THEATRE EDUCATION

The purpose of the BFA Theatre Education Program is to provide a comprehensive and dynamic curriculum that equips students with a deep understanding of performance, production, technical theatre, playwriting, history, directing, and education. Led by award-winning faculty with extensive industry experience, the program enriches the educational journey of theatre education majors. 

Through hands-on teaching, acting, directing, production, and program management opportunities, students engage fully in their learning process over the course of four years. Collaboration with the theatre education faculty mentor enables students to develop a meticulously crafted process portfolio that reflects their growth and skill development. 

The program highlights the practical application of teaching skills by involving students in managing an after-school theater troupe at a local elementary school, which has been successfully run for over eleven years. Students also gain experience through observations with highly qualified local theater educators within public school districts, and internships with education departments at professional theater companies such as The Alley Theatre, Theatre Under the Stars, and A.D. Players. 

Furthermore, students are encouraged to attend state theatre conferences, including the Texas Educational Theatre Association and Texas Thespians, where they can participate in workshops conducted by professional teaching artists and theatre administrators. Theatre Education students also can submit proposals to present workshops at theatre conferences, receiving valuable feedback on their presentations. This comprehensive approach is designed to develop well-rounded educators ready to make significant contributions to the field of theatre education. 

For application details and instructions, click here

“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 Summer M.A. is an experiential, hands-on Master’s degree developed specifically for working theatre educators. During the first year, students focus on the pedagogy and curriculum required to teach acting, voice, dramaturgy and scenic design. Second-year students primarily focus on
directing, with supporting classes in movement, costume and lighting design. Third-year students learn manage a thriving theatre program, explore contemporary approaches to performance pedagogy, and develop a modern curriculum for sound design. SMA students create online
portfolios each year to document and showcase their evolving classroom and directing practices. Students also have the chance to learn directly from industry professionals during our off-site courses with Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, and Lincoln Center Theatre in New York City.

PROGRAM FEATURES

• Three-and-a-half-week summer sessions on the UH main campus
• Week-long, immersive learning experiences in Chicago, New York, and London. Students study with professional acting companies, attend multiple shows, and explore these famous theatre cities
• Professional networking and career development
• Distinguished, world-renowned faculty and teaching artists
• Access to the many resources and amenities on the UH campus, such as our 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

For application details and instructions, click here

• 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