The music and theatre arts programs look forward to claiming their distinct identities within the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) this spring after nearly 4 years of planning.
The split process began in 2004 as part of a college realignment strategy developed by former CLA dean Barbara Couture. Since then, theatre arts and music have been functioning separately, but officially they were still one unit. With strong support from administration, faculty, and the CLA Realignment Implementation Team, the proposal was sent to the Faculty Senate Catalog Subcommittee and Academic Affairs Committee for review. With a positive recommendation, the split was approved by the Faculty Senate on October 11, 2007, and will be reported to the regents on February 1, 2008.
The original decision to pursue separation of the theatre and dance program and music was based on factors that included divergent criteria and balloting for faculty tenure and promotion, and a need for each area to be able to create unique and effective partnerships with other departments and units across campus.
Dean Erich Lear has remained fully supportive of the separation throughout. Before assuming his current responsibilities, Lear spent 11 years as director of the School of Music and Theatre Arts, and in that capacity he assisted in conversations that led Dean Couture to initiate the process.
Lear noted, "The action does not result in additional expense, nor are there anticipated changes in administrative structure, curriculum, course delivery, or cocurricular opportunities in the near term for either area."
Instead, Lear envisions both the School of Music and the Department of Theatre and Dance, through their independence, will see increased capacity to work on interdisciplinary synergies and bridge traditional academic boundaries. Emphasizing this, Lear said, "I think the arts in general will become more visible and more integrated into the campus climate."
Laurilyn Harris, chair of the new theatre and dance department, said, "This is a development we have been working very hard toward, and we think this will offer us optimal opportunities to bring theatre arts to the campus and the community."
Both programs offer a rich array of performances throughout the year to the WSU campus and the community. For more information, see the theatre and dance performance schedule or the music performance schedule.
The Chronicle, College of Liberal Arts, Washington State University