The new media production studio at Sowela Technical Community College, complete with a sound-proof vocal room and professional-grade audio gear, will supply students with everything they need for real-life career experience.

Earlier this month, the college announced the new $48,000 studio that media production students in the Digital Arts and Communication program have access to. In the studio, students can record podcasts and voiceovers, edit videos, and create and mix music using “top-tier” production studio equipment, Digital Arts and Communication Adjunct Instructor Thunder John told the American Press.

With the equipment, students can beef up their resumes with professional experience before they even graduate. John said they also get an enhanced classroom experience and the freedom to explore their creativity.

“As an instructor, I always encourage students to do extra,” he said. “This is the perfect time to hone their craft, even if it’s outside of classroom time. With this studio, the students now have the luxury to do just that.”

Keeping the Digital Arts and Communications Department equipped with state-of-the-art equipment is a continuous mission meant to ensure students can create “studio-grade quality work.”

“In the media production field, it’s very difficult to get hands-on experience with top-tier equipment without breaking the bank. At Sowela, we’ve made gaining experience very tangible,” he explained. “Our goal is to equip students with enough knowledge that they can tackle almost any job or scenario that may be thrown their way.”

The full cost of the studio was covered by an anonymous donor, said Darlene Hoffpauir, marketing and communications manager, Sowela. This donation included construction ($46,078.57) and the technology and equipment ($1,921.43). 

The Digital Arts and Communication program is a two-year degree path. There are two concentrations for students to choose from: graphic design and media production. After graduation, students pursue careers in field like advertising, printing, reporting, photography and web design.

John called the new studio a “step in the right direction” that will lead to more expansion and student opportunities, leaving more students career (and life) ready.

“Our goal is to always strive to provide students with a learning space that can prepare them for life beyond their degree. … As a department, I feel like we’re just getting started. The best is always yet to come.”