The job of stage manager is considered one of the most challenging roles in theater. Lillian Hayward, a theatre production major with an emphasis in stage management, knows this well. From running rehearsals to facilitating communication between the director and the actors, Hayward has to do a little bit of everything as …
Theatre Education, BA BA
Unlock your passion for theatre and inspire young minds as a theatre educator with our immersive theatre education degree program. Combine your love for making theatre with the joy of teaching others and embark on a transformative journey to inspire the next generation of artists.
Whether you are just starting out or are looking for a post-baccalaureate program, you’ll benefit from our combination of extensive training in theatre and specialized courses in education. Our faculty are licensed teachers and leaders in professional theatre education who are ready to guide you in honing your artistic abilities and developing effective teaching techniques. Through hands-on field experiences, student teaching and collaborations with local schools, you’ll gain the real-world perspective needed to excel in the classroom.
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
What it’s like to be a Theatre Education major at Peck School of the Arts
When you study theatre education at UW-Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts, you join a community that is united on a mission to impact the world through our craft. And we really mean that. Our faculty are all working professionals and experienced educators deeply committed to using theatre as way to positively impact society and advance social causes. We do that through our curriculum, the shows we produce and our practices. Plus, our small cohorts, weekly seminars and continuous feedback from mentors and faculty surround you with confidence-building support.
But don’t take our word for it. Experience for yourself what it is like to be a student here by scheduling a personalized tour and info session.
Theatre Education Degree Details
Our theatre education degree is designed to earn a K-12 theatre license in four years as an undergraduate student or in two years as a post-baccalaureate student.
You’ll focus on theatre as a cultural, educational and humanitarian art form. Our curriculum trains you to use and demonstrate high impact practices in a variety of classrooms. Through immersion in creative and collaborative theatre/drama processes, you’ll build professional capacity through arts-infused experiences. Through our deep connections with schools and cultural institutions in urban communities and beyond, you’ll be well prepared to make and teach accessible theatrical arts for all students.
Explore the Theatre Practices, BA: Theatre Education requirements in the Academic Catalog.
K-12 Teacher Licensing
The course of study in this program prepares students for recommendation for certification by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for a K-12 teaching license. Assessment is aligned with the requirements for licensure under “PI-34,” the state law governing certification in Wisconsin. For more details, please visit the respective program’s requirements tab within the Academic Catalog.
Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification
Peck School of the Arts offers Post-Baccalaureate K-12 teacher certification in three areas: Art Education, Music Education and Theatre Education. The program is available for those who already hold an undergraduate degree in a related major (art, music, theatre) and have graduated with a 3.0+ cumulative GPA. If you do not meet these two requirements, you must instead apply to UWM as a second-degree undergraduate student.
All qualifying applicants are required to submit a Post-Bacc teacher certification interest form and meet with their area head prior to submitting the UWM application.
Performances
From backstage to center stage, front of house or in front of a classroom, our public performances are a vehicle for training students in every aspect of theatre. They are also a source of high-quality performing arts entertainment for our campus and community. Explore our upcoming performances or take a look at recent productions.
Entrance Auditions/Interviews & Admission
Peck School of the Arts degree programs may require additional steps to enter. For most dance, music and theatre programs, applicants must first be accepted to UWM, apply to Peck School of the Arts and complete entrance requirements such as an audition and/or interview.
Scholarships & Aid
UWM and Peck School of the Arts offer a diverse financial aid package for students, including Midwest residence savings, scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities and student loans.
Living Learning Communities
Live in campus housing on the same floor or wing as other students in your major or program. The Peck School of the Arts offers three Living Learning Communities where you can be a part of a “community within a community.” You’ll make friends, form study groups and do social activities together. And, best of all, there is no additional cost to be a part of a Living Learning Community.
Internships & Opportunities
Students work and intern professionally with Milwaukee’s professional music organizations, theatre and dance companies, and film festivals, as well as leading art museums, galleries and creative agencies. See where your education can take you. Learn more about internships and opportunities.
Student Organizations & Clubs
Meet like-minded people in a wide variety of student organizations and clubs who inspire creativity and will support your aspirations. Collaborate and create, network with professional artists, and deepen your connection with faculty, mentors and fellow students outside of the classroom.
Study Abroad
We believe that a complete education in the arts should take you beyond the classroom and the local community. By studying abroad, you’ll gain more than a change of scenery. You’ll embark on a transformative educational experience and bring a global perspective to your field of study. Explore upcoming trips offered in partnership with the Center for International Education.
Theatre Alumni Stories
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UWM stage manager sets the stage for student success
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Theatre alum brings ghostly features to life in world premiere productionIn Milwaukee’s recent World Premiere of The Forgotten Girl, production design is more important than ever. Viewers are immersed in the world of the main characters Iris and Daniel as they discover the abandoned grave of a girl in their grade and begin interacting with her ghost. Scenic designer Amaya …
Theatre Careers
- Actor / Actress
- Agent
- Art Director / Creative Director
- Artistic Director
- Arts Administrator / Box Office Manager
- Arts Council Director
- Camp Director
- Carpentry / Scenic Artistry
- Casting Director
- Choreographer
- Comedian
- Community Arts Organizer
- Conflict / Resolution Facilitator
- Corporate Trainer
- Costume Designer
- Costume Director / Manager
- Crafts Artisan
- Curator
- Dialect Coach
- Director
- Drafter / Designer
- Drama Therapist
- Dramaturg
- Draper / Cutter
- Educator / Education Administrator
- Electrician
- Entertainment Designer / Manager
- Event Planner / Coordinator
- Gaffer / Grip
- Hair / Makeup Designer / Artist
- Intimacy Director / Coordinator
- Life Coach / Motivational Speaker
- Lighting Designer / Director
- Managing Director
- Marketing & Sales
- Master Carpenter
- Milliner
- Model
- Musical Theatre Artist
- Playwright
- Producer
- Production Assistant
- Production Manager
- Project Manager
- Projection Designer
- Properties Artisan / Director
- Rigging Installer
- Scenery Designer
- Scenic Artist / Painter
- Screenwriter
- Set Designer / Decorator
- Singer
- Sound Designer / Engineer
- Sound Technician
- Special Effects Artist
- Stage Director / Manager
- Stage Hand
- Staging Fabricator
- Stunt Double
- Tailor
- Talent Agent / Director
- Technical Director
- Television / Radio Personality
- Theatre Consultant
- Theatre Critic / Journalist / Blogger
- Theatre Equipment Sales
- Trade Show Designer
- Visual Effects Director / Engineer
- Vocal Coach
- Voiceover Artist
- Wardrobe Specialist
- Wigmaker
Theatre Education Degree Faculty
Which faculty you have within this program is dependent upon your chosen courses or interests. For a list of all Theatre faculty and staff please click the button below.
- Teaching Faculty III, Theatre Education & Directing
- Area Head, Theatre Education
- Outreach Coordinator, Theatre
- Living Learning Community Coordinator, Performing Arts
- janes@uwm.edu
- 414-251-8209
- Art Building 232
- Professor, Theatre
- Teaching Fellow, Lubar Entrepreneurship Center
- rmello@uwm.edu
- 141-446-9927
- Theatre Building 220
