The BA in Theatre Practices - Theatre Education supports a professional track for students seeking a Wisconsin Theatre Teaching license in K-12 Theatre (WI DPI License #1325). The BA Theatre Ed. engages students in focusing their study on educational and social justice theatre, devising and performing new work, storytelling, dramaturgy, directing, playwriting, and arts and social entrepreneurship.
Our innovative curriculum invites students to begin by building core theatre skills, then gradually applying them to a range of projects, settings, and populations. This culminates in in-depth application of these skills through internships, community placements and a Capstone of Semester - Long Student Teaching. It also offers students the option to earn a Cultures and Communities (C&C) certificate.
For more information please see the Theatre Education, BA program page.
Requirements
Laptop Requirement
Preparing for a future defined by digital technology is an important step in developing artists. Our digitally integrated curriculum helps you achieve a professional level with leading art-related software and practices.
Laptop ownership is strongly recommended for all undergraduates. However, it’s required for the programs below. For more information please visit the Peck School of the Arts admission page.
- Art & Design (BA and BFA Programs)
- Dance (BA and BFA Programs)
- Film, Video, Animation & New Genres (BA and BFA Programs)
- Music (Composition & Technology Program)
- Theatre (BFA Production and BA Theatre Education Programs)
Credit Overview
BA in Theatre Education Program Requirements are distributed as follows:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| University Core Curriculum | 39 | |
| Theatre Department Core | 30 | |
| BA Theatre Education Track Requirements | 41 | |
| Electives | 10 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Education Licensure Program
The BA Theatre Education Program (Theatre Education) is a track within the BA in Theatre Practices degree program. It is a 120-credit degree that prepares urban theatre teachers for teaching in grades PK4-12.
Admission and Continuation Requirements: Students are typically admitted into Theatre Education in their Senior year of High School. Student may also apply to the Theatre Education program while majoring in another Theatre degree program. Students may also apply to transfer into the program from within UWM or from other higher education programs as well. Once accepted to the university, candidates apply to the program through the PSOA portal.
All Theatre Education students must maintain a 2.75 cumulative grade point average (within general University courses) and a 3.0 within the major to be in good standing and continue in the program.
All teacher candidates must take and pass the Praxis II Theatre Content Test, or pass a Portfolio equivalent (as determined by the program), and have successfully completed the Communication and Foreign Language Competencies, Oral and Written Communication (OWC) parts A and B, and Quantitative Literacy (QL) parts A and B, prior to being approved for student teaching.
Communications Requirement: Students interested in pursuing a professional education teaching credential must take a communications course. At UWM theatre students are required to take THEATRE 260.
Human Relations Requirement: The Human Relations Requirement provides prospective teachers with awareness and understanding of intercultural relations within the educational setting. The requirement is met with coursework and service-learning opportunities. Effective July 1, 1992, and pursuant to 1987 Wisconsin Act 31, a license to teach may be granted when “the applicant has received instruction in the study of minority group relations, including instruction in the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of American Indian tribes and bands located in this state.” Currently, this requirement is met through satisfactory completion and a passing grade in one of the following courses: AIS 203, HIST 263, ANTHRO 213, or ENGLISH 276 (with the special topic "Literature, History, and Sovereignty of Upper Midwest Indians"), or Wisconsin Act 31 seminar attendance. Questions regarding this requirement should be directed to the student's academic advisor.
Fieldwork and Student Teaching: A passing score on the Praxis II Theatre Content Test, clear criminal background check, and negative TB test, along with an application of intent are required prior to working in public schools and student teaching.
Teaching Portfolio: Pursuant to WI statutes and regulations, Theatre Education requires that students compile an externally reviewed teaching portfolio (EdTPA) that demonstrates teaching proficiency in their area of expertise. They also must submit an exit portfolio, administered internally by the Theatre Education program, demonstrating proficiency in WI teaching standards.
