Theatre Education (120 credits)

Patti D'Beck Master Class

In this academic intensive program, all aspects of theatre, art, craft, business and education are examined. The curriculum is designed to prepare the student for the academic needs of the theatre educator. Theatre Education students engage in intensive teacher training activities that lead to certification in theatre, speech and English. In addition to this, practical training in voice, body and imagination are emphasized, and the theatre education student is grounded in traditional academic studies in theatre history, literature, theatrical design and other academic pursuits as required by the Commonwealth of Virginia.


Theatre VCU is one of the select programs that offers a BFA in theatre education. The specialized program allows students to develop mastery of theatre production in combination with academics and practical teaching experience. Upon graduation, students are uniquely qualified to obtain their state certification in teaching Theatre, Speech and English. An added bonus of the theatre education program is the exceptionally high job placement of students upon graduation. If there were a list of Who’s Who amongst Virginia high school educators, Theatre VCU would no doubt be the most prolific university training program in the state.

Theatre education majors carry a heavy course load; however, they are expected to participate in various aspects of theatrical productions at VCU. The student also may gain practical technical experience by working on class-related backstage crews. It also is strongly recommended that the student audition for productions. This grounds the theatre education student in the practical aspects of theatre production, a necessary element in teaching theatre to others. Theatre Education applicants will be interviewed for admission.

Curriculum Guide for Theatre Education
First Year		Fall	Spring
THEA 103/104	Stagecraft/Costume Construction	3	3
ENGL 205, 206	American Literature		3
THEA 113-114	Acting I	3	3
ENGL 101	The Craft of Writing	3
	Social science elective	3
	Laboratory science elective	4
	Mathematics elective*		3
	Electives		4
		16	16

The Bachelor of Fine Arts is a pre-professional degree requiring an average of 80 hours of credits taken within the Department of Theatre. An additional 50 credits outside the department are required to obtain the BFA degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. The BFA degree track is an all-intensive training program for focused students seeking to prepare themselves for the rigorous demands of professional or academic theatre.  VCU also offers a Liberal Arts (BA) degree in Theatre. Please email Kathleen Legault at klegault@vcu.edu or call her at 804-828-1514 for more information about the Theatre VCU Theatre BA degree tract.