Visual & Performing Arts

Program Description

Point Park University

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Point Park University offers students real-world experiences in an exciting campus environment, the chance to meet and learn with students from thirty-five states and fifty countries, and the excitement and culture of the vibrant city surrounding the University.

The Cinema and Digital Arts Program is offered through the Media Production Program, which is part of the Conservatory of Performing Arts. As one of the top programs of its kind in the nation, the Conservatory of Performing Arts combines hands-on experience and rigorous training with internationally recognized master teachers, so students develop their craft working with artists who are involved in their professions outside of the University as well as in the classroom.

Cinema and Digital Arts is an innovatively designed program, with an emphasis on professional education and liberal arts, both in theory and in practice. Exploring the integration of media and the arts in society as well as the impact of technology on culture, the curriculum provides practical, professional training while developing a sound foundation in the arts and humanities. Theory and aesthetics are taught as an integral part of developing communication and production skills. The degree offered is a four-year, 120-credit Bachelor of Arts (B.A.).

The program consists of a combination of courses, workshops, productions, and crew assignments, and students have opportunities to earn credit for real-world experience through the internship program. There is a strong emphasis on collaboration. While faculty members demand professionalism and discipline, they go out of their way to mentor and evaluate the students as they develop as artists.

During the first two years, students are trained in all the fundamental crafts of cinema production. Then, in the junior and senior years, students select a concentration in producing, directing, editing, screenwriting, or cinematography for advanced study and practice. Each year, students make films using professional digital video cameras and nonlinear editing systems. This approach allows each student to develop a specific set of skills and to produce a reel that showcases their talents in their specializations. Furthermore, by shooting primarily on digital formats, students do not have the extra expense of film, processing, and video transfers. So, instead of worrying about the budget, they can focus on the creative challenges of bringing their stories to the screen. Students graduate with several great pieces and all the technical skills they need to take the world by storm.

The University’s downtown location provides convenient access to numerous theaters, restaurants, parks, sports venues, museums, and movie theaters. Pittsburgh has a long tradition as a cultural center and is home to excellent opera and ballet companies as well as the world renowned Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Theaters, ethnic festivals, and club attractions fill out the entertainment spectrum. In addition, the nation’s first educational television station, WQED, provides a wealth of stimulating offerings. PNC Park, Heinz Field, and Mellon Arena are homes of Pittsburgh’s professional sports teams, which also host concerts and other special events and are within walking distance of the University. A short bus ride away is the Oakland section of Pittsburgh, the location of several museums.

Program Facilities

 The Cinema and Digital Arts Program has new, state-of-the-art facilities, including ten nonlinear editing suites, a sound mixing studio, a Foley/audio recording studio, and a professionally equipped soundstage. With Western Pennsylvania as its back lot, the creative possibilities are limitless.

The University Center’s state-of-the-art television studio and editing suites, together with the GRW Theater, provide cutting-edge experiences for students in the Cinema and Digital Arts Program.

Exhibit Opportunities

 The campus offers a student-run cinema society, the Sprocket Guild, and frequent movie screenings that include open showings of student work. The Cinema and Digital Arts Program culminates with the annual Point Park Digital Film Festival, which showcases graduating senior thesis production projects.

Special Programs

 Characterized by a willingness to innovate, the University has been active since its inception in establishing internship possibilities with the many resources for career preparation in Pittsburgh, including internship programs with local broadcasting stations.

Application Procedures

Deadline--freshmen and transfers: May 1. Required: essay, high school transcript, minimum 2.0 high school GPA, 2 letters of recommendation, interview, portfolio, SAT I or ACT test scores. Auditions held 1 time. Portfolio reviews held 10 times on campus and off campus in by telephone.

Undergraduate Contact

Bonnie Sampson, Administrative Assistant, Cinema & Digital Arts, Conservatory of Performing Arts, Point Park University, 201 Wood Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-1988; 412-392-3450.