Application for WI #1325 Theatre Teacher License: In keeping with DPI requirements, Theatre Education students must have a 2.75 cumulative grade point average within the general University and 3.0 in the major to be approved to apply for a teaching license after graduation. Following admission to Theatre Education and successful completion of the specified course of study (see below) a student seeking recommendation for teacher licensure must successfully fulfill the following:
- Fulfill all degree requirements;
- Fulfill the Field Experience Requirement (embedded in course work within the program);
- Demonstrate at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA and a 3.0 within the major;
- Pass the Praxis II Theatre Content Exam or the portfolio equivalent;
- Successfully complete student teaching;
- Successfully complete an EdTPA portfolio;
- Successfully demonstrate mastery of the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for a career in the field of theatre education through the submission of an initial-professional educator-portfolio, which is assessed by program faculty (as per DPI requirement);
- Pass all teacher evaluations/tests required by the State of Wisconsin.
BA Theatre Education Requirements
The minimum number of credits required to complete the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Education is 120. Students who need background preparation courses in math, English, foreign language, and chemistry may need additional credits. BA Theatre majors are required to fulfill the department’s core, maintain a 2.75 GPA in the major, and earn a C grade or better in all Theatre Core courses.
BA Theatre students execute a capstone course project as a culminating demonstration of their learning. K-12 Theatre Education students complete their capstone experience through student teaching. All capstones and student teaching are evaluated through a presentation of research and/or portfolio process.
The Theatre Education track prepares students to be urban educators in Wisconsin classrooms, grades K-12. They are expected to earn a 2.5 GPA overall and a 3.5 GPA within the major and earn a C grade or better in all Theatre Core courses. On successful completion of all degree requirements, Theatre Education students are recommended for #1325 Theatre licensure in the State of Wisconsin. For more information please visit the Theatre Education BA program page.
University Core
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements 1 | ||
| Competencies 1 | ||
| Oral and Written Communication – Part A and Part B 2,3 | ||
| Quantitative Literacy (QL) – Part A and Part B 2,3 | ||
| Foreign Language 2,3 | ||
| Distribution Requirements 1 | ||
| Humanities | 6 | |
| Natural Sciences (Must include one lab) | 6 | |
| Social Sciences | 6 | |
| Cultural Diversity 4 | 0 | |
| Electives | ||
| Credits in Peck School of the Arts 5 | 9 | |
| University Credits (outside of Theatre) 6 | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 39 | |
- 1
Learn more about the General Education Requirements.
- 2
Credits may be utilized in required curriculum areas.
- 3
Theatre students must complete the General Education Requirements (GER) in Oral and Written Communication competency (OWC), Quantitative Literacy competency (QL), and Foreign Language proficiency prior to enrolling in 310-level or above theatre courses.
- 4
Should be met by one of the following ACT 31 approved courses: AIS 203, ANTHRO 213, HIST 263 , and will count toward 3 credits of Social Science.
- 5
9 credits are required in 3 of the 4 other departments in PSOA, outside of the student's discipline: Art and Design, Dance, Music, Theatre, or Film, Video, Animation, and New Genres.
- 6
The 3 required School of Education courses (listed below) could fulfill 9 of these credits allowing 9 additional credits of electives. See your advisor for more information.
