Mission Statement

Mission statement, goals, + objectives

The Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance at Indiana University recognizes that theatre is a collaborative art form that brings together a wide range of talents and skills. As a dynamic art, theatre draws its strength from both rich tradition and stimulating innovation.

Our mission is to prepare students to invigorate and expand the life of the theatre through a broad spectrum of outstanding undergraduate and graduate degree programs in theory and practice led by a committed faculty of artists, scholars, and teachers.

Climate statement

Diversity

We will welcome/respect a wide range of experiences and perspectives in the study, practice, and production of theatre and dance. The richness of our creative process and the strength of our community relies on the incorporation of each individual’s unique experience.

Equity

We believe that our practices and community are only strong if all artists are treated equitably. We will continue to identify, examine, and decenter traditions in the fields of theatre and dance that have disproportionately excluded/subjugated/oppressed/invalidated BIPOC, LBTQIA+, and other historically marginalized voices. We amplify these voices to correct structural inequity in our recruiting, programming, curricula, pedagogy, and productions. We commit to meeting casting requirements as indicated by playwright/author in regards to appropriate race, gender, ability, identity, creed, belief, or culture.

Inclusion

We pledge to uphold a safe, respectful, and supportive space for all voices in theatre and dance in our classrooms, our rehearsal and production practices, and our hiring and programming practices. We will identify, acknowledge, and repair any failure to uphold this pledge. To this end, we welcome and rely on honest feedback and open dialogue to ensure justice for historically silenced artists.

Wellness

We prioritize a safe working environment to maintain healthy theatre and dance practices. We create a climate of respect for all members of our community; supporting their physical, emotional, and mental safety and wellbeing. We practice self-care and learning that includes openness, advocacy, and safety. We also acknowledge the additional physical, mental, and emotional burden of oppression on BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neurodiverse, and disabled artists in the creative process, and we pledge to ensure that artists have agency over their own personal wellbeing.

Sustainability

We commit to sustainable practices in our curriculum, studios, and spaces that prioritize ethical and safe use and management of environmental, human, and financial resources. We pledge to reduce, reuse, and recycle whenever possible. We pledge to use methodologies and practices in our spaces and curricula that respect these invaluable and limited resources as we advance the art, scholarship, and appreciation of theatre and dance and its place in society.

To support our mission we share the following goals:

To offer a challenging undergraduate theatre and drama education within a liberal arts setting.
- Provide diverse and integrated courses servicing theatre and drama majors and minors as well as non-majors.
- Foster an environment in which classroom study and practical experience in production are of equal and complementary value.
To provide students of demonstrated talent, skills, and intellectual abilities with a rigorous graduate education in preparation for professional careers.
To create and present a diverse season of significant live theatre in order to train students and engage audiences with high quality productions.
- Select plays that will challenge (all) students in production.
- Produce plays and projects that encompass a wide range of theatrical material and production styles which will enhance the cultural life of the community.
- Create and produce new works for the theatre.
To provide resources and support for the scholarly and creative activities of faculty and students.
- Guest Artists and Scholars
- Collins Lecture Series
- Research and Creative Activity Accounts
- Travel grants
- The National Society of the Arts and Letters Competition
To foster a creative atmosphere which will encourage faculty and students to take intellectual and artistic risks.
- Create and maintain a secure and safe environment
- Develop and maintain open communication
- Enhance self-confidence
To develop cultural diversity in the Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance by:
- Classes
- Production
- Recruitment
- Hiring

Mission Statement