THEATRE EDUCATION

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with a concentration in Theatre Education at the University of Houston offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates performance, production, technical theatre, playwriting, history, directing, and pedagogy. Guided by experienced faculty, students develop both artistic and teaching skills in a collaborative, practice-based environment.

Through hands-on experiences in teaching, acting, directing, production, and program management, students engage fully in their training over four years. With mentorship from theatre education faculty, students build a process portfolio that reflects their growth and development as educators and artists.

The program emphasizes practical application through opportunities such as managing an after-school theatre program at a local elementary school and completing observations with theatre educators in public school districts. Students also gain experience through internships with education departments at professional organizations including the Alley Theatre, Theatre Under the Stars, and A.D. Players.

Students are encouraged to attend and participate in state theatre conferences such as the Texas Educational Theatre Association and Texas Thespians, where they engage in workshops led by professional educators and administrators. This well-rounded approach prepares graduates to make meaningful contributions to the field of theatre education.

Click here for application details & instructions

“The Summer M.A. is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. It reinvigorated my love for teaching and my theatre curriculum.”
-Michael Perkins, Class of 2024

“The field training in NY, Chicago, and London are unparalleled experience that I’ll cherish forever.”
-Amy Duty, Class of 2025

The Master of Arts in Theatre (Summer M.A. for Theatre Educators) is an experiential, hands-on graduate program designed specifically for working theatre educators. Over three summers, students engage in a comprehensive curriculum that develops both teaching practice and artistic skills.

In the first year, students focus on pedagogy and curriculum for teaching acting, voice, dramaturgy, and scenic design. The second year emphasizes directing, supported by coursework in movement, costume, and lighting design. In the final year, students explore program leadership, contemporary performance pedagogy, and curriculum development for sound design. Throughout the program, students create online portfolios to document and showcase their evolving teaching and directing practices.

Students also have the opportunity to learn directly from industry professionals through off-site courses with leading institutions, including Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, and Lincoln Center Theater in New York City.

PROGRAM FEATURES

• Three-and-a-half-week summer sessions on the University of Houston campus
• Week-long immersive study in Chicago, New York, and London, including workshops with professional companies and attendance at major productions
• Professional networking and career development opportunities
• Instruction from distinguished faculty and guest teaching artists
• Access to university resources, including a state-of-the-art recreation center and Tier 1 research library

Email Jessica Ferrarone, Program Head of the Summer M.A. for more information. jferraro@central.uh.edu

• Jessica Ferrarone, Assistant Instructional Professor of Acting, Head of Summer MA for Theatre Educators
• Dr. Margo Hickman, Instructional Assistant Professor, Head of BFA Theatre Education
• Vivian Majkowski, Associate Professor of Voice, Head of Graduate Studies
• Molly Wetzel, Assistant Professor, Voice & Speech
• Paige A. Willson, Professor, Costume Design & Technology