Theatre Department Core
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| THEATRE 260 | Storytelling: 1 | 3 |
| THEATRE 230 | Acting 2: Text and Performance | 3 |
| THEATRE 213 | Play Analysis | 3 |
| THEATRE 214 | Stagecraft (with lab) | 4 |
| THEATRE 225 | Costume Construction (with lab) | 2 |
| THEATRE 236 | Theatre Production and Design | 3 |
| THEATRE 275 | Performing Arts Management | 3 |
| THEATRE 305 | The Theatrical Experience: | 3 |
| THEATRE 321 | The Theatre: Beginnings Through Realism | 3 |
| THEATRE 322 | The Theatre: Modern and Contemporary Period | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Theatre Education Track Requirements and Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required School of Education Courses 2 | ||
| ED PSY 330 | Introduction to Learning and Development | 3 |
| CURRINS 545 | Reading in the Content Areas: Middle, Junior, and Senior High School | 3 |
| or CURRINS 343 | Teaching of Reading | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| The Exceptional Individual | ||
| Inclusion for Secondary Educators: Humanities, the Arts, Foreign Language | ||
| Child, Learner, Disabilities | ||
| Required Theatre Education Courses | ||
| THEATRE 204 | Theatre and Social Change | 3 |
| THEATRE 359 | Playwriting | 3 |
| THEATRE 360 | Theatre Practices: (with the special topic "TYA"; must take 4 times for 4 credits total) | 4 |
| THEATRE 410 | Stage Directing | 3 |
| THEATRE 448 | How to be a Teaching Artist | 3 |
| THEATRE 473 | Theatre in Elementary Education | 3 |
| THEATRE 474 | Theatre in Secondary Education | 3 |
| THEATRE 475 | Rehearsal and Performance: 3 | 4 |
| THEATRE 484 | Field Work in Theatre | 3 |
| THEATRE 485 | Elementary Level Student Teaching in Theatre | 6 |
| THEATRE 486 | Secondary Student Teaching in Theatre | 6 |
| Theatre Education Electives 4 | 10 | |
| Total Credits | 51 | |
- 1
Satisfies the DPI Communication requirement.
- 2
Can be completed as part of the University Core.
- 3
Course taken twice for 4 credits.
- 4
Additional courses in Theatre and Education - see your PSOA & Theatre advisors for recommendations.
Theatre Education: Example of Required Courses in 4-Year Plan
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| THEATRE 214 or THEATRE 225 | Stagecraft or Costume Construction | 4 |
| THEATRE 260 | Storytelling: | 3 |
| THEATRE 305 | The Theatrical Experience: | 3 |
| University Core | 6 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| THEATRE 230 | Acting 2: Text and Performance | 3 |
| THEATRE 213 | Play Analysis | 3 |
| THEATRE 225 or THEATRE 214 | Costume Construction or Stagecraft | 2 |
| THEATRE 475 | Rehearsal and Performance: | 2 |
| University Core | 6 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| THEATRE 236 | Theatre Production and Design | 3 |
| THEATRE 275 | Performing Arts Management | 3 |
| THEATRE 360 | Theatre Practices: | 1 |
| THEATRE 448 | How to be a Teaching Artist | 3 |
| University Core | 6 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| THEATRE 204 | Theatre and Social Change | 3 |
| THEATRE 321 | The Theatre: Beginnings Through Realism | 3 |
| THEATRE 360 | Theatre Practices: | 1 |
| ED PSY 330 | Introduction to Learning and Development | 3 |
| University Core | 6 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| THEATRE 322 | The Theatre: Modern and Contemporary Period | 3 |
| THEATRE 410 | Stage Directing | 3 |
| THEATRE 473 | Theatre in Elementary Education | 3 |
| THEATRE 360 | Theatre Practices: | 1 |
| University Core | 6 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| THEATRE 474 | Theatre in Secondary Education | 3 |
| THEATRE 475 | Rehearsal and Performance: | 2 |
| THEATRE 360 | Theatre Practices: | 1 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| The Exceptional Individual | ||
| Inclusion for Secondary Educators: Humanities, the Arts, Foreign Language | ||
| Child, Learner, Disabilities | ||
| Electives/University Core | 6 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| THEATRE 202 | Theatre Practicum (or Elective/University Core) | 1 |
| THEATRE 359 | Playwriting | 3 |
| THEATRE 484 | Field Work in Theatre | 3 |
| CURRINS 545 | Reading in the Content Areas: Middle, Junior, and Senior High School | 3 |
| Electives/University Core | 3 | |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Spring | ||
| THEATRE 485 | Elementary Level Student Teaching in Theatre | 6 |
| THEATRE 486 | Secondary Student Teaching in Theatre | 6 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Application Process
Admission to The BA in Theatre Practices degree is based on acceptance to the university. At that time, students are required to take part in a placement interview with a BA faculty advisor, which helps determine the choice of electives, including what practices and areas of interest a student wishes to focus on. The Theatre Education track requires an interview before being accepted into the program.
