Theater Arts Program Revitalization
A new Theater Arts concentration was introduced during the fall of 2015 as part of an effort to revitalize the theater arts program, and to better prepare students to meet state and regional teaching certificate requirements. According to the Nebraska Speech Communication and Theatre Association (2013), more than 17,000 high school students compete in speech and theater play production activities in Nebraska each year.
The new program, along with the hiring of a Technical Director of Theater, has resulted in the following outcomes:
- Increased major and minor enrollments
- Improved technical programming and expertise in Ramsey, Ley, and the Black Box theatres
- Provided an efficient, productive, and safe learning environment for theater arts students
- Increased theater arts programming
Regional Service Through the Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts Series
The School of Arts and Humanities serves the region through the Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts Series, hosting more than 100 annually programmed cultural events. This represents an opportunity to showcase the talents of faculty, staff, students, alumni, community members, and visiting scholars participating in musical performances, theatrical productions, literary events, art gallery exhibitions, and the Black and Gold Performing Arts Series. The Wildcat Marching Band also provides entertainment at all WSC home football games and performs at numerous off-campus venues. Through strategic recruitment initiatives band participation has grown significantly, from 65 members in 2002-03 to 104 in 2016-17.
Nationally Accredited Art and Design and Music Programs
The Department of Art and Design is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), while the Department of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Both accreditation reviews focus on educational quality, institutional integrity, and educational improvements.
Plains Writers Series
The Plains Writers Series is held four times a year and has been an integral part of Wayne State College’s history since 1977. This reading series generally features Great Plains area authors and artists in a one- or two-day event free and open to the public. The afternoon readings are followed by a poetry or fiction slam in downtown Wayne. Poetry Slam XXXV was held in the spring of 2016.