and speakers that have benefitted not only the TLU community but Seguin and surrounding areas as well.

A Dramatic Media Degree is:

• Responsible and grounded in tradition. Despite the unique title and exciting new directions, the curriculum is grounded in the basics of text, performance, design and technology. These core components provide the foundation of studies, regardless of your specific interests.
• Marketable. Upon graduation, students will feel competent and empowered to compete in multiple areas of production and production technology, both traditional and emerging.
• Entrepreneurial. In challenging industries, it is advantageous to be self-motivated. Such initiative is emphasized at the core of the program. In addition to participation in faculty productions, students are encouraged to create their own product or to collaborate on original productions with their peers.
• Flexible. Regardless of your area of interest, you can spend time emphasizing specializations such as writing, acting, directing, design or technology. “Seminar” courses are repeatable, allowing students extra time to explore their favorite subjects.
• Challenging, yet liberating. At 38 hours (including major and supporting courses), the degree in dramatic media is easily accomplished within the context of a TLU liberal arts education. It provides the freedom to succeed in your core courses, while exploring electives of your choice.
• The perfect double major. Artists in dramatic media can benefit greatly from a second major. This provides the student with a broader perspective on education and life, while enhancing a student’s marketability upon graduation. The skills learned in dramatic media, such as teamwork, communication, discipline, etc., will apply to whatever career you pursue.

View the Degree Plan for a B.A. in Dramatic Media

View the Departmental Fact Sheet for Dramatic Media