Advance to Major/Retention
To be accepted and continue in good standing within any Theatre degree program, students must meet or exceed all general university requirements, have and maintain a 2.5 GPA overall (with the exception of Theatre Education majors). BA degree majors must also maintain a 2.75 GPA within the major. Theatre Education majors must maintain a 3.0 in the major. All BFA degree majors must maintain a 3.0 in the major. Additionally, all Theatre majors in all programs must pass all Theatre Core courses with a C grade or better. Students will be put on probation inside the major, and may be denied continuation in their program, if they receive a D grade or lower in any Theatre Core courses, which are:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| THEATRE 110 | Fundamentals of the Actor's Process | 3 |
| THEATRE 204 | Theatre and Social Change | 3 |
| THEATRE 213 | Play Analysis | 3 |
| THEATRE 214 | Stagecraft | 4 |
| THEATRE 225 | Costume Construction | 2 |
| THEATRE 230 | Acting 2: Text and Performance | 3 |
| THEATRE 236 | Theatre Production and Design | 3 |
| THEATRE 260 | Storytelling: | 3 |
| THEATRE 275 | Performing Arts Management | 3 |
| THEATRE 305 | The Theatrical Experience: | 3 |
| THEATRE 321 | The Theatre: Beginnings Through Realism | 3 |
| THEATRE 322 | The Theatre: Modern and Contemporary Period | 3 |
As per Wisconsin State statutes, all Theatre Education students must also pass the Praxis II Theatre Content test, or a portfolio equivalent as determined by the program, before being allowed to engage in their student teaching fieldwork.
Continuation
Students who are in danger of being dropped from the program, or put on probation, will receive a written warning. Any Theatre student who is dropped or suspended from his/her program (due to failing/low grades and/or academic misconduct) has the right to an appeal. Any student wishing to appeal must inform the Chair and his/her Area Head of their interest and in writing. Students must then meet with the Chair and the Area Head to discuss their appeal. The appeal may then be forwarded to the Theatre Department Appeals Committee and the Theatre Department Chair. Appeals committee findings will be given to the student in writing and in a timely manner.
Advising
Location: Theatre 120
Hours: M–Th 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Fri. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (closed on university holidays)
Contact: 414-229-4763 | Contact Form
Academic advising is an important aspect of long-term academic success. At the Peck School of the Arts, we offer professional advising in the undergraduate disciplines of art, dance, film, music and theatre.
Our advisors provide students with individualized appointments to assist them in areas such as: degree requirements, major options, course selection, campus resources, college success strategies, graduation assessment, academic policies and procedures, and more.
For more information please visit the Peck School of the Arts advising and student services page.
Honors in the Major
Honors in the Major is granted to students who have earned a GPA of 3.500 or greater in the major and the academic department's recommendation.
High Honors in the Major is granted to students who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or greater and the academic department's recommendation.
Departmental Honors are granted to students recommended by their academic department for Honors excellence in performance not reflected in the GPA.
Dean's Honors are granted to students with major achievements in one or more of the arts.
College of the Arts and Architecture Dean's Honor List
GPA of 3.750 or above, earned on a full-time student's GPA on 12 or more graded credits in a given semester.
Honors College Degree and Honors College Degree with Distinction
Granted to graduating seniors who complete Honors College requirements, as listed in the Honors College section of this site.
Commencement Honors
Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester, will receive all-university commencement honors and be awarded the traditional gold cord at the December or May Honors Convocation. Please note that for honors calculation, the GPA is not rounded and is truncated at the third decimal (e.g., 3.499).
Final Honors
Earned on a minimum of 60 graded UWM credits: Cum Laude - 3.500 or above; Magna Cum Laude - 3.650 or above; Summa Cum Laude - 3.800 or above.