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Theatre Student Handbook


FACULTY AND STAFF

  • Claire Abernathy
    • Professor - Design and Technology
    • Costume Shop Supervisor
    • Office 158F
    • cgarrard@astate.edu
    • 870.972.2485
  • Lisa Bohn
  • Jay Burt
  • Dr. Marika Kyriakos - Interim-Chair
  • Brianna Larson
  • Dallas Martinez
    • Assistant Professor - Musical Theatre, Artistic Producing Director, Director of Fowler Center
    • Office 158A
    • dalmartinez@astate.edu
    • 870.972.3315
  • Jeff McLaughlin
    • Associate Professor - Design and Technology, Production Manager and Technical Director
    • Office 158B
    • jmclaughlin@astate.edu
    • 870.972.2373
  • Jarrett Robinett
  • DayDay Robinson
  • Dr. Kristen Sullivan
    • Collaborative Voice Instructor in Music and Theatre
    • Office Fine Arts 132
    • ksullivan@astate.edu
    • 870.972.3037
  • Brandie Tibbs
  • Eli Webb

MISSION STATEMENT

Arkansas State University Department of Theatre offers rigorous theatre training in a liberal arts environment. We empower students to develop their own personal strengths and we provide students with tools and opportunities to realize their potential as artists and life-long learners. We equip students as theatre practitioners, pragmatic problem-solvers, and agents of meaningful change. We share our vibrant production program with audiences and through this work, we serve as cultural leaders for our region, promoting understanding of the social and historical forces that shape the world.

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

The program in theatre is designed to combine classroom instruction with practical production experience, as both are integral to the student’s development.
Classroom experiences provide theoretical, historical, and critical examinations of the theatre as art, craft, and discipline.
Production experiences provide practical opportunities for exploring and applying the theories, concepts, and standards investigated in the classroom.

Arkansas State University Theatre faculty believe that the study of theatre is a superb foundation for a liberal arts education. By studying the many facets of this art form, the student learns to apply history, art, psychology, sociology, philosophy, political/economic systems, and many other disciplines toward the creation of a shared theatrical event.

This liberal arts based education provides opportunities to master critical thinking, communication, and creative problem solving skills as well as become engaged, thoughtful, and compassionate citizens of a global world.

Concerns and Grievances

Introduction
In theatre, we spend an extraordinary amount of time together—in classrooms, labs, rehearsals, and productions. The nature of our craft requires close collaboration, and with it come both the rewards and the challenges of constant interaction. College life can be demanding, and the pressures of academics, personal responsibilities, and daily living may sometimes lead us to speak or act in ways that unintentionally cause misunderstanding, offense, or harm. This goes for faculty, staff, and students. We are all people.
As a department, we are dedicated to fostering a respectful, professional, and supportive environment. We acknowledge that each individual brings unique perspectives and life experiences to our collective work, and we aim to approach one another with understanding and grace. When concerns arise, our objective is to address them promptly, constructively, and with empathy, ensuring that every voice is heard.
The first step in resolving any concern, whether in the classroom, rehearsal, or production, is always to speak directly with the faculty or staff member most closely involved. This might be your professor, director, choreographer, or another member of the production team. Most issues can be resolved at this stage through open and respectful dialogue.
In our productions, we also designate a Company Representative to serve as an additional channel for communication. The representative’s role is to bring forward production-related concerns raised by all company members. However, we ask that the director be approached first so that they have an opportunity to address the matter directly. If the concern remains unresolved, the company representative may assist in escalating the issue.
If, after speaking with the appropriate faculty or staff member, your concern is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may proceed through the formal grievance process, beginning with the Department Chair and continuing through the established chain of command. This process is designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and timely resolution.
In addition to the concern and grievance procedures, the university provides further resources for addressing more serious matters, such as violations of the Student Conduct Code, discrimination, or harassment. These resources ensure that you have options and support at every stage.
Definitions
Concern – An issue, question, or difficulty related to a classroom, rehearsal, or production activity that affects a student’s experience, performance, or well-being. Concerns are generally best addressed through informal, direct conversation with the individual most closely involved.
Grievance – A formal, documented complaint that follows the university’s established chain of command and grievance procedures. Grievances are used when a concern remains unresolved after initial discussion or when the matter involves serious or ongoing issues that require official review.

Procedures for Navigating a Concern or Grievance


1. Start with Direct Communication
 Begin by speaking with the instructor, director, choreographer, or relevant production team member. In most cases, open conversation will resolve the matter.

2. Company Representative (Production Concerns Only)
If you are part of a production, you may bring your concern to the Company Representative after first speaking with the director. The representative can help facilitate communication and determine if the issue should be elevated.

3. Follow the Chain of Command
 If the matter remains unresolved, proceed in the following order:
Instructor/Professor
Department Chair
Dean of the College
Academic Affairs

4. University-Level Support
 For guidance or if you are unsure where to begin, contact Pack Support:
? PackSupport@AState.edu
? 870-680-8888

5. Student Conduct and Appeals
 If your concern involves misconduct, academic or non-academic, submit an Incident Report to the Office of Student Conduct within 10 business days of the incident. Outcomes may be resolved informally or through a formal hearing. Appeals are available through the university process.

6. Title IX and Discrimination Complaints
 Concerns involving discrimination or harassment should be directed to the Office of Title IX or through the Other Sex-Based Discrimination Grievance Procedure. These must generally be filed within 60 days of the incident.

HEALTH AND SAFETY


It is necessary that theatre artists take care in their daily activities to preserve their health. Faculty prioritize safety measures throughout all theatre classes and activities. Students are advised to exercise caution. Faculty encourages consultation for any questions and strongly advises consulting a physician for any health issues. Careers could be at stake if problems persist and are not appropriately addressed.

Automated External Defibrillator

An AED is mounted in the Rotunda.

COVID-19 and other Diseases

The Department of Theatre is taking the threat of communicable diseases seriously to ensure that artists and audiences are safe; therefore, productions and classes may be modified to reduce risk. Protocols will continue to evolve with guidance from the Arkansas Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control. 

Ear Protection

The Department of Theatre provides hearing protection to students in classes such as Stagecraft and Theatre Lab.
Decibels & Hearing Loss
How to Wear Earplugs
Eye Protection
Students must provide their own eye protection for safety reasons. Welding helmets are available when welding.
Eye Protection Training
Emergency Action Plan
Fowler Center has adopted an Emergency Action Plan in case of a tornado, flood, earthquake, or active shooter, which can be found in the Theatre Student Handbook or in the rack outside the Theatre Offices, FC 168.
First Aid Kits
First-aid kits are available in the:
Costume Shop FC 156,
Scene Shop FC 147,
and in the Grand Hall Closet FC 113.
Fowler Safety Orientation
Video Link - https://vimeo.com/947078221?share=copy
Opioid Rescue Kit
An Opioid is mounted in the Rotunda

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