2008 Student Technology Fee Proposal Form

2008 Student Technology Fee Proposal Form

Department/Organization: Theatre Arts

Name(s) of Project Applicant(s)

Name Kyle Matthews MS 9108 Phone 360-296-1586

Name MS Phone

Name MS Phone

Name MS Phone

Principal Contact person:

Name Kyle Matthews Phone 360-296-1586

Amount Requested for project:

$36,248

Important note

: Before completing this form, please read the

Proposal Form Instructions located on the STF website:

http://www.wwu.edu/stf/

I. Project Abstract

Give an overview of existing environment, and summarize the items being requested. Include a brief explanation as to how the requested technology will improve student

access to technological resources and/or enhance the quality of students’ academic experiences through the use of technology and/or increase the integration of technology into the curriculum.

The Department of Theatre Arts is asking for funding to upgrade to a state-of-the-art undergraduate design laboratory for our theatre design students. Currently we have pieced together a small design lab that has limited capabilities. The problem with the current limited lab is that students have little opportunity to practice the design and technical skills taught in their classes. Additional equipment will expand our lab so that we are meeting the demands of our students.

Labwork is an essential part of every undergraduate design student's education. This is where they can practice their art. Having a basic lab in place has allowed freshmen and sophomores to gain critical knowledge of theatre technology prior to designing a production in their junior or senior year. The equipment requested would allow students to put theory into practice using high-end technology that is the standard in most professional theaters and film stages.

II. Relationship to STF Objectives and Impact upon existing

Academic Programs

Describe your proposed project in detail. Tell us how it will provide positive benefits to specific courses or instructional programs.

1. From a student perspective:

a. How would this project provide additional student access to technological resources?

The number one issue for design students is finding opportunities to gain practical experience with advanced theatre technology. The pressure of working with equipment in a production environment often leads to a non-successful product for the students because they feel rushed to producing work "under the gun". By having a state-of-the-art lab solely dedicated to young theatrical designers, we will be able to give them the time and the space to develop and test their skills and abilities in a pedagogic environment so that when they use these skills in production they can be successful in the short term, and competitive in the job market in the long term. This lab would open new doors to our students in the ever changing world of technical theatre design.

For example, we would like to introduce touch screen technology as a way of programming intelligent lighting insturmentation. This technology is revolutionizing the way a designer can illuminate the stage by giving more pinpoint control and precision on stage.

b. How would this project broaden or enhance the quality of the student’s academic experience through the proposed technology?

State-of-the-art design technology is paramount to academic and professional success. Students need to be able to access a variety of lighting, scenic and costuming design simulations. The proposed lab would be integrated into all of the theatrical design curriculum (lighting, scenic, costuming, and sound design classes) as a valuable tool to help students gain experience working with

technology in non-production based classes. Students in the Dance Program will also be using the equipment for the required training in stage management, lighting and costume design.

c. How would this project integrate technology into coursework?

The majority of design education work is technology (computer) based, and is augmented by learned art skills, and talent . From computer-aided drafting classes to learning how to program a

lighting console, technology plays a large part in our students' class work. The upgrade of the computer-based design lab would provide our students with more access to computer programs and

design on stage. Our students' course work and designs would continue to grow and mirror that of current industry standards.

2. From a faculty perspective, explain how this project will enhance your ability to help students meet their educational goals.

The biggest challenge in teaching design students is getting them enough practical knowledge with advanced technology. Technology and the ability to use it on stage is a greatly needed skill for all theatrical design students as they enter today's job market. With the addition of new lab equipment, we will be able to train our students in the most advanced level of technical theatre. They will be able to see their work in live interactive computer simulations that will help train them in proper stage design methodology and practices. The requested upgrade is far superior to what we are currently able to offer our students and will help us to continue to recruit the best technical theatre students.

3. Will other departments be involved with this project? If so, please describe.

Students in the Dance Program will use the lab and several courses in the Dance curriculum to learn stage management, lighting and costume design.

4. Has any part of this project previously been funded by STF? No Yes (Please describe):

III. Utilization

1. Please list the anticipated number of times and duration per each use, per quarter, that the proposed technology will be used by students.

Every quarter, as part of the Department of Theatre Arts production program, student lighting, scenic and costuming designers would be accessing the design lab to work on all elements of their design for that quarter’s productions. Students already utilize the current small basic design lab heavily each and every quarter. All student designers register for Theatre 355 or 455 as part of their design education requirements. Most student designers have been averaging between 10-20 hours in the design lab per design. With the requested upgraded

equipment, we will be able to expand their experiences and train them in state of the art technology.

