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BFA – Theatre Education Concentration

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama – Theatre Education

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The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Drama with a concentration in Theatre Education prepares qualified undergraduates to become effective professional theatre educators at the elementary (K-5), middle (6-8), and secondary (9-12) levels. Theatre Education students explore a rigorous 128-credit-hour, well-rounded curriculum that includes the study of all areas of theatre within the context of the liberal arts, as well as coursework in professional education. Content courses include: playwriting, acting, voice, directing, drama in education, theatre history, scenery/costume construction, stage makeup, theatre management, stage management, and all areas of design: scenery, lighting, and costumes.

To receive secondary admission into the Theatre Education concentration, students must first be admitted to the University. Provisional admission to the Theatre Education concentration is granted during the first three semesters. Students’ work will be reviewed during a faculty interview in the first year, which includes submission of a formal qualifying paper. After receiving passing scores on the Praxis® Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) test (or exemption), maintaining a 3.0 minimum GPA, and completing 35 hours of pre-student teaching field experience, students apply for admission to the School of Education during the second semester of their second year. Before student teaching in their final spring semester, Theatre Education students must accumulate a minimum of 100 verified hours of pre-student teaching observation and field experience in local-area classrooms. In the final spring semester, student teaching is the culmination of the Theatre Education student’s training, completing 15 weeks in the classroom with 8 weeks full management of their on-site teacher educator’s classes.

Students graduating with a BFA in Drama with concentration in Theatre Education will also complete an EdTPA summative assessment during their final year, and must include passing scores in the Praxis II: Theatre specialty area test. Upon successful evaluation of the requisite assessments, students will be recommended for a K-12 Professional Educator’s Initial License in the North Carolina Public Schools.

Curriculum

View the Undergraduate Bulletin for this program’s curriculum.

View the Theatre Education Handbook  for a more comprehensive perspective on the concentration’s additional requirements.

FAQ:

Why should I consider Theatre Education at UNC Greensboro for my teacher training?

Whereas many theatre education programs are mild extensions of a liberal arts degree, the BFA concentration in Theatre Education focuses on a comprehensive and well-rounded study in theatre content and pedagogy.  The rigorous 128 total semester hours primarily consist of multiple experiences in technical theatre, performance, design, directing, stage management, playwriting, theatre history, dramaturgy, and experiential learning with drama in the K-12 schools.  The theatre content makes up over 70 total hours and an additional 24 hours of professional education coursework not only prepare student teachers for their first teaching job, but a sustainable career of leadership in the field of public education. In addition, students earn over 100 hours of field experience, observing licensed theatre teachers in a diverse array of K-12 schools, as well as opportunities to direct short plays within the community, and the student teaching experience capstone boasts 8-10 weeks of solo-but-supported facilitation, carrying the full-day load of a cooperating teacher’s K-12 classes.  In the past ten years, those graduates who have actively sought gainful employment have enjoyed a hire rate of over 90%, and many still work as some of the most effective teachers in the state, leading in their local communities and professional organizations.

What all is required to earn a BFA in Theatre Education? 

To be successful in the program, it is important that you read and follow our Theatre Education Handbook. This cumulative resource will answer the bulk of questions related to program expectations. As you explore it, the Director of Theatre Education, Joshua Purvis, would be happy to answer any direct questions or clarify any information within the handbook.

When am I accepted in the Theatre Education program? 

First-year students are accepted into the BFA THRED program provisionally (which serves primarily to orient and guide first-year students within the program), but are not granted secondary admission until they are recommended to the School of Education, which can occur after the first full year, but often occurs during the second, since it entails maintaining three semesters of a minimum 3.0 UNCG GPA, 35 hours of field experience, passing scores (or SAT/ACT exemption) for the Praxis Academic Core test, and interview with the Director of Theatre Education during the end-of-year review.

Will I graduate in time as a transfer student? 

Transfer students should note that the program is concerned with the maturation and sequential training of the young artist/educator. Thus, enrollment for six semesters (three years) is required, even when students begin study in their third year. Students planning to transfer to UNCG to pursue a B.F.A. in Theatre Education are cautioned to take courses that meet General Education Core (GEC) requirements instead of taking courses in the major.

Graduating in time as a transfer student is seldom the case with pre-professional degrees (e.g. BFA, BS, etc.), where the bulk of coursework is designed to occur at the university (and thus non-GEC courses seldom transfer cleanly). However, it is not impossible depending on your circumstances. Do note that the Registrar’s Office makes all final decisions regarding what credits transfer. The Director of Theatre Education can potentially aid in optimizing your transfer credits if you set up a meeting and come prepared with past syllabi and coursework. However, many transfer students find that the depth of study within the UNCG School of Theatre exceeds their experience within their previous institutions, and they place value on fully preparing to teach in the content area they are studying.

 When will I student teach? 

Student teaching only takes place in the spring semester of your fourth year, and all coursework must be completed before student teaching. This means that if you decide to take an extra semester in an extended fourth year, you will actually need to stay an extra year in order to student teach in the final spring semester. Refer to the Theatre Education Handbook for more information on student teaching as well as requirements you will need to fulfill in order to student teach. 

Questions? Contact Joshua Purvis at [email protected] or 336-517-7878.  Because Mr. Purvis is frequently working in the public schools, email receives the fastest response.

Notice:

The U.S. Department of Education requires that all higher education institutions advise students as to whether their educational curriculum meets the standards required for a professional teaching license/certificate in the state or U.S. territory where they plan to teach.

As such, please review UNC Greensboro’s status by state/U.S. territory for the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama in Theatre Education program. You should note whether this degree either “meets” or “does not meet” the curricular requirements for a license/certificate in the chosen state or U.S. territory. Contact Joshua Purvis at [email protected] or (336) 519-7878 with any questions regarding these data.