The Indiana University Southeast Theatre Mission
The Theatre program at IU Southeast offers students a course of study
which will educate the whole person toward integration of self and the place
of self in the world. Coursework is firmly grounded in IU Southeast's mission
which embraces the traditional goals of liberal education:
"...to increase knowledge; develop the ability to
reason; enlarge and deepen aesthetic sensitivity; instill a sense of responsibility
toward people and the environment; deal intelligently with moral and spiritual
problems; assist students in identifying their aptitudes, enhancing their
abilities, and broadening their interests; and foster the development of
character, which encompasses the highest ideals."
"The Lion In Winter"
Theatre majors are expected to achieve an in-depth knowledge of theatre
which is balanced among history, literature, performance, and technical
arts. The program provides a strong background for the broad range of students
whom it serves by allowing students to obtain a working familiarity with
all facets of theatre. A degree from this program serves as a sound foundation
whether a student goes on to further advanced theatre training, to a career
in the commercial theatre or to careers in related, non-theatrical areas
(such as law, public relations or broadcasting).
At IU Southeast we believe that to fully provide a theatre education,
the curriculum must reflect a balance between content (dramatic literature,
history, theory and criticism) and process (acting, directing, playwriting,
designing, and production techniques). Therefore, in addition to classroom
study, students are expected to actively participate in the IUS Theatre
productions in all aspects of production (from play selection to strike).
This combination deepens the student's understanding of classroom concepts;
enables the practice of new, specialized skills; and strengthens a sense
of commitment and discipline which are essential in the production of live
theatre.
In addition, students are encouraged to take electives which will further
liberalize the individual while, at the same time, develop sensitivities
necessary to a theatre artist -- electives in, for example, psychology,
history, sociology, and fine arts.