Name:
Dolby Atmos Theatre Upgrades
FiscalYear:
2025
Audience:
Arts & Letters, College of
Submitter:
Shorrock, Thomas
Budget Manager:
Dimaggio, Kathleen M.
Project Manager:
Shorrock, Thomas M
Narrative
This $33,000 Technology Fee request will install a professional Dolby Atmos sound system in Studio Theatre, featuring 4 overhead, 9 surround, 2 bass, and 3 front channels, providing FAU Theatre and Dance and Commercial Music students with current, industry-standard immersive audio technology essential for sound design and theatre production training.
The Dolby Atmos 12.2.4 configuration creates three-dimensional soundscapes using audio objects that can be precisely placed and moved anywhere in the theatre space, including overhead. This system enables students to gain hands-on experience with object-based mixing techniques used throughout professional theatre, film, gaming, and entertainment industries. Students will learn to operate contemporary sound design software and hardware, developing technical skills directly transferable to employment in theatres, audio production facilities, and media companies.
The overhead speakers open new creative possibilities for sound designers, allowing precise placement of individual audio elements above the audience, while the expanded surround array creates seamless transitions and accurate sound positioning throughout the space.
This upgrade directly supports our sound design and technical theatre curriculum, providing practical training that bridges classroom theory with professional practice. The system will also benefit commercial music students, allowing them to experience full spatial audio design beyond traditional, smaller studio environments, preparing them for the growing immersive audio market in music production.
Students will graduate with demonstrable immersive audio skills, enhancing their employability and preparing them for advanced positions in sound design and related industries. Faculty will utilize this system for coursework, independent studies, and Studio Theatre productions, ensuring maximum educational impact and sustained use across multiple semesters.
Facilities
Minimal Renovations will be required, as we have existing racks and power for equipment.
We will need three new 20 amp outlets installed in the space, and there is an adjacent breaker panel with room for these breakers to be pulled from.
We will need a new hole bored through the wall to pass cables through, but this is not a significant process.
