ACADEMICS
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 seven full-time faculty members, 6 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 Drake Curriculum (41 hrs.) – Theatre Arts Core Requirements (35 hrs.) – Rhetoric Requirement (12 hrs.) – English Requirement (20-21 hrs.) – Professional Education Requirement (33 hrs.) – TOTAL 141-142 credit hours
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. Prospective B.F.A. Design/ Technical students must prepare a portfolio for entrance into the program. Visit the theatre department webpage to view audition and/or portofolio requirements.
GROUP AUDITION/PORTFOLIO REVIEW DAY SCHEDULE Admisison and scholarship auditions are offered for incoming, fall-term, first year students. Auditons dates are in January and February. To register for an admission and/or scholarship audition, contact Megan Martin at megan.martin@drake.edu or visit the theatre department auditon 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, including communication, critical thinking, artistic experience, historical consciousness, information and technology literacy, international and multicultural experiences, scientific and quantitative literacy, values and ethics and engaged citizenship. 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 first-year seminars, which foster 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. Recently, students have interned with the Santa Fe Opera, the Goodman and Guthrie Theaters in Chicago, and the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center in Connecticut. These internships offer students opportunities to make contacts within the industry, to experience auditions, and gain first-hand experience in various work in professional theatre. Theatre students also participate in numerous study-abroad programs.
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