Tenth-grade students interested in exploring the world of film, television and audio production are invited to apply for the Mississippi School of the Arts new media arts program, beginning in the 2016-2017 school year.

MSA is currently accepting a second round of applications for its new media arts program now until June 6.

Applications for the media arts program are available on MSA’s website.  A 60-second video on a topic of the student’s choice, accompanied by a one-page typed description discussing why the topic was chosen and what will be seen in the video, must be submitted with the application.

If selected, auditions for the program will be held on June 13. Applicants will complete a storyboard assignment at their audition.

MSA plans to accept 10 students into the media arts program for its pioneer year.

“We are looking forward to adding the sixth discipline of study at MSA, which will connect the rich legacy of our state in classic art forms with the future of film and audio production,” MSA Executive Director Suzanne Hirsch said. “The existing arts programs at MSA are collaborating to create a comprehensive program of study in media arts that will continue to bring the artistic voice alive on screen and beyond.”

The other disciplines MSA offers are theatre, visual arts, vocal music, literary arts and dance.

“We really look for kids who are inspired, dedicated, independent and, above all, open-minded,” Hirsch said on the type of students MSA is seeking for its disciplines.

The media arts program was approved in September 2015 and will be designed based on the Mississippi Department of Education Office of Career and Technical Education framework for digital media technology, television broadcasting and production, audio and television broadcasting, and simulation and animation design.

The program will be housed in Enochs Hall in the digital arts computer lab. The Mississippi Department of Education donated $55,000 to fund the new computer lab, kits for filmmaking, software, cameras and data storage. MSA plans to add a sound studio this summer.

The four media courses MSA has planned for the program this year are Introduction to Media Arts, Media Arts I, Media Arts II and Video and Audio Technical Production.

Media arts students will also have the opportunity to work with Running Wild Films of Arizona to create a film each spring in Brookhaven. MSA will hire the media arts teacher in July.

For more information or to fill out an application, visit www.msabrookhaven.org or call 601-823-1300.