Abstract
This article reflects on the termination of a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre program at a private university, examining the institutional, cultural, and political contexts that rendered the decision possible. It critiques the marginal status of the fine arts in higher education, arguing that theatre is especially vulnerable due to its exclusion from the broader educational experience of most Americans. The article calls for theatre educators to revise curricula with pluralistic awareness, contemporary relevance, and a commitment to aesthetic and historical truth. It urges faculty to advocate for theatre education not as vocational training or audience development, but as essential preparation for critical, embodied, and ethical engagement with the world. Through discussion of content selection, pedagogy, and cultural representation, this article positions the undergraduate theatre major as a site for intellectual, social, and artistic transformation, and contends that broader legitimacy depends on reaching and influencing those outside the discipline.
Recommended Citation
Rotte, Joanna
(1989)
"The Context of the B.A. in Theatre,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 69, Article 8.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol69/iss1/8
Accessibility Statement
This item was created or digitized prior to April 24, 2027, or is a reproduction of legacy media created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the University Libraries provides accessible versions of archival materials upon request. To request an accommodation for this item, please submit an accessibility request form.
