and also a focus group of

ATHE

Association for Theatre in Higher Education.

Watch in the next issue for information on workshops offered by VASTA at the

ATHE Conference, Toronto, July 28-31 !!

(continued from page 4 - Journal)

has approved a dues increase to $65, effective January 1, 1999. Student membership will remain at the current $35. Reciept of the journal would be an automatic benefit of membership.

The committee is currently searching for a publisher. To date we have not been successful in finding one interested in printing a journal for an organization as small as ours. The size of our membership and thus our market, could be an important limitation to confront as we go forward. We may need to consider other solutions. Some ideas put forward have included self-publishing or starting as an exclusively electronic, on-line journal.

It is likely that most members will want a traditional-style bound journal. In addition to its convenience for access and teaching, there is something rewarding about seeing your writing in print and holding it in your hand.

If we are unable to secure a publisher, yet still want a traditional journal, we may need to examine the realities of self publication, and see if that presents a viable option. We could manage the whole job ourselves by contracting for printing and mailing services, but would be responsible for accounting, subscriptions, design, marketing, advertising, reprints, storage, etc. It is a dauntingly large project. This is particularly true for an organization that is thinly dispersed and not concentrated in a geographical center where volunteers could meet to do the physical production work. This approach also has the disadvantage of distracting the editorial staff from its primary focus of nurturing and shaping quality content.

An on-line journal represents an attractive option. Finding a web sponsor is much simpler than locating a publisher (interested organizations have already made offers of support). Indexing, searching, class-room and library access are all more efficient. Hard copies of articles are easily printed. There are no practical restrictions on length, number of photos and illustrations, or use of color (all of which are real limitations on traditional publications). Reprints are instantly available. It saves trees. Printing, mailing and distribution are completely removed as expenses and

>>

distractions. Costs are considerably lower. We may be able to reduce or avoid a dues increase. The disadvantages are that electronic journals do not enjoy the same degree of respect at this time (though, that is changing); they are available only to those with on-line access; and they can't provide the emotional satisfaction of seeing the publication standing proudly on your bookshelf or appearing in your dean's mailbox with a bow on it.

We are still researching the best way to publish the Journal. Any opinions from the general membership are welcomed. If anyone has connections with a publisher, please pass them on to the committee.

How You Can Get Involved

There are several ways that you can support the Journal:

Write. Begin to do the preliminary work for article submissions, now. It is not too soon. If you are not confident of your journal writing skills, consider co-authoring a piece. The committee can make suggestions on topics, assist with research advice, and help you connect with other authors.

Edit and Review. If you have particular areas of expertise or concern, you may want to volunteer as a peer reviewer, or to serve as an editor for a department in the Journal. Contact the committee if this piques your interest.

Tell people. It is especially important that we reach people in allied professions who may want to both read and write for the Journal. You can help us get the word out.

Let's make the Journal a success. We work hard to have our actors heard, felt, and understood on stage. It is just as important that our ideas be heard, felt and understood - in print. In theatre, each performance is unique and fleeting. It lasts only one night. Your words on the page or on the web can influence our work for generations "...so long as men can breathe or eyes can see...."

VASTans are extraordinarily committed artists, teachers and trainers. Share the best of your work with the rest of us, and leave a legacy for the future.

Contact the committee to found the Journal, through the editor:

Rocco Dal Vera
U/C College-Conservatory of Music
P.O.Box 210096
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0096
(513) 556-1981
<Rocco.DalVera@uc.edu>