July 21, 2010
With its new Bachelor of Science Degree Program in the Dramatic
Arts, Film and Television, St. John’s University launches a dynamic
partnership that delivers the resources of two top academic
institutions to students interested in the performing arts.
Through a unique collaboration with the acclaimed American Academy of
Dramatic Arts (AADA), St. John’s offers students an integrated
range of undergraduate courses combining the liberal arts, formal
dramatic training and the skills to work in front of or behind the
camera.
The new
degree program in performing arts, offered through the
College of Professional Studies (CPS) at St. John’s, will be
available starting Fall 2010.
“St. John’s designed the curriculum for students who want to
broaden their performing arts expertise, while expanding their
career horizons through a strong liberal arts education,” explained
Kathleen Voute-MacDonald, Dean of CPS.
Dean Macdonald cited CPS’s mandate to create high-quality programs
in response to the changing career landscape. According to the
Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the performing arts are
expected to grow 11% by 2018. The demand for skilled performing
arts professionals is driven by the expanding cable and satellite
television industries along with increasing studio and independent
film production and distribution.
“We were able to build on our existing articulation agreement with
the AADA,” explained Frank Brady, Ph.D., who was Chairman of the
CPS Division of Mass Communications when the original agreement was
forged. “We are delighted that St. John’s is partnering with one of
the finest and oldest acting conservatories in the world.”
The 135.5- credit undergraduate program allows students to take
their first and second years at St. John’s campus in Queens, NY.
They complete their final two years at the AADA in Manhattan.
Students also may enter the program as freshmen either at St.
John’s or AADA.
The program also provides
global studies opportunities at the National School of Cinema
in Moscow and the Royal Shakespeare Company in London, said Richard
Rex Thomas, Program Director and Assistant Professor, Division of
Mass Communications.
“We expect the program to attract performing arts students from
around the world,” said Dean MacDonald. “That brings the added
benefit of enhancing the University’s exciting creative and highly
diverse student population.”
In addition, she noted, “the program strengthens St. John’s
reputation as a forward-thinking institution that not only responds
to — but anticipates — new career trends and opportunities.”