Stephen F. Austin State University is one of 150 schools in the country to be accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST). What does this mean for our students and their parents?
Accreditation is a process by which the School of Theatre evaluate is evaluated by an independent and trained group of peers that verify we are substantially achieving our educational objectives and meeting the established standards of the national organization.
During this process, we write a self-study in which we evaluate our work, host an on-site review by a team of evaluators and undergo the judgment of the national accrediting organization.
NAST's review focuses on the department's and university's educational quality, integrity and educational improvements.
The review of educational quality is made according to nationally recognized standards developed by the Association with the full participation of its member institutions and in consultation with various professional groups in the field of theatre.
The review of integrity is made by determining whether the university and department are indeed providing the educational services they say they are offering to the public and whether the university and department are following their own stated operational procedures.
Thus, accreditation by NAST means that students and their parents can be confident that the School of Theatre and Stephen F. Austin State University have defined the educational goals of the theatre program, have the faculty expertise, the facilities and the other resources needed to achieve these goals and are committed to seeking ways of improving our record of achievement.
SFA School of Theatre (SOT) is a comprehensive program dedicated to excellence in teaching, learning, and creating theatre continuously and intensively. Our chief purpose is to prepare diverse professionals to practice and teach theatre and thrive in a wide range of related careers and post-graduate studies. We are committed to contributing to wider communities from the university to the international level.
The student’s imagination and artistic vision are nurtured and balanced with critical thinking and high standards of professionalism.
Each student has a great variety of opportunities for exploration and growth. Facilitated by the individual attention of faculty and staff, each student learns through observation, study, evaluation and experience.
In academic and production work, students, faculty and staff unite our abilities as a theatre company, functioning as a harmonious ensemble on stage, behind the scenes, in classrooms and in other learning environments.
We embrace theatre’s interrelationship with other art forms, technological media and the liberal arts, as our students move among and combine disciplines and modes of expression.