Also every quarter, students in the Dance Program would be using the lab for DNC 256 - Dance Production and Stage Management, DNC 255 - Dance Production - Lighting, DNC 243 - Dance & Technology I, DNC 343 - Dance & Technology II, DNC 397 - Dance for the Camera's Eye, DNC 334 - Music and Movement, as well as for Senior Capstone Projects, DNC 401 and 401. Choreography classes (DNC 242, 342, 442) would also use the upgraded lab.

Additionally, the following Department of Theatre classes would be using the requested upgraded equipment each and every class period. In addition, students would be using the lab outside class time for homework and technical practice:

Theatre 212 - Introduction to Stage Technology

Theatre 313 - Beginning Lighting Design Theatre 314 - Stage Management

Theatre 412 Advanced Stagecraft Theatre 413 Advanced Lighting Design

Theatre 420 - Advanced Theatre Design and Portfolio Development

Theatre 496 - Senior Project

Additionally all of the lighting equipment would be used in all the costume design classes to help teach how light interacts with the other theatrical design elements.

IV. Project Budget

This section of the proposal details the estimated cost of the project. Please include costs that will be covered by your department or another source, for ongoing costs such as personnel or operating expenses.

To assist you in preparing your budget, please consult with relevant campus support departments ATUS, Purchasing, Space Administration, etc.) For more information, see this page on our website: http://www.wwu.edu/stf/instructions.shtml

ATUS has developed standard configurations for desktop and laptop PCs and Macs. Your project is not limited by these standards, but these figures may be helpful. Standard configurations can be found on the Student Technology Fee website:

http://www.wwu.edu/stf/instructions.shtml

Please complete all of the following sections (attach Excel spreadsheet for any additional details).

Item Quantity Item Cost Total

60 inch LCD Flat Panel Monitor 1 3000.00 3000.00

24 inch 2.8 mhz INTEL IMAC (stand Configuration w apple care)

4 2300.00 9200.00

R2400 Epson Photo Printers 1 850.00 850.00

Jands Vista Lighting Control board S-1 control module / 2048 dongle & hardware and cable

1 7000.00 7000.00

Adobe production Premium Suite 8 341.00 2728.00

Vector works 2008 – CAD software 4 350.00 1400.00

Poser 7 and Vue 6 Esprit Power Bundle 8 140.00 1120.00

Wacom 6 x 11 tablets

Troll Touch -

Touch screen software for mac display

2 1300.00 2600.00

Troll Touch Touch screen software

for 13 inch macbook (instructor copy)

1 700.00 700.00

Mini intelligent light package 1 5000.00 5000.00

Epson PowerLite

1700c Multimedia Projector

1 1000.00 1000.00

Sony DCR-SR300E

40GB Hard Drive Digital Camcorder

1 900.00 900.00

Shipping (taxable) Tax (8.4%)

$36,248

We recognize your proposed budget as an estimate.Final funding for successful projects will be established after through technical review; some costs will need adjusting due to price changes. The STF Committee may impose special conditions upon a project. See Sections B.7 & B.9 of the STF Mission Statement

http://www.wwu.edu/cms/WWU.STF/mission.html

1. Could this project be divided into discrete elements that could be funded separately?

No Yes Please summarize and prioritize project segments with cost estimate for each segment.

Each piece of this request works together and dividing the project would not be effective for changing the technical theatre experience for student learning.

2. Are lab fees charged for any of the courses that will use this equipment?

No Yes If yes, please note: the total funding requested from the STF must reflect the amount collected from course fees for equipment replacement and/or equipment acquisition. All proposals asking for course fees will be reviewed by the Academic Budget Office.

V. Impact on Existing Resources

The proposal should address your project’s potential impact on existing resources. Special attention should be given to impact on data transmission networks (e.g. sources accessed, networking equipment, etc.), and personnel (e.g. staffing, administrative support, faculty support, etc.).

Any proposal that includes the replacement of computers should specifically address the feasibility and cost effectiveness of upgrading the computers rather than replacing the computers.

