Theatre Education Degree — BA in Theatre for Secondary Education
Work Toward Becoming a Theatre Educator for Secondary Education
Share your passion for live production with the next generation as an educator. This Bachelor of Arts in Theatre for Secondary Education degree can teach you to focus on the skills necessary to pursue a career in teaching theatre. This theatre education degree includes a diverse mix of core theatre coursework — such as playwriting, stagecraft and theatrical design — as well as classroom management and other secondary education coursework for teaching grades 6 through 12.
Offered by the College of Arts and Media at Grand Canyon University, this theatre education program may include a student teaching experience and can lead to initial teacher licensure. If you are seeking teacher licensure, you will be taught the pedology methods necessary to work toward acquiring a teaching certificate by passing the state exam for teaching licensure in the state in which you plan to teach and complete practical field experience.
In addition to classroom studies, students in this program may participate in performances at GCU’s Ethington Theatre in various capacities, including onstage and offstage disciplines, to experience the creative process from beginning to end: rehearsals, set up, live performances and more.
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Study Creative Techniques From Directing to Costume Design in the Secondary Theatre Education Degree
This theatre education program is designed to help prepare you to become a theatre practitioner and drama or theatre educator at the secondary level. Along with building a solid foundation in the arts and teaching, it can provide theatre education majors the opportunity to hone important skills such as critical thinking, communication and ethical decision making. This BA theatre program was designed using National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) standards. All courses align directly with Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) principles.
Experience the Drama
Dive into the world of theatre at GCU and witness the talent and dedication of our student actors in this captivating production of “12 Angry Jurors.” This compelling drama is brought to life by student performers, offering an engaging glimpse into theatre degrees in the College of Arts and Media.
Graduates Can Work Toward Teaching Theatre in Secondary Education
Upon completing this Bachelor of Arts in Theatre for Secondary Education program, graduates may be prepared to take and pass their teacher’s licensing exam. This may allow you to pursue roles such as a high school theatre educator or a high school drama teacher . The BA theatre degree can also teach you a diverse skillset that can be beneficial across many positions within education, nonprofit organizations and beyond.
BA in Theatre for Secondary Education FAQs
The decision to pursue a bachelor’s degree can be overwhelming. This section may help theatre in education majors address common or frequently asked questions regarding this program. We hope this can serve as a valuable resource for those interested in this specialized drama education degree.
Ready to take center stage in education? Enroll in GCU's Bachelor of Arts in Theatre for Secondary Education today!
Gain comprehensive knowledge in both theatre arts and education with a focus on helping you become a highly effective theatre educator. Don't miss out on this opportunity to combine your love for theatre with the impact of education. Complete the form on this page to speak with a university counselor and begin your journey toward educating theatre in schools.
1 Dell’Erba, Mary and Middleton, Gwynne (n.d.) Theatre counts: How theatre education transforms students’ lives. Arts Education Partnership. Retrieved on May 24, 2023.
2 Resilient Educator (n.d.). Drama Teacher: Education, Salary and Outlook. Retrieved on May 24, 2023.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University’s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
- COM-263, Elements of Intercultural Communication: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments. Students are required to take 3 credits of college mathematics or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- INT-244, World Religions: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course identifies principles of pantomime and dramatic action designed to establish the proper relationship of the voice to the body and its functions in the interpretation of character. It is designed to help develop physical presence and facility in the actor, vocalist, teacher, athlete, and other persons involved in public performance.
Course Description
This course is the study of set and prop construction. Practical application of construction techniques is gained through theatre productions.
Course Description
This is an advanced acting course emphasizing scene study and textual analysis, allowing students to concentrate on the method and technique of building a character. Prerequisite: TRE-145.
Course Description
In this course students select and participate in one of the following areas of theatre production and management including: technical theatre, front of house, performance, and stage/production management. Students are required to choose at least three different disciplines within their four years of study. The course requires 40 lab hours that can be used toward fulfilling scholarship requirements.
Course Description
This course is designed to assist teacher candidates in understanding theories and principles of psychology that describe the growth and development of early adolescents and adolescents, including cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas. Candidates build foundational knowledge for constructing learning opportunities and environments that support individual students’ development, acquisition of knowledge and skills, and motivation. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
This course examines the application of computer technology to the production of live theatre using CAD and graphic software.
Course Description
In this course students select and participate in one of the following areas of theatre production and management including: technical theatre, front of house, performance, and stage/production management. Students are required to choose at least three different disciplines within their four years of study. The course requires 40 lab hours that can be used toward fulfilling scholarship requirements.
