Student Learning Assessment Program Summary
2002-2003 Academic Year
The Department of Theatre Arts
Eastern Illinois University Mission Statement
Eastern Illinois University offers superior yet accessible undergraduate and graduate
education. Students learn the methods and outcomes of free inquiry in the arts,
sciences, humanities, and professions guided by a faculty known for its commitment to
teaching, research/creative activity, and service. The University community strives to
create an educational and cultural environment in which students refine their abilities to
reason and to communicate clearly so as to become responsible citizens in a diverse
world.
The Mission Statement of the College of Arts and Humanities
The College of Arts and Humanities will enter the 21st Century dedicated to developing
free and rational men and women committed to the pursuit of knowledge in its
fundamental unity, intelligently appreciative, both in their common and diverse
heritage, conscious of their social and moral obligations. Such men and women are best
equipped to master the specific skills of any calling and to become mature, competent
and responsible citizens of a free society. To that end the college will support
excellence in teaching and both scholarly and creative activity. It will create a
community of scholars characterized by freedom of inquiry expression. In every way
possible it will evince its commitment to the centrality of arts and humanities at Eastern
Illinois University and to the community it serves.
The Mission Statement of the Department of Theatre Arts
The Department of Theatre Arts at Eastern Illinois University supports in every way
possible the Mission of Eastern Illinois University and the College of Arts and
Humanities. It prepares its majors for careers in the various fields of the theatrical arts
and provides for the non-major and the community, as a whole, the opportunity to
experience lives theatre performance both as a spectator and as a participant. To that
end the Department Theatre Arts:
Departmental Goals:
a. to prepare the undergraduate theatre major for graduate school, entry
level positions in the theatre, film or television or related professional
areas (secondary education, management, public relations.)
b. to provide the non-major the opportunity to participate in theatrical
experiences at every level of study (performance and production.) "
c. to support the work of other programs in the university by providing a
varied production season, representing major works, genres, and social and
historical perspectives.
d. to provide for, the campus community and the Charleston area a valued
cultural experience.
Comprehensive Departmental Learning Objectives:
What do undergraduate Theatre Majors need to know and understand at graduation?
I. Performance
a. an understanding of basic acting technique
b. an introduction to period style and movement related to performance
c. an understanding of the importance of movement in performance
d. an introduction to the history of acting and the development of contemporary acting techniques
e. an understanding of the workings of the human voice
f. an understanding of the role of the director in the contemporary theatre
g. an introduction to study, analysis and understanding play scripts for production
h. development of the ability to communicate with other artists in the field'
II. Scenery and Costume Design/Technical
a. being able to read, draft and understand basic theatre drawings
b. being able to construct the basic elements used in contemporary stage design (platforms, flats, stair,
etc.)
c. having a working knowledge of the tools used in the contemporary theatre
d. having and understanding of the "Theatre as machine"
e. having an understanding of the basic principles of light
f. having an understanding of how to hang, focus and maintain lighting instruments
commonly used in the theatre
g. having an understanding of the control of light in the theatre
h. having an understanding of the relationship between designers and director
i. having an understanding of fashion as it relates to theatrical performance
j. having a basic understanding of how garments are constructed
III. History and Literature
a. having an understanding of the major periods of drama and their relationship to the contemporary
theatre
b. having an understanding of the principle writers and critics of a given period and the contemporary
view of their works
c. being able to read, understand and analyze play scripts.
d. having an awareness of the significant plays, criticism and theories of the major periods in theatre
history
Assessment Measures
1. Students demonstrate their ability as performers by auditioning for and being cast in departmental
productions. All auditionees receive written evaluations from each director present. Following the
auditions students are encouraged to seek an oral evaluation of their audition.
2. Beginning with the 2002-03 catalog a performance practicum (THA 2000; 3000) will give each of
three directors the opportunity to evaluate a performers participation in the production/performance
program. The same type of program is in place for costumers and set design students.
3. Students taking the advanced directing class are required to audition, cast, prepare a script for
production and work with a team of designers that leads to a public performance of play. Beginning;
with the 2002-03 season student directors must submit a formal proposal for a directing "slot". These
proposals are read and discussed by the faculty as a whole. Final decision rests with the Department
Chair. Funding for the student directed one act plays is provided through an endowment for Dr. and
Mrs. David Joms. Similarly student designers and student stage managers submit proposals to the
department. The department is running a pilot stage manager training program in 2003-04.
4. Students regularly seek employment through competitive state and
regional auditions and interviews. These outside auditions provide students a professional theatre
outlet and through their success demonstrate a positive assessment of the program.
5. Departmental productions are regularly adjudicated by outside evaluators representing the
American College Theatre Festival. Written evaluations are made available to all participants in the
adjudicated play. The evaluator selects 2 cast members to be possible recipients of the Irene Ryan
award for acting. This year students and faculty attended the regional ACTF festival held in
Evansville.