1. Describe how existing equipment is used. Contrast this to projected use if your project was funded.

The design lab is currently used each quarter by various student designers on an average of 10-15 hours per week depending on the needs of the various shows and classroom assignments. We anticipate that number greatly increasing with the requested equipment. Our student designers would have access to technology that we currently do not have. Student creativity and productivity would increase with this grant.

2. Is similar equipment or technology available elsewhere on campus—such as the Student Technology Center, Classroom Services, Video Services, Western Libraries, a college lab? If so, please describe why the existing equipment doesn’t meet the needs outlined in this proposal.

No. There is nothing of this type anywhere else on campus. Requested equipment will be integrated into the current lab to bring it up to industry standards. It would be its own unique lab space that would combine computer-based technology and visualization along with digital lighting technology.

3. If this project involves the replacement of equipment:

a. Describe the ‘before and after’ configuration changes. A spreadsheet reflecting these changes can be attached.

We are replacing, integrating, upgrading and adding to the existing lab.

3-D visualization on a 23-inch screen would now be viewed on a 60-inch screen so the entire class can look at the demos.

Currently no lighting board to practice DMX based light board programming. Equipment requested would solve this need. Currently there is no computer visualization of costume designs possible. Requested equipment would solve this need.

b. Describe the costs and benefits of replacing vs. upgrading (if applicable).

None, we would like to add current industry standard equipment to the lab.

4. Will this equipment be available to students outside your department?

No Yes

5. If the proposed technology will be used by students outside your department, please describe how they would gain access, how the availability of the equipment will be publicized, the hours/week when the equipment will be available, and any costs that would apply.

Any student who has taken the introduction to lighting design class (THTR 313) would be able to use the lab. We are open to allowing all members of the campus to use this exciting space.

6. Does this project involve the check-out of equipment to students?

No Yes If yes, please discuss whether or not the Student Technology Center could be assigned this task.

Equipment would be housed and installed in Bond Hall room 14.

6. Does the department have adequate operating funds to provide on-going maintenance and support?

No Yes Please describe.

Department of Theatre Arts has set aside funds to maintain and provide supplies to keep the lab functional and stocked for student use. This includes paper and ink for printers, lighting gels for lights, and personnel to monitor and help students in the lab.

7. Does the department have adequate personnel funds to provide on-going staff support for this project?

No Yes Please describe.

A faculty member supervises and trains all students in the lab.

VI. Space and Site Information

This section addresses any space alteration or site preparation necessary for the proposed project. Site alterations include painting, holes in walls, security systems, carpeting, construction, lighting changes, or conversion of a lab or office

Special Note: If this project requires any site preparation, or if this project uses any space not currently under control of the department, a draft proposal must be submitted to Space Administration by Friday, January 11, 2008. Space Administration and Facilities Management will conduct a site survey and respond back to you with

information concerning project feasibility, cost, and schedule. This information must be included in the final project proposal.

Proposals for projects that involve any site preparation will be considered only after the required site survey by Space Administration and Facilities Management has been completed.

1. Location for installation of equipment or technology. Bond Hall Room 14

2. Is site modification required?

No Yes Please describe. (Electrical, air, painting, lighting, security, network access, etc.)

Currently we have 6 open network ports; we may need additional ports (4-8) depending on how we would configure the new equipment listed.

3. Will this project use space not currently assigned to your department or area?

No Yes Please describe.

VII. Project Schedule

This section describes your overall implementation schedule. Project awards will be announced by the end of spring quarter. It is anticipated that projects would be

substantially completed by the end of the calendar year. If there is any site preparation involved, please align your project schedule with the schedule provided by Space Administration and Facilities Management.

This upgade could be handled very easily by the Department of Theatre Arts. Equipment purchasing and installation would take 3-5 weeks.

VIII. Constraints

This section should list any external or internal factors that could affect your project schedule, project objectives, or the project budget (e.g. if external approval is required for curricular changes, or if funding must be received by a certain date).

1. Please describe any constraints to this project. none

IX. External Funding

This section must be completed for any projects over $100,000. For project budgets of this scale, the applicant should investigate opportunities for obtaining external funding for all or part of the proposed project.

1. Describe the external organization(s) able to provide funding in support of this project.

none

2. Describe the funding cycle for these requests (submission dates, projected award dates).

none

3. Indicate the amount of external funding that would be requested.

none

4. In cases where joint funding is requested, what will happen if the STF award is made and the external grant is not awarded?

none

5. Has a grant proposal already been submitted for all or part of the proposed STF project?