PROGRAM DETAILS
THE DISCIPLINE:
The BYU theatre education program is designed to educate the student in a basic foundation of pedagogy, dramatic literature, theatre history, performance skills as both actor and director, and techniques in theatre design technology and production.
THE EXPERIENCE:
The Theatre Arts Education degree program is designed to prepare students to become creative teachers who can meet the educational needs of elementary and secondary school theatre students. We develop highly skilled educators who understand social and interpersonal communication, storytelling teaching methods, acting, directing, writing, historical/analytical techniques, and design/production skills. Within the department, professional training is available in acting, directing, voice and diction, playwriting, lighting, set construction, set painting, and scene and costume design. Participation in dozens of faculty, graduate-student, and undergraduate-student directed theatre and film projects provides the best possible forum for trying out these growing skills. Assistantships and hourly jobs are available with school districts locally and outside of the area, as well as with theatre, film, and television companies.
APPLY
Due to the number of applicants and demands on department resources, a limited number of students are accepted into the theatre education program each year. The purpose of the application process is three-fold: 1) to introduce the student to the quality of work expected in the program; 2) to judge if the student is able to fulfill these expectations; and 3) to determine if the student’s interests and potential match the objectives of the theatre education program. The requirement of quality work and the matching program expectations and objectives with the student’s interests is critical for creating a well-grounded educational experience.
Application deadline is the end of November of fall semester every year. Students not accepted on their first application may seek permission to apply a second time unless they have earned more than 60 credit hours (including current enrollment, but excluding AP credits). Students with more than 75 hours of credit (excluding language exam credits) may not apply unless special permission is granted. While transfer students may not transfer directly into the theatre education program, if they wish to apply after arriving at BYU, they may contact Julia Ashworth, the Theatre Education program head, at 130 WCO, 801-422-4539, or julia_ashworth@byu.edu, for requirements and deadlines. Other exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
A list of required courses is given on the Major Academic Plan (MAP) summary for Theatre Education.
Major Application Packet Faculty Advisors
TEACHER LICENSING
EDUCATION STUDENT SERVICES (ESS) LICENSING PROCESS
Each prospective Theatre Education student must be fingerprinted and receive FBI clearance before taking TMA 276. Upon doing this, students will receive a BYU Education Preparation Program (EPP) license badge. This badge is to be worn anytime an EPP student goes into a field school.
WHAT DOES THE PROCESS ENTAIL?
Visit the ESS website for directions on fingerprinted and FBI clearance:
ESS Website
WHY IS FBI CLEARANCE REQUIRED?
The state of Utah wants to make sure that there isn’t anything questionable about the teachers who are going to schools and working with kids. Fingerprinting and a background check are required in order to visit field schools and to become licensed to teach in Utah.
WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR MORE THEATRE ED INFORMATION?
Julia Ashworth
(801) 422-4539
julia_ashworth@byu.edu
130 WCO
DOCUMENTS
Major Academic Plan (MAP) Theatre Arts Class List Expected Learning Outcomes