Launch a Dynamic Career in the World of Live Entertainment
Point Park University's Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Production Engineering is an immersive, collaborative program that blends the fundamentals of engineering with extensive training in the technical design and production of live entertainment events.
Taught by academic and industry professionals in engineering, production and management, Point Park's program will prepare you for technical and industrial positions in live entertainment through experiential learning opportunities, hands-on coursework and industry connections. You'll learn from our industry-experienced faculty in our engineering, sports, arts, entertainment and music business (SAEM), and theatre production programs.
Students can expect gig work with local industry partners beginning in their first semester. As early as their sophomore year, students will have an advantage at obtaining field experiences in the live entertainment world nationwide, thanks to Point Park's wide network of industry partnerships.
Regular guest presentations by industry professionals and annual conference opportunities will help students build their networks and understand real-world applications of course concepts.
The program's coursework includes a collaborative capstone project through which students design and implement a full-scale production of a free live event in their senior year. Opportunities for safety training and certifications will enhance students' ability to market themselves competitively as they enter the field.
Point Park's industry partnerships connect students with field experiences, internships, co-ops and post-graduate employment. Our growing network of industry partners includes:
"Point Park has been such a valuable resource for providing pathways and experience into the entertainment industry. After 10+ years in the industry, it's very clear the need to continue to develop and foster the next generation of skilled individuals to help the entertainment industry thrive."
Students in the Entertainment Production Engineering program will:
Understand the technical aspects of lighting, sound, stage mechanics, video production and special effects for live entertainment and the ability to adapt to emerging technologies.
Learn to integrate engineering principles with entertainment production concepts to create advanced technical solutions that are mindful of audience experience, safety, efficiency, venue constraints and aesthetics.
Develop skills to lead and work effectively on entertainment productions in multidisciplinary teams, manage projects, communicate effectively across technical and creative domains and foster an inclusive environment that encourages innovation and teamwork.
"I'm beyond excited to partner with my alma mater to tap into the incredible talent that’s coming out of Point Park's programs. As someone who's seen firsthand how transformative education can be, I can't wait to welcome the next generation of innovators to join our global projects. This is just the beginning of what will be an amazing journey together!"
Point Park's Entertainment Production Engineering coursework provides a thorough education on engineering fundamentals and entertainment production's technical aspects. Courses include:
Stage Operations
Theater Safety
Drafting & CAD
Circuit Analysis Lab
Fundamentals of Physics
Physics Lab
Solid Mechanics
Fluid Mechanics
Automation
Production Tour Management
Four field experiences
Students also have the opportunity to explore a variety of elective courses related to entertainment production engineering, including:
Engineering Technology Graphics
Digital Design Tools and Techniques
Fundamentals of Motion Graphics and Visual Effects
Carpentry for the Theater
Audio Engineering
Facilities & Venue Design
Meet Our Faculty
Paige Beal, MBA, associate professor of SAEM
Professor Beal leverages her vast network of marketing, media and entertainment contacts to bring real-world client projects and guest speakers into the classroom.
"Teaching in the Conservatory and the Pittsburgh Playhouse brings me joy. Although the instructors and staff have decades of collective expertise, we collaborate with the students to create art and find solutions to challenges."
Professor Colaizzi is the founder of Women Who Rock and Pitch Consulting and has been a leader at global companies like Live Nation/Ticketmaster and ShowClix.
Robert Derda, M.S., associate professor and chair of the Department of Sports, Arts, Entertainment & Music Business
Professor Derda's connections across the sports industry in Pittsburgh and beyond provide SAEM students with hands-on opportunities to explore careers in sports.
Ryan Hoover, Ph.D., assistant professor of mechanical engineering
Dr. Hoover worked at Westinghouse for over 15 years in the areas of control systems design and analysis, setpoint uncertainty and plant computer systems.
Raju Mundru, Ph.D., assistant professor of electrical engineering
Dr. Mundru's research interests include electromagnetic properties of nano-structured complex media, optical and quantum scattering and artificial materials.
Aram Parsa, Ph.D., P.Eng., associate professor and coordinator of the mechanical engineering program
Prior to joining Point Park, Parsa was a mechanical engineer for WorleyParsons in Markham, Ontario, Canada. Before that, he worked as a mechanical engineer for HATCH Ltd., in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
Dr. J is an AEA and opera stage manager, specializing in stage management history. As a stage manager, she splits her time between opera, dance and theatre, and is especially interested in new works and/or non-traditional theatre spaces.
Steve Tanzilli, J.D., SAEM program co-founder and dean of the Rowland School of Business
Tanzilli's previous experience includes running his own sports talent agency, Sports Legends Group, a full-service marketing, finance and law firm for professional athletes.
"It is inspiring to get to watch a generation discover what you already love, and it is a constant reminder of how lucky we are to get to do this every day."