Practical Experiences
One key area of differentiation for the Department of Communication & Theatre Arts at AU is the practical, real-world experiences incorporated into every student's education. Every graduate leaves AU with a significant experience of applying their education in a professional setting.Practical Experiences:
- WQME
- Covenant Productions
- State-of-the-Art Equipment
- Andersonian
- Non-profit PR Agency
- Wisdom Tooth Theatre Project
WQME
WQME is a commercial FM radio station serving central Indiana which plays the top hits in adult contemporary Christian music. Students get practical experience announcing, reporting news and sports, screening music and writing, production and editing commercials. Other experiences include live remote broadcasts from the Mobile Studio, promoting local events, hosting contest giveaways, and keeping listeners informed on weather and local school closing information.
Covenant Productions
Covenant Productions has won more than 30 awards, including a Regional Emmy. Students work on a variety of projects, both in the United States and overseas, which have aired on television networks such as EWTN, the Family Channel, Trinity Broadcasting Network, and PBS affiliates across the United States and Canada. Recent works include Anderson University's 2007 Candles and Carols Christmas music program, with the potential audience of one billion viewers; Two Worlds, One Heart: The Least of These in Haiti, the story of Church of God missionaries in Haiti; the Heartland Film Festival Education Series, addressing topics in the motion picture and television industry ranging from film distribution to screenwriting; and the weekly webcast for AU's Chapel/Convocation.
Don Boggs, Mark Dawson, and David Armstrong have 8 regional Emmy nominations, 1 win; 1 Dove nomination; wall full of RIAA gold, platinum, and multi-platinum music videos. For a list of awards, please visit Covenant Productions.
State-of-the-Art Equipment
At many other schools, students wait until graduate school before they are allowed to use professional equipment, and many complete undergraduate assignments using "prosumer" equipment, which is a step below professional-grade. Starting their freshman year, AU's Department of Communication & Theatre Arts allows students access to fully-professional equipment. Students can use equipment in the classroom, for class projects, and all approved independent projects.
The Andersonian
The Andersonian has been the student newspaper of Anderson University since 1947. Published most Wednesday mornings during the academic year, it circulates approximately 2,700 copies to virtually all faculty, staff and students. The newspaper offers journalism students a learning laboratory in which they can develop their reporting, writing, editing, design, photography, computer and management skills. The Andersonian is a member of the Associated Press, the Indiana Collegiate Press Association and the Hoosier State Press Association.
Student-staffed PR agency
The Department’s new PR agency serves the needs of local nonprofit organizations and gives public relations majors a chance to do hands-on, portfolio-quality work. Under faculty supervision, student account executives lead teams that assist nonprofits with strategic planning, copywriting, media relations and event planning.
Wisdom Tooth Theatre Project
Wisdom Tooth Theatre Project connects emerging and established theatre artists. Through creative exploration of the human journey, Wisdom Tooth provokes a profound audience experience and serves as a flashpoint for social awareness, ethical courage, and true imagination.
