200,000+
Alumni from our Global Campuses
Earn Your BFA in Sound Design from the Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts
Webster University’s Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Sound Design, and is one of only a few programs whose productions are designed entirely by undergraduate students; faculty input on production work is strictly advisory. Design students acquire production experience necessary for their degree and simultaneously build exciting, varied portfolios. The combination conceptual work in the design classroom coupled with practical shop and stage work creates a unique opportunity for artistic and professional growth. Our curricular sequence aims to improve each student’s artistic skills.
Students majoring in Sound Design pair design classes with music and audio technology courses throughout their time at Webster. Many students opt also to study abroad or do an internship during their third or fourth year at Webster.
Rain and Zoe Save the World, 2023
American Idiot, 2022
Blood at the Root, 2023
The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, 2024
Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, 2024
The Spitfire Grill, 2023
Choose Webster for Your BFA in Sound Design
Gain Intensive, Professional Sound Design Training
Each year of your coursework will include varied and intense collections of studio courses. Opportunities to design sound for professional theatre productions allow you to work on high-impact projects every semester. The spaces are equipped with leading-edge sound technology, including Digico and Yamaha consoles, Meyer speakers and processes and Sennheiser wireless systems. You may also add an emphasis in other areas of design, tech or stage management. Each semester culminates in a portfolio review, in which you will share your work publicly. In your senior year, you will participate in a New York City showcase to present your portfolio and skills to NYC theatre professionals and potential employers.
Train with the Pros
Sargent Conservatory’s training program benefits from several professional partnerships, including collaborations with the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, St. Louis Shakespeare Festival and The Muny. We share our space and key equipment with The Rep and with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. We are able to offer students unparalleled opportunities to work alongside professional theatre artists, stage managers, directors and designers in the city’s thriving theatre scene.
Mentorship from Experienced Faculty
Sargent Conservatory’s faculty members are working professionals and dedicated educators committed to nurturing their students’ artistic growth. Learn more about the individual accomplishments of our faculty. Their work includes Broadway, off-Broadway, regional and international credits, as well as projects in a variety of other fields (film, television, voice-over, corporate events). Several faculty members are currently employed by our professional partners. As a result, students in our design programs consistently have the opportunity to work in professional endeavors.
Webster's Sargent Conservatory Curriculum
Our design programs begin with a fundamental first year experience aimed to develop a common theatre vocabulary and practice. Key courses include:
- Sound design seminar
- Fundamentals of design
- Scenography
- Drafting
- Technical production
- Audio technology lecture
- Audio technology lab
- Audio technology practicum
- Signals and systems
- Design concepts
- Theatre history
In the second year of training, students delve into the specific processes of their disciplines. Production assignments complement coursework, ensuring students are putting learning to hands-on practice. Key courses include:
- Sound design seminar
- Rendering
- Vectorworks
- Visual history
- Crew management
- Fundamentals of music for audio
- Theatre history
In their third year, design students focus their studies in their particular discipline and take on more creative responsibility in the Conservatory production process. Increasingly, students will take advantage of opportunities for professional experiences with our professional partners. Many students opt to take a semester abroad or on internship during the third year. Key courses now include electives in other areas:
- Sound design 1
- Sound design seminar
- Design electives
- Figure drawing
The fourth year aims to provide a smooth transition into professional practice. Production assignments will serve to round out a student’s resume, and preparation for the Senior Portfolio Open House will entail creating a website and fine-tuning interviewing skills. Classes typically involve:
- Sound design 2
- Sound design seminar
- Design electives
- Professional practice
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sound Design
Find out more about the overall curriculum, electives, learning outcomes and more.
Theatre Scholarships
Almost every full-time undergraduate student at Webster University receives some sort of financial aid. Webster’s Office of Financial Aid is committed to making a college education affordable.
Additionally, the Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts awards annual scholarships designated specifically for theatre majors. In 2023-2024, the department awarded over $225,000 in scholarships to its students. Most of these awards are reserved for our third- and fourth-year students. Every year we also allot some scholarships to first-year students. These awards are made in consultation with the recruiting faculty and with the Office of Financial Aid. There is no separate application process. Please contact Andrew Laue, Associate Director of Fine Arts Admissions at lauear@webster.edu, for additional information.
Apply Today for the BFA in Sound Design
Webster's Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts is committed to your artistic growth and academic success. The first step is to fill out an application.
Contact Amanda Werre, Instructor of Sound Design
Get Started on Your Fine Arts Degree in Sound Design
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Contact the Admissions Office to Find Out More
If you have more questions about the program, your application or other enrollment-related inquiries, contact our Admissions Office.
Call 314-246-7800 or 800-753-6765 or send an email to admit@webster.edu.