The Annual Conference of the Society of Nigerian Theatre Artists (SONTA), the umbrella body of Theatre Arts lecturers in the Departments of Theatre, Dramatic and Performing Arts of Nigerian Universities, takes off today, June 5, 2013, at the Benue State University, Makurdi, with the theme, “Quality Assurance: Theatre, Media and the Creative Enterprise.” 

The Conference, which lasts till 8th June, 2013, is aimed at taking an introspective examination of the Nigerian society, trends and development of various endeavours, especially in the creative industries.

The Convener, Gowon Ama Doki, an Associate Professor and Head, Department of Theatre Arts, Benue State University, said the conference will answer sevalteral questions begging for critical answers, like how to teach research methodology; how to ensure the adherence to basic minimum standards in teaching and research; the implications of the way to operate in relation to output; and how to ensure standards in our film, video, the media and creative industries generally; among others.  

The conference is expected to address the above through subthemes like, quality assurance in the creative industries; policy framework; quality assurance, intellectual property and copyright; quality assurance of teaching and learning in theatre and film; new media and quality assurance; quality assurance in script writing and playwriting; quality assurance in play production; quality assurance in production design and construction; quality assurance in costume and make-up design/production; quality assurance in dance and choreography; quality assurance in Nigerian music performance; quality assurance in audience engineering and marketing; quality assurance in broadcast style and content; quality assurance in event management; quality assurance in fashion design and the carnival arts; quality assurance in stand-up comedy; quality assurance in disc jockeying and management of recreational clubs; quality assurance in gender mainstreaming, and so on.

The Honourable Minister of Culture, Tourism and national Orientation, Chief Edem duke, is expected to grace the Opening Ceremony, as the Special Guest of Honour, and the Annual General Meeting will produce a new National President, to take over from Professor Emmanuel Dandaura of Nasarawa State University, who has served out two terms in office.

Nwagbo Pat Obi
Corporate Affairs