Student Resources
BFA - Theatre Arts Education
Outreach Option
The Outreach Option provides students with a proficiency in theatre and pedagogy. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates to enter the theatre profession and/or pursue graduate education in the fields of educational theatre as a teaching artist. Its emphasis on theatre production, theatre for young audiences, methods of educational theatre and outreach and educational practice provides a solid foundation for work in community-based theatre education and service. This degree does not qualify graduates for teacher certification.
All Teacher Certification or Outreach Option students have the opportunity to participate in an annual production for young audiences and in other outreach productions, in the operation of high school theatre events sponsored by the school, and in the school's workshop series. Teaching and other internships with theatre companies and teaching in after school and other programs are also available to students.
Application Requirements for Freshmen, Transfer and Change of Major Students (Education Outreach Option)
- Admission to the University of Arizona
- A 500-word, typed essay entitled "The Theatre Teacher I Want to Be." The essay should contain the following: well expressed philosophy of theatre education outreach indicating both strong commitment to teaching and theatre arts and an understanding of what makes an effective theatre teacher/teaching artist. The essay should have clear organization, thorough expression of ideas, original thought, good grammar and mechanics, and be well presented (looks good on the page, no orphan lines, readable font and print.).
- Two references from teachers, advisors or any adult (not from your immediate family). References should indicate applicant's strong potential to be both an excellent student of theatre and a teacher or teaching artist especially in the areas of personal and professional demeanor, cultural and social attitudes and behavior, cognitive dispositions and leadership.
- A résumé describing theatre experiences, experience working with children, teaching experience, participation in school or community clubs.
- Video/DVD of a Teaching Activity & Written Reflection
- Video or DVD demonstrating applicant teaching a lesson or leading a group in a drama activity, no longer than 15 minutes (e.g., leading a game with side coaching if needed; setting up group improvisations, monitoring the groups, facilitating the sharing of the improvisations, and leading a discussion about the work afterwards.) The lesson/activity should be appropriate for the leader and group, well-organized with clear instructions to participants, allowing for strong consideration of group ideas, and offering a confident, enthusiastic and well paced delivery throughout the lesson/activity.
- One page typed reflection on the experience addressing these topics: description of how the applicant chose this lesson/activity for the group, preparation to teach this lesson, description of how it went, and discussion of what might be done differently "next time."
For Retention and Admission to Year Two
- GPA of a minimum 2.5 earned for 12 credits in the first semester.
- Successful completion of one semester of the freshman core and current enrollment in core. (T AR 111, 113, 116, 118, 145, 149, 151, 195t).
- References--2 from UA faculty, other than Teacher Certification Option or Outreach Option faculty. At least one reference should be from a Theatre Arts faculty member. References should indicate applicant's strong potential to be both an excellent student of theatre and a teacher or teaching artist especially in the areas of personal and professional demeanor, cultural and social attitudes and behavior, cognitive dispositions and leadership.
- A 500 word typed statement of a teaching philosophy addressing drama and theatre teaching and learning in diverse student populations (Teacher Certification) or your decision to emphasize outreach (Outreach Option).
- Successful interview with the appropriate program coordinator (Teacher Certification or Outreach). These interviews will generally take place in September of the Fall term or January of the Spring term.
All BFA Outreach Option students are required to meet with Outreach Option faculty each semester to review and reflect on their progress. Outreach Option students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA. Students who drop below this average will be placed on academic probation for a semester. If, at the end of that time, the GPA has not improved, a student will no longer be retained in the program. Students are expected to earn a C or higher in all upper division Outreach Option courses; courses with grades lower than a C must be repeated. See University guidelines for Grade Replacement Opportunity (GRO).
Review of Students and Retention to Year Three
- Student maintains a 2.5 GPA minimum.
- Review by Theatre Education and Outreach Faculty — student is making satisfactory progress toward completion of degree.