Course Description
Teacher candidates are introduced to the educational needs of students with mild to moderate disabilities and their families, including the definitions, characteristics, prevalence, causes and educational approaches to these disabilities and disorders. Teacher candidates will identify preventative and responsive practices related to cognitive, linguistic, social, and emotional patterns of learning and development for students with mild to moderate disabilities. Emphasis is placed on identifying appropriate times to differentiate, modify, or accommodate to support student learning. Teacher candidates also survey the special education process involving the application of various laws and regulations. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
In this writing-intensive course, teacher candidates will explore multicultural education by engaging in research, communication, and ethical decision-making, focusing on developing educators' skills in creating equitable and inclusive learning environments. Through analysis of evidence and virtuous practice, the course will examine the critical role of educators as advocates for all students, empowering participants to address disparities and promote equitable opportunities for academic success. With a specific focus on the principles of multicultural education, teacher candidates will be encouraged to reflect on the influence of their own worldviews and perceptions. Emphasizing the concept of imago Dei, which sees every individual as made in the image of God, this course aims to foster culturally responsive classrooms that welcome diversity in all forms. Teacher candidates will explore strategies to effectively bridge the gaps between various diversities and academic achievement, to foster human flourishing within the educational sphere. The course blends content with practical application, highlighting the educator's role as an advocate for all students and promoting equitable academic opportunities.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to scenography. Topics include scenic, lighting, costume, and makeup design, with an emphasis on drafting, modeling, and rendering. Students will have the opportunity to assist designers for the University’s Ethington Theatre Series.
Course Description
This course is a survey of Arizona history and government, as well as American government. It meets the teacher certification requirement for Arizona government and American government.
Course Description
In this course, teacher candidates differentiate instruction based on knowledge of students, learning theory, and curricular goals. Major emphasis is given to planning standards-based instructional objectives and lessons, sequencing, and assessing learning, utilizing formal and informal assessment strategies that address individual students' needs. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisite: SEC-202.
Course Description
This writing intensive course is a broad study of the history and development of theatre.
Course Description
This course is a study of theories and techniques for interpreting and directing plays through lectures and demonstrations. Students are required to participate in laboratory projects in directing one-acts or scenes from full-length plays. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisites: TRE-145 and TRE-335 or TRE-339.
Course Description
In this course students select and participate in one of the following areas of theatre production and management including: technical theatre, front of house, performance, and stage/production management. Students are required to choose at least three different disciplines within their four years of study. The course requires 40 lab hours that can be used toward fulfilling scholarship requirements.
Course Description
Teacher candidates explore research-based instructional strategies for delivering differentiated instruction to promote reading and writing proficiency during content area instruction. Language and literacy development is examined to inform instruction, assessment, intervention, and remediation practices to support readers of varying ages and ability levels, including students with dyslexia and other reading disabilities. Using this foundational knowledge, candidates will select, adapt, and use research-based instructional strategies and interventions with attention focused on literacy in academic curricula to advance learning for adolescent students. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: SEC-202.
Course Description
In this course, teacher candidates examine the fundamentals of the legal, historical, and educational foundations of Structured English Immersion (SEI) and other instructional programs and approaches for teaching English learners. Theoretical principles of language acquisition and the role of culture in learning are examined. Methods of assessment are identified and analyzed. Teacher candidates identify strategies to promote English language development and improve student achievement as they plan, deliver, and evaluate standards-based instruction for English learners. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
This course concerns the art of designing lighting and scenery for the theatre. Students will actively participate in designing Grand Canyon University Theatre productions and classroom projects. Prerequisites: TRE-130 and TRE-245.
Course Description
In this course students select and participate in one of the following areas of theatre production and management including: technical theatre, front of house, performance, and stage/production management. Students are required to choose at least three different disciplines within their four years of study. The course requires 40 lab hours that can be used toward fulfilling scholarship requirements.
Course Description
In this course, teacher candidates study methods and materials related to teaching secondary-grade 6-12 students. Emphasis is placed on analyzing data to evaluate and modify instruction. Candidates look at methodologies that encourage problem-solving, active participation, meeting diverse students’ needs, and professional collaboration. Focus is also placed on the practical applications of using all available data, including behavioral data, to drive instructional decisions. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisite: SEC-356.
Course Description
In this course students use the theoretical aspects of dramatic literature, acting, and scenography to create a play. Prerequisite: ENG-106.
Course Description
This course is a study of methods for developing and conducting the theatre program in junior and senior high schools. Methods, materials, topics, and issues in theatre education are used to prepare theatre education majors to enter the teaching profession. Practicum/field experience hours: 30. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
This course prepares teacher candidates to create and manage positive, productive secondary-grade 6-12 classroom environments with diverse students. Candidates develop a comprehensive understanding of the learning and behavior principles that underlie effective classroom management and student engagement in order to design and promote an effective classroom management program. Focus is placed on building a trusting relationship and creating a safe and equitable learning environment. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: SEC-356.
Course Description
Teacher candidates are engaged in the student teaching experience that includes practical classroom experiences, research, analysis, and teaching to develop a Student Teaching Evaluation of Performance (STEP). The teacher candidate will have a GCU course instructor, a GCU faculty supervisor, and be placed in an approved school with a certified cooperating teacher/mentor. Fingerprint clearance required.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
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