Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama - Theatre Education K-12 Licensure

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Education at UNC Greensboro prepares students to become effective professional theatre educators at the elementary (K-5), middle (6-8), and secondary (9-12) levels. Graduates also find meaningful work in related fields outside of the traditional classroom.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Education Program Distinctions

UNCG’s Theatre Education program is a pioneer in the field with high post-graduation employment rates, and immense field experience.

• Established as North Carolina’s very first specific Theatre Education concentration for a B.F.A., the program has a long-standing history of shaping arts educators.
• Graduates who actively seek jobs maintain an impressive hire rate of over 90%.
• Students log over 100 hours observing licensed teachers in diverse school settings and complete an intensive 8-to-10 week solo student teaching capstone. [1]
• The rigorous 128-credit-hour curriculum goes beyond standard education theory, demanding 70+ hours of deep theatre content, including directing, technical theatre, design, and dramaturgy.
• Licensure allows graduates to teach drama across all grade levels (pre-K through 12).

School of Theatre accreditations and affiliations include:

• National Association of Schools of Theatre
• Southeastern Theatre Conference
• United States Institute for Theatre Technology Inc.
• North Carolina Theatre Conference
• Theatre Communications Group

The Theatre Education Student Experience

BFA Theatre Education students’ training is hybrid, blending the intense schedule of a conservatory artist with the professional development of a K-12 educator. Students do not just learn how to teach; they function as active theatre practitioners.

•  BFA Theatre Education students work in tandem with the School of Education throughout their academic trajectory towards teacher licensure.
• 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.
• Experiential learning is constant. Students spend semesters moving between the UNCG campus and regional K-12 classrooms, compiling professional portfolios, and fulfilling the rigorous requirements
• Faculty members remain active in national networks like the American Alliance for Theatre and Education (AATE). They provide highly personalized feedback, guiding students through both artistic roadblocks and classroom management skills.

After Graduating with Your BFA iN Theatre EducatioN

A BFA in Theatre Education prepares graduates for careers both inside and outside the traditional classroom, leveraging skills in leadership, public speaking, project management, and creative problem-solving

Potential careers include:

• Public School Drama Teacher in elementary, middle, or high schools.
• Private or Charter School Arts Instructor
• High School Theatre Director
• Theatre and Arts Organization Careers
• Theatre Education Director
• Teaching Artist
• Youth Theatre Director
• Non-profit Arts Administrator

How to Apply To The BFA in Theatre Education Program

Students interested in the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Education should complete UNCG’s undergraduate admission process and the School of Theatre application/audition process. BFA Theatre Education students enter as provisional candidates and undergo a first-year faculty review, submit a qualifying paper, and complete specific milestones before formal entry into the program.

Frequently Asked Questions About the BFA In Theatre Education