In addition to having the region’s most affordable tuition, we offer thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. Learn more about scholarships and financial aid for Theatre Education degree.
Theatre Education Degree Endorsement (7-12)
Theatre Education (7-12)
The world of theatre and drama is no doubt an exciting place to be. It’s a good field to develop your creativity as well as learn about different kinds of interactions. If you desire a career in this field and want to become a theatre arts or drama teacher in junior high or high school, consider the Theatre Education endorsement from Wayne State. You’ll learn how to teach acting and directing techniques, improvisation, lighting, scene design, and set construction. You’ll also get hands-on experience by being involved in theatre productions and other performances on campus.
Percent of recent WSC graduates employed or in graduate school
based on the most recent graduate survey
Fast Facts
Degrees offered: B.A., B.S.
In addition to choosing the Theatre supplemental endorsement, you will also need to select one field endorsement or two subject endorsements to receive your B.A. or B.S.
Hours required:
For supplemental endorsement: 24
Professional education: 27-33
General education: 30
To graduate from WSC: 120 hours minimum (education programs may require more)
Popular pairings: Middle Level Education (5-9), Speech Education (7-12)
Schools: Arts and Humanities, Education and Behavioral Sciences
Departments: Communication Arts, Educational Foundations and Leadership
Accreditation: Council of Accreditation for Educator Preparation (CAEP), Nebraska Department of Education
Reputation: Wayne State College has earned a solid reputation for outstanding performing arts programs. Thousands of patrons attend concerts, plays, musicals, and other cultural events each year.
Venues: WSC Theatre performs in Ramsey Theatre, a 600-seat performance space boasting modern technology, as well as the Black Box Theatre, a configurable, intimate performance space with seating for 120.
Licensing and Certification: Wayne State academic programs are designed to prepare students for licensure or certification in Nebraska. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Nebraska, please check that state's licensing board to determine their licensing requirements. Authorization may be required from them prior to beginning a clinical or field experience in that state. Learn more.
Our Focus is Results
Wayne State has the keys to your success and offers just what you need to become well prepared for the real world with the Theatre Education degree endorsement.
Skills Learned
- Acting and performance
- Set construction and scene design
- Play directing and stage management
- Costume and makeup design for theatre
- Theatre production for high school
- Teaching and instruction
- Classroom management and leadership
- Presentation and public speaking
- Critical thinking and reasoning
- Professional standards and ethics
- Creative expression and presentation
- Organization and time management
Possible Careers
- Theatre arts teacher
- Drama teacher
- Acting teacher
- Actor, announcer, or on-air personality
- Director or producer
- Playwright
- Stage or set designer
- Stage manager
- Professional speaker
- Theatre critic
Employers
- Public schools
- Private schools
- Theatre companies
- Production companies
- Television / film studios
- Media outlets
- Art and design firms
- Public relations firms
- Community centers
Learn From the Best
Our faculty are accomplished professionals that have been recognized as experts in their fields. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll be sure to receive an excellent education in the Theatre Education degree program.
Raihan Jamil, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Outside the Classroom
At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your education by participating in clubs, organizations, internships, and more.
Clubs and Organizations
- Drama Club
- Forensics Team (competitive speech team)
- Kappa Delta Pi (education honor society)
- Lambda Pi Eta (communication honor society)
- Film Club
- Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC)
- Nebraska State Education Association (NSEA) Aspiring Educators
- PR in Action
- WSC Student Media (The Wayne Stater, KWSC-FM, and KWSC Studios)
Service-Learning
Make a difference in the community while learning skills you can apply toward your future career. Wayne State’s Service-Learning program has received national awards in recognition of outstanding community service, with more than 400 students participating in Service-Learning projects each semester.
Opportunities
- Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy (NENTA) - Develop your classroom skills and get paid at the same time.
- Workshops - Communication and theater arts workshops will give you firsthand experience and help you develop your skills to prepare yourself for a career in these fields.
- Trips, conferences, and more – Attend communication conferences and presentations, and participate in leadership opportunities.
- Study Abroad - Earn credit toward your degree while experiencing exciting global adventures overseas.
Clinical Practice
As a student majoring in education, you will complete a semester of clinical practice in a school district chosen with the help of your advisor. During this semester, you’ll work closely with an experienced teacher to gain classroom experience. Internships are not required as part of this program; however, Career Services is available to help students find employment opportunities.