Combine elements from classic video games like Mortal Kombat and Guitar Hero, and you will see the recipe for success behind the new game developed by animation students called “Beat Boxers.” The project, which recently took home the top prize at the E3 College Game Competition, follows on the successes of past projects like Nokbak, Vanguards and Relic Hunter. The competition is held annually and students from the BYU Center for Animation are not strangers to the event. “This project was a massive undertaking,” said Vanessa Palmer, a recently graduated illustration student and art director over the game. “If our team wasn’t so supportive of each other, there is no way I could have balanced working on the game with classwork and graduation.” “Beat Boxers,” was a combined effort from students in the Department of Design, Department of Theater and Media Arts, and Department of Computer Science. Read more about this story on news.byu.edu.

Y Digital, a student-run digital- and social-media agency, opened a year ago, with the goal of preparing BYU communications majors and minors for a digital-first professional world. And over the past year, more than 60 students have done social-media analytics, social-media listening, digital-media production, content creation and search-engine marketing for such real-world clients as Pepsi Co., Marriott International, Subaru and the NBA. 'The more society turns to the internet, the more we need people who are savvy with the internet and technology to produce work for companies,' said Adam Durfee, public relations instructor and the lab’s director. And he’s passionate about helping students become savvy. “We have a whole range of skills — advertising, strategic messaging, writing, pitching, design and video — we help students put together to coexist online. That great writing is nothing without great visual. That great video is nothing without great targeting. Those are the connections we want them leaving with.” Read the rest of the story on news.byu.edu.

The all-female a cappella group released a music video of their new arrangement of “You’ll Be in My Heart” to pay tribute to maternal love.

BYU illustration professor Robert Barrett spoke at the BYU Devotional on Tuesday, May 8. He focused on the importance of preparation, not just in art, but in all aspects of life. “The Lord expects His children to do their homework on a problem, consider the options, and then make a decision,” said Barrett. “Then, and only then, are they able to take their decisions to the Lord and ask Him if what they have decided to do is right.” Visit BYU News to read more about Robert Barrett and the May 8 devotional.

Musicians from Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra Workshop with Students

Actors from the London Stage Mentor Students

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra performed with Chick Corea at BYU

Advanced theatre students attended a workshop taught by Shakespearean actor Chris Donnelly focusing on character motivations and acting from moment to moment

Visiting artists included LDS portrait painter Casey Childs and graphic designer Brian Collins

The devotional will take place at 11 a.m. in the de Jong Concert Hall of the Harris Fine Arts Center.

The directors and chair were re-appointed with overwhelming support

Kyle Stapley has accepted the Media Arts Administrator position in the College of Fine Arts and Communications. Stapley has previously served as the Media Arts Coordinator and Internship Coordinator in the Department of Theatre and Media Arts. Stapley graduated from BYU in 2008 with a degree in Sociology before receiving a Master’s degree in Public Administration. In 2017, Stapley was awarded a Staff and Employee Recognition Award (SAERA) for demonstrating excellence in teamwork. Originally from Lake Stevens, Washington, Stapley has three children with his wife, Laura. Read the original announcement made by Wade Hollingshaus in the April 23 issue of The Sound and the Fury department newsletter.