Perpendicular Futures: A Footlights College
In this imaginative and thought-provoking episode, futurist and historian Dr. David Staley reads his latest blog article, “Perpendicular Futures: A Footlights College.” Known for his boundary-pushing scenarios for the future of higher education, Staley offers a bold and unexpected vision: What if colleges used performance arts—like theater and show choir—as a strategic enrollment tool, much like intercollegiate athletics?
Drawing inspiration from high school show choir fervor and the storied Cambridge Footlights comedy troupe, Staley explores the idea of colleges investing heavily in performance opportunities not as academic programs, but as extracurricular recruitment strategies. This “perpendicular future” veers sharply from the typical trend lines of higher education planning and invites us to rethink what attracts students to campus in the first place.
Whether you’re a campus leader, a strategist, or simply someone intrigued by the unconventional, this episode will stretch your imagination about what’s possible—and perhaps even probable—for the future of enrollment management.
Perpendicular Change: What it means and why it matters for institutional planning.
Theater and Show Choir as Enrollment Strategy: A new role for extracurriculars.
The Passion Economy in Education: Students paying to perform—not for professional outcomes but for personal fulfillment.
Footlights Reimagined: A nod to Cambridge's legendary troupe and a blueprint for creative placemaking.
NIL Deals for Performers?: Imagining a future where artists, like athletes, earn incentives for their involvement.
Disruption vs. Continuity: Why the future of college enrollment may not follow the path we expect.
How embracing passion-driven participation could unlock new enrollment pathways.
Dr. David Staley is a historian, futurist, and professor at The Ohio State University. He is widely known for his visionary writings and talks that challenge higher education to think differently about its future. In addition to his university teaching and consulting work, Dr. Staley regularly publishes articles on university design and innovation.