Fonds 21.02 - Academic Faculties and Schools: Department of Theatre

The Department of Theatre at Trinity Western University belong to the Faculty of Professional Studies and Performing Arts
Prof. Linda Schwartz, Dean (ca. 2002 - 2006)
David Squires, Interim Dean (2006 - 2007)
David Squires, Dean (2007 - )

Purpose
The mission of the Faculty of Professional Studies
and Performing Arts is to produce competent and
compassionate servant leaders with thoroughly
Christian minds who will “act justly, love mercy,
and walk humbly with their God.” While graduates
from this Faculty are expected to enter many kinds
of professions and assume various positions of
leadership within society, they are also expected to
cherish the abilities which make humans unique in
God’s creation such as the capacities for speech and
written communication, artistic creativity and
performance, and the transmission of culture from
generation to generation.

Department of Theatre
(Nancy) Claire Goodfellow, Chair 1981-1985
Tim Heins, Chair 1986-1991
Lloyd Arnett, Chair 1991 - 2005
Angela Konrad, Chair 2006 -
The Department of Theatre offers a major in Theatre (since 1987), leading to a B.A. degree, as well as a concentration and a minor. The Department of Theatre exists to develop students’ God-given talents in the theatre arts. A major, concentration, and minor prepare students for careers in the professional theatre and media, for graduate school, for public school education, and for drama ministry within the church. Students perform in main-stage productions, touring ensembles, student-directed plays, and the student comedy-improv company, “11:07.” Theatre students attend performances at some 20 venues a year in the Greater Vancouver area. In addition, students may take advantage of regular guest-artist workshops in skill areas such as stage make-up and auditioning techniques. Fourth year students are encouraged to do professional internships at sites that include four Christian professional theatre companies within driving distance of the University and to participate in such professional organizations as CITA (Christians in Theatre Arts).
Source: http://www.twu.ca/academics/calendar/2006-2007.aspx

Chronology and Faculty

While the school has had a long history of informal plays and skits, Trinity Junior College's first official theatrical production, "The Romantics," premiered on March 4, 1967, to a full house. (1967 Pillar yearbook, p. 13) This endeavour was directed by students.
In 1968 the Drama Club, under the auspices of the Cultural Committee, produced "The Return of Chandra" during the second annual Homecoming celebration. The Drama Club presented two plays in 1969: "There Was a Little Girl," and "The Marriage Proposal," by Chekov.
In 1974 a production of Charlie Brown was presented. Peggy Sparr is listed as Lecturer in Dramatic Arts.
Gerald Baron served as Instructor in Drama and Communications from 1976 to 1978. In his first year, he directed "American Dream" and "Deus Ex Machinist." In 1977 the students performed a play written by Baron, titled "The Song of David."
From 1979 to 1981 Kevin Fatkin served as Drama instructor, joined by June Whitaker for one year, in 1980. It appears there was a revival of Charlie Brown performed that year.
In 1981 Claire Goodfellow took over as Assistant Professor of Art and Drama, also serving as Chair of the Fine Arts Division. In 1983 she directed her own play, "Papa John's Musical Garden." During this time, she founded a small touring troupe named Spectra, which performed in local churches and schools as well as on campus. Spectra performed the recitative for St Matthew's Passion, performed by the TWC Choir ca. 1984. Goodfellow left in 1985 to pursue a graduate degree.
Ruth Lamb arrived in 1985-86 to teach some classes in the department.
Tim Heins served as Drama professor from ca. 1986 to 1991, with Ron Reed joining as a sessional instructor during this time.
In 1987 a major in Drama was first offered at Trinity Western.
Heins was succeeded in 1991 by Lloyd Arnett, who served as departmental Chair from 1991 to 2006. In 1993, Angela Konrad joined the department, initially on a part-time basis. Professor Stancil Campbell arrived ca. 1994.
Claire Goodfellow returned in 1997, to teach Art History and Fine Arts and to be appointed Coordinator of Fine Arts (ca 2002/2003). She also served as costume designer for the department for several years. She resigned from her position ca. 2009.
Aaron Caleb joined the department ca. 2006.

Over the years, there has been some overlap between the Theatre (Drama) Department and Extension Ministries.

Theatre at TWU also runs a late-night, bi-weekly comedy improv show called 11:07, alternate Friday nights at 11:07. Tickets are $2 and available at the door.
Source: http://www.twu.ca/sites/theatre/about.html (accessed February 6, 2007)
According to drama professor, Dr. Lloyd Arnett, ‘11:07’ came into being in 1988 under the guidance of his predecessor, Professor Tim Heins (ca. 1986 to ca. 1991). The history of the designated time/name ‘11:07’ remains a mystery.
Source: 2003 Mars Hill

In 2002, Drama Department faculty moved from offices in Strombeck to Lower SNC, in the Robert N. Thompson building.

In October, 2006, it was announced that the Board of Governors "agreed with the proposed change in name of the Drama Department, corresponding degree, and courses to reflect the more professional designation of 'Theatre.'"
Source: President's Report to the Campus, October 23, 2006

On April 6, 2010, the School of the Arts, Media and Culture (SAMC) was launched in Freedom Hall, in the Robert N. Thompson Building. Angela Konrad, Assistant Dean, welcomed those gathered, and Dean David Squires spoke on his vision for the School. http://twu.ca/academics/samc/gallery/samc-launch-2010.html accessed May 27, 2011
The School's first two professional programs - a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting - were announced in June and offered in September. http://twu.ca/about/news/general/2010/professional-programs-in-acting-and-corporate-comm.html accessed May 27, 2011