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Appalachian State University

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Theatre Arts (BA) - Theatre Education

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

Career Exploration website

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

  • Alumna Profile: Lauren Flynn ’11
    Alumna Profile: Lauren Flynn ’11

    Lauren Flynn became prepared for multiple career paths after graduating cum laude with her degree in theatre education.

  • Faculty Profile: Gordon Hensley

    Professor Gordon Hensley, who serves academic program director of the Theatre Arts (BA) - Theatre Education program, has extensive background in performance, directing, technical work, conference presentations and service to the field of theatre and education.

    Meet more faculty

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide

    Click on the pdf for your major

  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

  • Theatre Arts (BA) – Theatre Performance
  • Theatre Arts (BA) - General Theatre
  • Dance Studies (BA)
  • Theatre Arts (BA) - Theatre Design/Technology

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.

View all minors

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.
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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

  • Department of Theatre and Dance

    The Department of Theatre and Dance is one of seven departments housed in Appalachian’s College of Fine and Applied Arts. Its mission is to facilitate transformative experiences for students and the public, which cultivate compassionate, creative and collaborative communities through theatre and dance. The department also offers coursework for integrated learning through the arts to the general university student population. Its dynamic cocurricular production program provides exemplary theatre and dance experiences to departmental students, the university community and the region. Learn more at https://theatreanddance.appstate.edu.

  • College of Fine and Applied Arts

    Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of academic departments including Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance.

    The College of Fine and Applied Arts is characterized by the educational approach of integrating theory and practice, offering students the knowledge and experience for continued education or employment. Programs within the College feature opportunities for hands-on experiential learning, international experiences and interdisciplinary engagement. The College emphasizes undergraduate teaching, while being active in grants and sponsored research. The College of Fine and Applied Arts provides a vibrant educational atmosphere, fostering the very best in teaching and learning.

    We offer:

    • BS, BA, and BFA degrees in 30 academic concentrations or specializations
    • MS degrees in 4 concentrations
    • Army ROTC program

    Community Service:

    Our students and faculty find unique ways to bring community service into the learning experience through experiences such as campus and community workshops, after-school programs for area school children, and work with local non-profits.

    Industry and Community Involvement:

    All departments are highly involved with their industry counterparts and seek opportunities to work with community partners. In addition, each department has an advisory board of industry professionals that assist in program development, internships, job placement and fundraising.

    International Education:

    The College of Fine and Applied Arts wants all students to have the opportunity for international learning experiences and has offered programs in:

    • Austria
    • China
    • Costa Rica
    • Cuba
    • Dominican Republic
    • England
    • France
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • Mexico
    • New Zealand
    • Nicaragua
    • Panama
    • Poland
    • Rwanda
    • South Africa
    • Taiwan

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