6. Students participate in theatre laboratory classes that put into practice
those skills learned in the stagecraft, costume, and design classes. Their skills are displayed in the
scenic/ costume work produced by the program. All students participating the costume shop are
evaluated by both costume designers; the same is true in the scene shop.
7. All Theatre Arts majors and minors are given an exam during the Theatre Seminar I, THA 2220,
that assesses their general knowledge of the theatre. The same test is administered during Theatre
Seminar II, THA 3220. This test will be revised summer 02 to reflect learning goals of the new
curriculum.
Prepares the undergraduate theatre major for graduate school, entry
level positions in the theatre, film or television or related professional areas (secondary education,
management, public relations.)
The internal Curriculum/Program Review, begun Spring 2000 has been completed. The goals of the
review were to bring the THA curriculum in line with National Association of Theatre Guidelines for
undergraduate theatre programs, assess the student learning objectives in relation to the courses
offered in the curriculum, assess the general operation of the technical production areas.
RESULTS:
* A revised curriculum was sent to the curriculum committee Spring 2001. It was approved in total in
the summer of 2001 and will be fully implemented fall 2002.
Faculty teaching the revised curriculum will be asked to provide the following for each course taught:
How does this course meet the goals and objectives stated as the mission of the program?
Which learning objectives are met by this course?
How are students evaluated?
What other assessment measures might be used to measure a student’s growth?
The 2002-03 Theatre season is the third under the new play selection matrix. The goal is to select
plays from the widest possible representation of period, genre and style.
2000-01 OUR TOWN, MOON FOR THE MISBEGOTTEN, YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE
BROWN, NO EXIT, LYSISTRATA, THE JACK TALES
2001-02 TWO BY TWO, SPOONRIVER ANTHOLOGY, CANDIDA, MASTER HAROLD AND
THE BOYS, THE MANDRAKE, THE RELUCTANT DRAGON
2002-03 WAITING FOR GODOT, THE IMAGINARY INVALID, A DOLL'S HOUSE, RAPUNZEL
Provides the non-major the opportunity to participate in theatrical experiences at every level of
study (performance and production.)
Every effort is made to advertise auditions for all theatre productions both on and off campus.
The Departments strives to maintain a high level of production quality and at the same time keep
ticket prices low in order to allow as many students as possible to see productions. Plays selected for
production are accessible to the general student body. Early advertisement allows instructors to
include them as possible discussion topics for classes.
Many classes require students to view departmental productions. Directors and designers are often
invited to classes to discuss production concepts and performances.
The department changed curtain time from 8:00 to 7:00 to allow for greater participation and for time
to discuss performances after the curtain comes down.
Theatre classes are open to all students on campus. Some may have specific prerequisites. This
department participates actively in the General Education Program. In fall 2002 12 general education
courses are offered for the university. Additionally, students volunteer to work on productions for no
credit.
Supports the work of other programs of the university by providing a varied production season
representing major works, genres, and social and historical perspectives.
The department established a play reading committee (FA 99) to assist in the selection of plays for
production. A matrix for play selection was established to ensure that the widest possible selection of
plays is represented in the production season and that plays worthy of production are chosen.
A letter is sent to every chair and dean informing them of the changes in production schedules and
inviting them and their departments to participate in discussions about the plays. The play reading
committee is committed to select plays as early in the year as possible in order facilitate the inclusion
of productions on course syllabi.
Post production discussions (Talk Backs) were made available for 2 shows LYSISTRATA and NO
EXIT (01-02). Both discussions were well attended and supported the work in the English and
Philosophy programs.
It is hoped to expand these to three discussion 01-02 with Spoon River Anthology, Candida and
Master Harold and the Boys (this was done and was successful; Dr. William Martin participated in the
discussion of the Mandrake.)
2002-03 discussions followed WAITING FOR GODOT and A DOLL’S HOUSE. Students from area
high schools are invited to view a free preview night performance. These have been well attended.
Provide for the campus community and the Charleston area a valued cultural experience.
The department strives to advertise (as much as budget will allow) to let the campus and the
community know what is being produced. Thes~rI1e is true for the Coles county area.
Children's productions fall and spring allow a large number of local students to see and experience
live theatre, some for the first time.
The 03-04 season will include 3 tour experiences for theatre students. The regular fall children’s tour
will continue. Also in the fall there will be a high school tour designed to recruit as well as advertise
the spring season. The spring children’s play will again tour providing a unique experience for the
undergraduate performer.
Goals and expectation for 03-04
1. Continue with the implementation of the new theatre arts curriculum.
2. Develop and collect assessment measures for all 1000 and 2000 theatre
arts classes for the major.
3. Review and revise (if needed) the general knowledge exam.
4. Formalize the proposal format for directors, designers and stage mangers.
5. Expand participation in the practicum sequence.
6. Review the auditions evaluation process.
7. Review and formalize the evaluation process for practicum courses.