Patricia Helsel
students may attend a critique conducted by members of the National Selection Committee. Part of the festival is devoted to design exhibits featuring the work of advanced students. First and second year Michigan Tech students take part in the experience by observing interview sessions. To broaden the educational value of the conference, students are required to attend a variety of offerings each day, including events that are outside their immediate area of study.
In addition to attending festival events, students engage in daily discussion with faculty, reviewing their participation throughout the day. A final paper is submitted by each student evaluating his or her individual experience. The paper is also a means for students to express what they learned about other programs. Written within the week following the festival, students are apt to reveal their inspiration and suggest ways they can fulfill their inspiration at MTU.
FA 2663 (Career Development) is a course conceived by the Visual and Performing Arts faculty which requires students to attend a professional conference or event. I facilitate the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), Region III event each year. Other faculty use my course model for teaching their sections, attending other industry-specific conferences such as the United States Institute of Theatre Technology or the Audio Engineering Society. Students benefit in several ways from such opportunities. They interact with peers who will likely be a part of the same work force upon graduation.
A six-day 12-hours-a-day conference, KCACTF offers students workshops presented by professionals and faculty from other universities. Students see quality theatre productions presented by other universities in our region. (A few years ago Michigan Tech’s production was one of the selected productions.) Following each production,
The course is set up in CANVAS, allowing students to interact and communicate before, during, and after the conference.
I created a short video to introduce students to the Festival, in a fun way.
