Theater Education - Educator Licensure
"SIUE provided me with vital training and information necessary to build a theater arts program. Through the productions and class offerings, I have been able to bring a wide variety of training to my students in character creation, movement styles and tech design. The department helped me value the idea that all artists and educators are lifelong learners looking to better their craft, which is the best advice I can offer my students."
-Alex Moore, 2013, Theater Arts Director, Mehlville Senior High School
The theater education specialization develops skilled practitioners who are committed to excellence in theater arts education. Our teacher candidates recognize that theater is essential for every child's complete educational development and strive to help their students discover how the theater arts can also enhance their lives. Theater education students take courses in all areas of theater - performance, history and literature, design and dance, plus the required School of Education, Health and Human Behavior classes needed for state certification.
Graduates of the theater education program have been successful in securing positions in the region, including positions at Mehlville Senior High School, Central Visual and Performing Arts High School, and Parkway South Middle School in St. Louis, as well as Edwardsville High School and Nevada High School.
Theater education includes the following classes:
- Stanislavski Actor Technique
- Introduction to Stage Directing
- Multicultural Theater in America
- Introduction to Scenic, Costume and Lighting Design
- Introduction to Theater Education in Secondary Schools
- Electives in Stagecraft, Make-up, Advanced Scene Study and Auditions
In addition to the core curriculum, the program regularly sponsors Visiting Artists Master Classes and workshops. Recent special events include:
- Master Classes in Devised Theater, Mask Technique and Social Activism Art
- Annual Trip to the Humana Festival of New American Plays, Actors Theater of Louisville
- Four-Week London Theater Study Abroad Summer Program
- Master Classes in Blood and Gore FX, Qlab Sound and 3D Printing
- Professional Guest Speakers in Costume, Scenery, Lighting and Stage Management
Requirements for Students Seeking Professional Educator Licensure
Admission to a professional education program is a joint decision made by the academic discipline in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB). Therefore, as soon as they know they would like to pursue this option, it is essential that any student desiring teacher licensure meet with an advisor in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior student services for information about admission requirements to courses leading to the professional educator licensure. Scheduling these required courses involves early and frequent coordination between the student, CAS advisor, department faculty mentor, and SEHHB advisor. An overall GPA of 2.5 is required for admission to the teacher licensure program. Overall GPAs will be calculated based on all college courses taken at all institutions. All theater and dance courses must be at a GPA of 2.5 or higher in order to student teach. No course with a grade less than "C" will be applied to meet professional educator licensure requirements.
Students seeking professional educator licensure (PEL) must meet specific general education and professional education requirements, and must pass state and licensure tests prior to admission, during their program, and in order to gain the PEL. State requirements change, and the latest details about these requirements can be found in the SEHHB section of the undergraduate academic catalog or by making an appointment with an SEHHB advisor.
Sample Curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts in Theater and Dance, Professional Educator Licensure (9-12)
Year 1 (Fall Semester)
(3) THEA 114A Forms of Dramatic Action (FPA)
(4) THEA 150 Scene Design & Construction (FPA)
(2) THEA 265 Theater Makeup (FPA)
(3) ENG 101 English Composition I
(3) ACS 101 Public Speaking
(1) FST 101 Succeeding & Engaging at SIUE
16 - Total Credits
Year 1 (Spring Semester)
(3) THEA 112A Introduction to Acting (BFPA)
(3) DANC 114 Movement Fundamentals (EH)
(3) THEA 170 Introduction to Lighting & Stage Management (FPA)
(3) ENG 102 English Composition II
(3) RA 101 Reasoning & Argumentation (FRA)
15 - Total Credits
Year 2 (Fall Semester)
(3) THEA 201A History of the Theater
(3) THEA 312 Multi-Cultural Theater in America
(3) THEA 298 Introduction to Theater Education in Secondary Schools
(3) QR 101, MATH 150 or Higher (FQR)
(3) Breadth Social Sciences (BSS)
(0) THEA 199 Theater Production
15- Total Credits
Year 2 (Spring Semester)
(4) THEA 160 Costume Design
(3) THEA 220 Directing for the Stage
(3) Breadth Physical Science w/Lab Experience (BPS, EL)
(3) Breadth Life Science (BLS)
(0) THEA 199 Theater Production
(2) Elective
13- Total Credits
Year 3 (Fall Semester)
(1) CIED 302 Field Experience II
(3) CIED 310 Planning for Diverse Learners (EUSC)
(3) CIED 312 Language and Communication (BICS)
(3) IT 300 Digital Learning and Communication
(4) FL 101 Elementary Foreign Language I
(3) Breadth Humanities (BHUM)
(0) THEA 199 Theater Production
17 - Total Credits
Year 3 (Spring Semester)
(1) CIED 303 Field Experience III
(3) CIED 323 Adolescent Content Literacy
(3) SPE 400 The Exceptional Child
(4) FL 102 Elementary Foreign Language II (EGC)
(0) THEA 199 Theater Production
(3) Interdisciplinary Studies (IS)
14 - Total Credits
Year 4 (Fall Semester)
(3) CIED 313 Introduction to Assessment
(3) CIED 314 Learning Environments
(3) CIED 311 Differentiated Instruction
(1) CIED 304 Field Experience IV
(3) THEA 398 Advanced Studies in Theater Education in Secondary Schools
(3) THEA 392 Musical Theater
(0) THEA 199 Theater Production
16 - Total Credits
Year 4 (Spring Semester)
(10) CIED 456 9-12 Senior Seminary
(2) CIED 455T 9-12 Student Teaching-Theater
12 - Total Credits
Total Hours - 120
Notes: An additional major or minor concentration in another discipline is strongly recommended for students majoring in theater education. Teacher licensure (9-12) majors are encouraged to have a second teaching field. The Department of Theater and Dance urges each student to complete enough courses in language arts to prepare for a teaching career.
