New website launched

ECU’s School of Theatre and Dance has transitioned its web environment, created in the Commonspot content management system, into a the WordPress universe.

The change is a part of a university-led initiative to enhance the ECU brand, support accessibility features and remain current with changing technologies.

The new site features a large banner image, envisioned as a bold introduction to a seasonal need—applicants to programs, ticketholders for upcoming productions, or attendees for summer camps and intensives.

In streamlining the site, primary navigation is located across the top of the window, stressing applications to the program, supporting current students, engaging the box office, and honoring the history of the unit.

Two smaller graphic elements support the upcoming production in the ECU/Loessin Playhouse and the latest news, which is connected to an archive.

A photo montage, social media and an events calendar complete the electronic front door of the School.

Connected to the site, but housed on a separate server, is the extensive production archive, dating to 1962.

The alumni section will be rebuilt over time, with support of interns from the School of Communication and contributions from users that self-report activities through a Google tool.

The old site had 395 pages that had been visited at least once from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. At inception, the current site features 36 pages.