Theatre Education (BFA)

PROGRAM OVERVIEW The theatre education program provides students with a broad range of knowledge and experience in theatre specifically designed to prepare the student to teach theatre arts at the secondary level.

FACULTY The Department of Theatre Arts is comprised of six full-time faculty members; five have earned the highest degrees in their fields. All full-time faculty are engaged in teaching classes from the introductory to advanced levels. The inclusive nature of the curriculum means that students will have the opportunity to take classes from every member of the Department of Theatre Arts as they pursue their degree.

ACADEMIC PREPARATION There are no prerequisite high school courses or requirements needed for enrollment in the theatre program, but students should have a well-rounded academic high school curriculum. Previous involvement in high school and/or community theatre is strongly recommended.

REQUIREMENTS FOR MAJOR Students need to complete the Drake Curriculum (41 hrs.) and theatre arts core requirements (35 hrs.). The remaining credit hours are determined primarily by the School of Education as students earn teaching certification for the State of Iowa. Contact the School of Education for more information regarding curricular requirements and teacher certification.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS Students interested in pursuing B.F.A. degrees in musical theatre, acting, directing, and theatre education at Drake University must prepare an audition for entrance into the program. Visit the theatre department webpage to view audition and/or portfolio requirements.

GROUP AUDITION/PORTFOLIO REVIEW DAY SCHEDULE Admission and scholarship auditions are offered for incoming, fall-term, first-year students. Audition dates are in January and February. To register for an admission and/or scholarship audition, visit the theatre department audition webpage.

DRAKE CURRICULUM The Drake Curriculum, required of all undergraduates, is designed to help students meet personal and professional goals as they acquire fundamental knowledge and abilities in ten Areas of Inquiry. Students work closely with their academic advisers to craft a program of study in general education that prepares students for civic and professional leadership.

The Drake Curriculum also requires a First Year Seminar, which fosters development of critical thinking and written and oral communication skills through a topical focus, and a Senior Capstone in which students demonstrate the capacity to bring information, skills, and ideas to bear on one project.

INTERNSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES The theatre department strongly encourages all students to participate in any and all internship opportunities and makes all internship information available to students.

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