University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) offers an array of theater programs, including a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in theater education/teacher licensure and a master's degree in theater education (M.Ed.). A specialized Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in theater for youth is also available, as is a summer theater education program that can be used to fulfill part of the M.F.A. in theater education requirement. The programs are based on a belief that successful theater majors must show talent in the field as well as dedication to the study and practice of their craft. The teacher education degree is considered a field of concentration within the standard drama B.F.A., so students must be accepted into the UNCG School of Drama, then apply separately for the Teacher Academy halfway through their second year. Students must complete a minimum of 70 hours of supervised student teaching in an approved K-12 program and stage manage two productions. M.Ed. students in theater education must be currently licensed educators pursuing further studies in teaching theater. Admission to the M.Ed. program requires high scores on the PRAXIS II: Theater Specialty Area exam. The M.F.A. in theater for youth requires a portfolio for admission.
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
241 Mossman Building
1202 Spring Garden St.
Greensboro, NC 27412
336-334-5596
uncg.edu
The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) in Greeley, Colorado, offers a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in theater education through its Theatre Educator Intensive (TEI) program that mixes summer intensive studies with regular academic programs. The overall coursework requires 36 credits to complete, with classroom studies focused on technical production aspects, directing and acting. These studies are complemented by online coursework in dramaturgy, theater history and educational development. Graduation from the program requires writing a research thesis on an approved topic and directing a thesis stage production. Prospective students need not be licensed teachers, but assistance in obtaining licensure is available through the university for those who wish to pursue it.
School of Theatre and Dance
Frasier Hall 105
Campus Box 49
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO 80639
970-351-2991
arts.unco.edu
The only undergraduate program in New York state for theater education, according to faculty member Dr. Jay Pecora, The State University of New York (SUNY) at Potsdam offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater education. While many New York schools are known for their training in the arts, SUNY Potsdam combines arts training with intensive teacher education training to prepare students to teach theater in K-12 settings. Theater courses cover acting, directing, design and production as well as observing area theater classes to study current educational methods. Courses in literacy, educational principles and special needs students, along with 12 credits of student teaching, are part of the educational side of the degree. To graduate, students must complete 38 credits plus additional language requirements.
The State University of New York at Potsdam
44 Pierrepont Ave.
Potsdam, NY 13676
315-267-2000
potsdam.edu