National Association of Schools of Theatre

National Association of Schools of Theatre. The National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) is an organization that accredits institutions offering Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees in Theatre Arts, as well as other related fields such as Dance, Playwriting, and Theatrical Design. NAST is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and is a member of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA). The organization is also affiliated with the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

● History

The National Association of Schools of Theatre was established in 1965 by a group of theatre educators and professionals, including John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the American Theatre Association. The organization's early years were marked by collaboration with other arts accrediting agencies, such as the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). NAST's founding members included representatives from institutions such as Yale University, New York University (NYU), and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The organization's first executive director was Robert B. Aly, who played a key role in shaping NAST's accreditation standards and procedures. Over the years, NAST has worked closely with other organizations, including the Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), and the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT).

● Accreditation

NAST accreditation is a voluntary process that involves a comprehensive review of an institution's theatre program, including its curriculum, faculty, facilities, and resources. The accreditation process typically takes several years to complete and involves a series of evaluations and site visits by NAST reviewers, who are experts in the field of theatre education. Institutions that receive NAST accreditation must demonstrate compliance with the organization's standards and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that students receive a high-quality education in theatre arts. NAST-accredited institutions include Carnegie Mellon University, University of Michigan, and the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). The organization also works closely with other accrediting agencies, such as the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

● Membership

NAST membership is open to institutions that offer degree programs in theatre arts and related fields. Member institutions must meet certain eligibility requirements, including accreditation by a recognized accrediting agency and a demonstrated commitment to excellence in theatre education. NAST members include a wide range of institutions, from small liberal arts colleges like Swarthmore College and Wesleyan University to large public universities like University of Texas at Austin and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The organization also has a number of international members, including institutions in Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia. NAST members have access to a range of resources and benefits, including professional development opportunities, networking events, and access to the organization's accreditation services.

● Standards and Guidelines

NAST's standards and guidelines for accreditation are designed to ensure that students receive a high-quality education in theatre arts. The organization's standards cover a range of areas, including curriculum, faculty, facilities, and resources. NAST-accredited institutions must demonstrate compliance with these standards, which are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in the field of theatre education. The organization's guidelines also provide guidance on issues such as assessment and evaluation, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes. NAST's standards and guidelines are informed by the work of other organizations, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Theatre Conference (NTC), and the Theatre Library Association (TLA).

● Governance and Leadership

NAST is governed by a board of directors, which includes representatives from member institutions and other stakeholders in the field of theatre education. The organization's board is responsible for setting policy, overseeing the accreditation process, and ensuring that NAST's standards and guidelines are met. NAST's executive director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization and works closely with the board to implement the organization's strategic plan. The organization's leadership team also includes a number of staff members, who are responsible for areas such as accreditation, membership, and communications. NAST's governance structure is designed to ensure that the organization remains responsive to the needs of its members and the broader field of theatre education, and includes input from organizations such as the American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) and the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF). Category:Arts accreditation