Western Carolina University
Theatre Program
Department of Stage and Screen
College of Fine and Performing Art
Annual Assessment Report for 2007-2008
Primary Contact Name/Info: Susan Brown-Strauss
bstrauss@email.wcu.edu 227-3963
Student Learning
Outcome(s) Assessed in
2007-08
Method(s) of Assessment
Results of Assessment
Implementation Plan
COMPETENCE 6: A student
understands theatre as a
synthetic art, and therefore
demonstrates competence in
the performance of a variety
of play production crew
assignments.
Production crew participation
is interpreted to mean
involvement in the crew’s
activities from the planning
stages through the final
performance, including final
strike.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Clear demonstration of skills
required in the different
technical areas, ability to
work as part of a crew, and
ability to work collaboratively
towards a common goal.
6.
Formal testing on course content,
in-class discussion, reflective
writing, assigned research and
presentation projects.
Peer and Self-evaluation
Student’s competence in crew
assignment will be determined by
a consensus of the crew chief, the
technical director, and the director
of the show.
Competitive interview/portfolio
reviews for on campus
productions -Students selected for
design or technical positions in a
show.
Competitive interview/portfolio
reviews/ auditions for off-campus
productions - Students awarded
internships or paid positions in
professional companies,
employer/ internship supervisor
evaluations.
Juried portfolio reviews –
Students work accepted for
exhibition or publication.
Results indicate skills learned as
result of the application of knowledge
in production activities is valued by
students, faculty, and potential
employers, however there are also
areas needing improvement.

Three Design/Tech
students had work
accepted in NCUR

One Design/Tech
Student exhibited her
work at USITT-SE; her
work was selected for
exhibition at the
national USITT
conference.

11 out of 14
Performance students
who auditioned at
NCTC were selected for
SETC. All students who
went to SETC were
offered summer
employment.
Identify what programmatic/curricular changes or
improvements you will make as a result of the
assessment:
1. There is a need as well as desire
for better integration of Motion
Picture and Theatre production
activities.
Recommend creation of check sheet for formal
peer/supervisor evaluation of student personnel
to be kept as part of student portfolios. (Fall 08 -working drafts created for contracts. Spring 09 -pilot.)
2. There is a need for more
consistency of application to
production related crew assignments,
prerequisites, activities, expectations,
and crew evaluation.
3. There is a need for better means
for coordination and communication
of changing schedules, needs, and/or
resources with multiple projects in
production simultaneously. This has
become more apparent as we
integrate more activities with Motion
Picture, Dance, and Musical Theatre
that frequently involve the same
personnel or spaces.
Issues and possible solutions were
discussed in email, faculty meeting,
meetings with students and DH, and
open meeting with faculty and
students. Assessment report will be
posted on shared drive.
Curriculum/Program changes:
1.NEW COURSE for Fall 08: THEA493 Topics:
Production Design for Motion Picture designed
by Luther Jones and Jack Sholder
2. Write/rewrite Backstage Handbook for Stage
and Screen. (2008-09) Arledge Armenaki;
Luther Jones; Susan Brown-Strauss; Del
DeLorm
Create contract templates with position
descriptions and performance expectations for
each area. Base these on industry/Equity
standards and include modifications as needed
for specific productions and available resources.
(Fall 08 - working drafts created for contracts.
Spring 09 -- pilot)
3. Create link on Departmental home page for
production calendar and related production
reports and updates.
Melody Huddleston (Administrative Assistant)
would be responsible for posting general
production calendar updates. Format and /or
templates for production reports and other
production related information would be
designed by primary faculty in specialty areas
and follow industry standards. Student Stage
Managers or Office Assistants would be
responsible for content. 2008-09
Intended Learning Outcomes
L IBERAL STUDY
COMPETENCIES
The student can relate the
significance of theatre as a
collaborative art form and as
a “mirror” of the society that
produces it. Students can
identify historical figures and
benchmarks in Western
theatre, and theatre
/entertainment arts in terms
of commercial vs. art -- what
constitutes each, and where
their own personal aesthetic
falls.
Targeted for revisions –
assessment 2008-09
1.
2.
Formal testing on content,
reflective writing, assigned
research and presentation
projects
Theatre faculty’s assessment of
the student’s experiences in the
field.
1.
2.
3.
THEA 104 (Theatre Experience)
New course: THEA271 (Theatre
in Education)
THEA 310 (Black Theatre
Experience)
1.
2.
NOTES:

As above, experiential aspects of
these courses are a plus.

THEA 104 course needs more
consistency in content across
multiple sections.

Instructional delivery should
incorporate new technology.

More diversity in multicultural or
global theatre offerings needed
at the Jr./Sr. level with Latin and
non-Western theatre should be
the initial focus.
3.
Part of “Large course redesign
initiative” 07-08. Redesigned course will
be taught fall 08. Assessment tools
being developed to assess student
learning compared to previous format.
Proposal submitted December 07 accepted - on the books for fall 08 with
a capacity enrollment - program design
underway for 08-09 includes a
multidisciplinary approach and will
include formal collaborations across
CFPA - course to be implemented as
part of QEP model for S & S fall 08.
Redesign THEA 310 (fall 08) to
integrate a multicultural approach as
part of S & S strategic plan for
implementation of QEP