Demand for Studying and Feasibility Study of Master Degree on Applied Theatre and Drama And Contemporary Theatre and Performance Practice Program

Abstract

The research is entitled “A Study of Demand Trend and Possibility of Launching a Master of Fine and Applied Arts Program in Drama and Contemporary Performing Arts”. The objectives of the research are: (1) to study a current trend and demand on the Master of Fine and Applied Arts Program in Drama and Contemporary Performing Arts (2) to analyze the possibility and readiness in launching the new master program in drama by a faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Thammasat University (3) to propose a guideline of establishing the program in drama such as concept, principle and rationale, objectives, and curriculum plans. Samplings consist of three groups: (1) fourth-year undergraduate students and students earning bachelor’s degree in drama and performing arts in year 2014 from 12 universities with these majors both public and private ones (2) actors, actresses, artists, and people who work in this field, obtain a bachelor’s degree in drama and still work for current drama groups (2015-2016) and (3) collecting data from interviewing specialists in drama and performing arts to study a concept, principle, viewpoint, and recommendation for launching the master of fine and applied arts program in drama and contemporary performing arts The result of the research based on 460 survey questionnaires given to the first two sample groups shows that 399 questionnaires accounting for 86.7% were given back. The first sample group responded 353 questionnaires accounting for 86.1% from 410 questionnaires given. The second sample group responded 46 questionnaires representing 92 % from 50 questionnaires. Both groups were interested in the new master program. From the first sample group, 308 participants fromThe research is entitled “A Study of Demand Trend and Possibility of Launching a Master of Fine and Applied Arts Program in Drama and Contemporary Performing Arts”. The objectives of the research are: (1) to study a current trend and demand on the Master of Fine and Applied Arts Program in Drama and Contemporary Performing Arts (2) to analyze the possibility and readiness in launching the new master program in drama by a faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Thammasat University (3) to propose a guideline of establishing the program in drama such as concept, principle and rationale, objectives, and curriculum plans. Samplings consist of three groups: (1) fourth-year undergraduate students and students earning bachelor’s degree in drama and performing arts in year 2014 from 12 universities with these majors both public and private ones (2) actors, actresses, artists, and people who work in this field, obtain a bachelor’s degree in drama and still work for current drama groups (2015-2016) and (3) collecting data from interviewing specialists in drama and performing arts to study a concept, principle, viewpoint, and recommendation for launching the master of fine and applied arts program in drama and contemporary performing arts The result of the research based on 460 survey questionnaires given to the first two sample groups shows that 399 questionnaires accounting for 86.7% were given back. The first sample group responded 353 questionnaires accounting for 86.1% from 410 questionnaires given. The second sample group responded 46 questionnaires representing 92 % from 50 questionnaires. Both groups were interested in the new master program. From the first sample group, 308 participants fromศิลปกรรมสาร 81the total of 353 were interested in applied drama, contemporary performing arts in dramatic arts, and performing arts and dance. 87 participants or 28.2% were interested in applied drama. 109 participants or 35.4% were interested in contemporary performing arts minoring in dramatic arts. And, 165 participants or 53.6% were interested in performing arts and dance. From the second sample group, 38 participants from the total of 46 were interested in applied drama, contemporary performing arts in dramatic arts, and performing arts and dance. 35 participants or 76.1% were interested in applied drama. Seven participants or 15.2% were interested in contemporary performing arts minoring in dramatic arts. And, five participants or 10.9% were interested in performing arts and dance. The most reason representing 74.4% of the total of 229 interested participants from the first group interested in the new master program was that these fields of study are the same ones as their previous fields of study. The secondary reason representing 59.7 of the total of participants was that they wanted to develop their own knowledge and apply it. The least reason representing 49.4% of the total of interested participants was that they were interested in program coursework. The most reason representing 91.3% of the total of 46 interested participants from the second group interested in the new master program was that these fields of study are the same ones as their current job. The secondary reason representing 76.1 of the total of participants was that they wanted to gain knowledge and pursue a Ph.D. in Thailand and oversea. The least reason representing 73.9% of the total of interested participants was that they wanted to develop their own knowledge and apply it. 81.8 % of the total of 308 interested participants from the first sample groupwas mostly interested in “Plan B” curriculum with an independent study whereas 18.2% of the total was interested in “Plan A” curriculum with a thesis. From the second sample group, 87% of the total of 46 interested participants was interested in “Plan B” curriculum with an independent, and 13% of the total was interested in “Plan A” curriculum with a thesis. A summary of the data from interviewing the specialists who gave their opinions and suggestions on the possibility and direction for launching the new master program can be divided into 4 categories: (1) genuine understanding a definition of applied drama and contemporary performing arts; this is crucially important as each coursework can be arranged perfectly in each program to meet its objective and this will assist graduate students to acquire knowledge and apply it potentially and meaningfully (2) each program with appropriate coursework; the content of the coursework can be applied and modern (3) program lecturers, the most important category; the lecturers must be knowledgeable and skillful, have work experiences, and specialize in each field of study and this position should be open to all and should not restrict to only TU personnel and (4) Creating a unique program and vivid objectives of the program; this needs to be integrated with the university’s policy framework and can be led to produce creative work to be seen.