Theatre Arts Mission Statement
The mission of the Theatre Arts Department at Westmont College is to develop students’ creativity, technical skills, and disciplinary knowledge within a rigorous, collaborative environment. Rooted in an incarnational perspective on theater and faith, the Theatre Arts Department helps prepare students for lives in the professional, educational, and/or community theatres; provides distinctive artistic experiences for Westmont and the immediate Santa Barbara communities; and offers opportunities to all students for developing personal, social, and artistic skills essential for life-long learning and creativity.
Student Learning Goals
- Westmont College Theatre Arts students cultivate their individual creative spirits, and display the imagination, technique, and self-discipline necessary for effective work on the stage.
- Westmont College Theatre Arts students display a deep and broad understanding of the theory and practice of the western stage.
- Westmont College Theatre Arts students cultivate tools for effective written communication, in relation to the received historical, theoretical, and practical development of western theatre and drama.
- Westmont College Theatre Arts students develop tools for the effective embodiment of fictional characters through language and action.
- Westmont College Theatre Arts students locate their place in a diverse world, and recognize opportunities for active societal engagement in and through their artistic work.
- Westmont College Theatre Arts students understand the relationship between their faith and their discipline, and strive to become faithful artists and individuals in the world.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Display appropriate skill in creation, development, and presentation of theatrical performances.
- Demonstrate core knowledge in major literature, history, and theory of western theatre practice.
- Apply discipline-specific research methodologies in crafting effective writing about theatrical practice.