Date of Award
1992
Document Type
Dissertation - NSU Access Only
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education
Advisor
Ronald Newell
Keywords
Students
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop a theatre administration major for the Drama Department at Liberty University. The research questions that were examined include, *Is there a substantial job market for students trained in theatre administration? “; "Are traditional degree programs adequately preparing students for the job market in arts management?*; *What skills can be identified as necessary for a career in theatre management?"; "Are internships of significant value to both student and explorer that they should be a requirement for the proposed major?"; "What should be the essential elements of a theatre administration program at Liberty University?"; and "What elements should be contained in an evaluation design for the proposed major?"
A modified Delphi technique was used to identify and come to a consensus about the necessary skills for a career in theatre administration A panel of twenty-five executives at professional theatres across the nation responded to three Delphi questionnaires. A list of skills was provided to the participants that was developed from an analysis of an employment bulletin known as Art search. The participants had the opportunity to add to or delete the skills mentioned in the literature. Any skill receiving two-thirds agreement from the theatre executives was required for the new curriculum. Sixty skills were Identified as essential for a career in theatre administration. A panel of experts at the University reviewed the skills required by the theatre executives and designed a curriculum based on the necessary skills. Twenty seven courses were selected from the departments of accounting, business, communication, drama, and Journalism. An evaluation model Incorporating both formative and summative evaluations was adopted.
The review of the literature, the completion of the Delphi surveys, and the development of the major by the panel of experts led to several conclusions. There is a Job market in theatre administration that warrants the development of an undergraduate theatre administration degree at liberty University. There Is a void in the area of theatre administration left by traditional degree programs. The methodology of using professional theatre executives to Identify skills necessary for a career in theatre administration and the development of these skills into a theatre administration major by members of the faculty are acceptable approaches to curriculum design. The marketing and evaluation of the program are essential elements for the success and quality of the product.
The curriculum designed by the panel of experts has been formally written into a curriculum proposal for a new major. It Is the recommendation of the Liberty University Department of Drama that the proposed major In theatre administration be approved and Implemented.