About
Appalachian State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance has a long and established track record of preparing the most innovative theatre educators in North Carolina and beyond. Appalachian’s Theatre Arts (BA) - Theatre Education degree is dedicated to developing the next generation of theatre artists and educators for careers in schools, professional theatres and community settings.
In this program, you will participate in all aspects of theatre and education – from acting, designing and building scenery, to creating lessons, guest lecturing and teaching public school workshops. In this degree you will be trained by theatre specialists and education faculty on how to be a more effective teacher in grades K-12. Teaching placements and internships round out your preparation.
As a result, you will become a dynamic theatre practitioner and educator of every level for public or private schools or to launch a theatre career. In addition to teaching, career options include acting, designing, being a technician, working as a visiting artist, or even opening your own theatre company or educational program.
After Graduation
Employment: With 75,000 N.C. public school students enrolled in more than 6,500 theatre arts classes in 2014-15, teaching jobs are out there. Graduates teach for North Carolina Public Schools, South Africa schools, and in various other public and private systems.
Other employers include:
- Burning Coal Theatre
- Theatre IV Touring Company
- Barium Springs, Communications
- CBS Paramount Communications/Viacom
- North Carolina Community College System
- Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Lines
Graduate School: Several of our theatre education students have furthered their education at:
- Dick Smith School of Makeup
- New York University Graduate Program
- Arizona State University Graduate Program
- City University Graduate Program in London, UK
- Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre
Professional Licensure
This is a program that can lead to licensure or certification in North Carolina. Appalachian State University cannot confirm whether this program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in other states or territories.
If this applies to you, check the Professional Licensure webpage for information on licensure requirements and licensing agencies in other states. Or, you may address questions to State Authorization at App State at stateauthorization@appstate.edu or 828-262-7559.
People
Related Programs
Minors
A minor is not required for this degree, as the education courses serve as a minor. You may add an additional minor if you wish. Many theatre education students minor in English or in Dance. With this degree a minor means you can teach that topic up to half-time in a N.C. public school.
Engagement Outside the Classroom
A variety of clubs in the department include technical theatre, musical theatre, and dance. These clubs are active in producing works and performances.
An active theatre production season each year features student actors, designers, technicians, and more.
Appalachian Young People’s Theatre (AYPT) performs for young people and in 2012 celebrated 40 years of touring shows to schools and other venues in North Carolina.
Global Learning
Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.
The Department of Theatre and Dance offers three study abroad programs. You are also able to student teach abroad.
Admission Requirements
- There is no audition to get in to the theatre education program.
- A grade of “C” or higher is required for teacher licensure.
Why Appalachian?
- The program is fully accredited by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction and NCATE. Training is based on the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.
- Your teaching license applies to any grade level in more than 40 states and U.S. territories.
- With this degree, there’s plenty of work in North Carolina. The arts generated more than $119 million in tax revenues and supported more than 43,000 jobs in North Carolina, according to the most recent Arts and Economic Prosperity report.
- Theatre courses are taught by specialists with the highest degree conferred in each content area.
- Appalachian Young People’s Theatre (AYPT) performs for young people and is among the many opportunities for students in this major.
Location
Boone campus only
Careers
- Acting Coach, Youth
- Artistic Director, Children’s Theatre
- Arts Education Coordinator
- Children’s Theatre Director
- Choreography Instructor
- Community Arts Center Director
- Dance Aerobics Instructor
- Dance Therapist
- Director, Children’s Arts Council
- Director of Arts Education, Arts Center
- Drama Coach
- Private Teacher
- Script Coach
- Talent Coordinator
- Teacher, Children’s Theatre
- Teacher, Colleges and Universities
- Teacher, Performing Arts Centers
- Teacher, Private and Public Schools
- Theatre Arts Teacher, Camps
- Theatre Librarian
- Tour Guide
- Training and Development Specialist
View more career possibilities
Contacts
Department of Theatre and Dance
Gordon Hensley
Theatre Education Academic Program Director
hensleyg@appstate.edu
828-262-7129
Voicemail or Text: 828-278-9357