BFA in Theatre Teacher Education 136 credits

BFA Curriculum

The BFA in Theatre Education curriculum is designed to immerse students in the practicalities of theatre production, and to prepare the student for licensure to teach theatre at the middle school or high school level. Conservatory style training is augmented by traditional academic studies in theatre history, literature, criticism and play reading, and a fourth year in the School of Education.

  • Students pursuing the BFA in Theatre Teacher Education will complete 12 credit hours in Pre-Education Core Classes (some of which also count as General Education credits), 78 credit hours in Theatre, and 46 credit hours in Education classes in the School of Education, for a total of 136 credit hours. Admission into the BFA program is by application and interview only.
  • The BFA in Theatre Education is a rigorous and competitive program of study for students interested in pursuing careers in teaching. This pre-professional program is designed to combine intensive training with a liberal arts education and an Education emphasis that leads to teacher licensure. All aspects of theatre are examined, with a focus on education.

    The overall objectives of the BFA in Theatre at WOU are as follows:
  • To provide a rigorous pre-professional BFA theatre training program to talented and qualified aspiring theatre professionals.
  • To create university theatrical productions of the highest standard which challenge student artists and audiences with plays of depth and vibrancy that illuminate the strengths, frailties and diversity of the human condition.
  • To establish and maintain education and outreach programs for all ages consistent with the artistic mission of the department.
  • To play a vital role in the cultural life of the Willamette Valley, Salem and the region.

BFA THEATRE TEACHER EDUCATION ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

All students admitted to WOU are eligible to pursue the BA in Theatre or the Theatre Minor. Admission to the BFA in Theatre Teacher Education program is by application and interview only.

Both existing students and new/potential students can interview for entrance into the BFA Production Training Program.  Private Interviews will be scheduled as application materials are received. 

For new/potential students to be considered for the BFA Production Training Program, they must:

  • Be formally accepted to Western Oregon University prior to auditioning. 
  • Submit the following to Professor Michael Phillips via email: phillipm@wou.edu  
    • BFA Application (here)
    • Letter of intent, providing highlights of previous theatre experience and plans for future development.
    • Resume (example of resume.)
  • Students may use their interview for the purpose of completing the scholarship application process by first completing the General Scholarship Application at https://wou.edu/finaid/scholarships/.
    • You must have a WOU Portal username and password to access the General Scholarship Application.  This will automatically place your application into all of the categories that you are eligible for.
    • General Scholarship Applications Generally end on March 1.

BA in Theatre 72 credits

BA Curriculum

The BA in Theatre is designed to provide a solid base in acting, directing, technical theatre and design, performance, literature and theory. Students may choose concentrations in Acting or Technical Theatre or may pursue a general BA.

Students will be prepared for post-graduate opportunities including graduate school, teacher licensor programs, internships, professional theatre, and participation in the arts in their communities.

The overall objectives of the BA in Theatre at WOU are as follows:

  • Create theatre, from script analysis through public performance.
  • Demonstrate competency in production processes.
  • Analyze the historical, literary, theoretical, stylistic and cultural dimensions of theatre and how theatrical works exist within contexts.

*Students must also complete university requirements as outlined in the WOU course catalog.

Minor in Theatre Arts 27-28 credits

Minor in Theatre Curriculum

The overall objectives of the Minor in Theatre at WOU are as follows:

  • Create theatre, from script analysis through public performance.
  • Demonstrate competency in production processes.
  • Analyze the historical, literary, theoretical, stylistic and cultural dimensions of theatre and how theatrical works exist within contexts.
*Students must also complete university requirements as outlined in the WOU course catalogue.