Open Forum

Hello!

I have been involved with theatre work for many years now, receiving my undergraduate degree in Massachusetts in theatre arts. 
After volunteering in my local public school's theatre program for the last 5 years, I think for the foreseeable future, I'd like to officially pursue a career in theatre education. 

Thought I can begin teaching without it for now, I was wondering if anyone could offer any insight into what kind of Masters program would be most generally beneficial for a budding theatre artist/educator who doesn't know exactly where they want to land in the industry. I am currently wrestling with the decision on whether or not to pursue a M. Ed in general or theatre education or if I should pursue an M.F.A. in theatre.

Thank you!

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Hayley Wood
Dracut Public Schools
Dracut, MA
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You might consider the following questions: 

Do I like to work with youth-ages 12-18?

Do I want to promote youth theatre by producing and directing children's plays (they will be your future students.)

Do I potentially see my being a one-person department? (if so, choose a college/university department that offers training in tech, acting, producing)

If you have industry credit, you might consider CTE credential. (your district will benefit financially)

Do I want to train students in Leadership and Advocacy? Do I want to sponsor a Thespian troupe and attend regional and state Leadership trainings. 

Am I willing to think about partnering with teachers outside of Theatre for projects so that students apply skills such as collaboration, communication, creativity, (all of the skills that Theatre teaches)

What would my first season look like? one Drama, one Comedy, one Musical, on youth theater, one senior show?

What will my classes be? Intro to Theatre, Advance Theatre, Tech Theater? 

How strong is the EdTA association in my state in which I want to teach? Are there other Theatre Associations in the State? 

How do I want my students to receive adjudication for their learning? 

Would I benefit from connecting with an EdTA mentor? There are several expert Theatre educators who will help.

Am I able to sign in and take the educational offerings from EdTA? 

What resources do I want to have on hand to begin my first year?

Do I want to get my Theatre credential from a university that offers an online program? 

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Gai Laing Jones
Past President of Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), National Board Member of Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF), Past CETA Executive Board Vice President Membership, DTASC Advocacy Director, DTA Curriculum Writer, Ojai Art Center Theatre Director Youth Theatre, OACT Executive Board, AACT member, SAG-AFTRA Member
gaijones2013@gmail.com
http://www.gaijones.com
RAISING THE CURTAIN
http://www.perfectionlearning.com;
BREAK A LEG, A LOVE LETTER TO THEATRE EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS
http://www.gaijones.com;
THE STUDENT ACTOR PREPARES: ACTING FOR LIFE
http://www.intellectbooks.com e-Book on Amazon;
CURTAIN GOIN' UP...TRUISMS AND TIPS FOR COMMUNITY THEATER ACTORS, DIRECTORS, TECHNICIANS AND OTHER VOLUNTEERS http://www.gaijones.com https://www.facebook.com/GaiJonesTheatreEducator
Experience teaching elementary, middle/high school, college university, senior citizens
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-20-2024 09:44
From: Hayley Wood
Subject: Teach Education

Hello!

I have been involved with theatre work for many years now, receiving my undergraduate degree in Massachusetts in theatre arts. 
After volunteering in my local public school's theatre program for the last 5 years, I think for the foreseeable future, I'd like to officially pursue a career in theatre education. 

Thought I can begin teaching without it for now, I was wondering if anyone could offer any insight into what kind of Masters program would be most generally beneficial for a budding theatre artist/educator who doesn't know exactly where they want to land in the industry. I am currently wrestling with the decision on whether or not to pursue a M. Ed in general or theatre education or if I should pursue an M.F.A. in theatre.

Thank you!

------------------------------
Hayley Wood
Dracut Public Schools
Dracut, MA
------------------------------

Hi Hayley,

I'd recommend going for the Masters in Theatre Ed. You're going to need those education credits in most schools. 

Best of luck,

Garry

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Garry Tiller
Theatre Arts Teaching Artist
Sidwell Friends
Washington, DC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-20-2024 09:44
From: Hayley Wood
Subject: Teach Education

Hello!

I have been involved with theatre work for many years now, receiving my undergraduate degree in Massachusetts in theatre arts. 
After volunteering in my local public school's theatre program for the last 5 years, I think for the foreseeable future, I'd like to officially pursue a career in theatre education. 

Thought I can begin teaching without it for now, I was wondering if anyone could offer any insight into what kind of Masters program would be most generally beneficial for a budding theatre artist/educator who doesn't know exactly where they want to land in the industry. I am currently wrestling with the decision on whether or not to pursue a M. Ed in general or theatre education or if I should pursue an M.F.A. in theatre.

Thank you!

------------------------------
Hayley Wood
Dracut Public Schools
Dracut, MA
------------------------------

Before you start shopping for degree programs, I suggest you check the certification requirements for the state where you plan to teach.  The requirements differ widely, and you cannot assume reciprocity between licensing agencies in different states.  Some states make it very difficult to become certified without a degree, undergrad or graduate, from that particular state.  Some states give a salary boost for any master's degree in the subject being taught, but others require that degree to be specifically in education. 

Once you know what degrees will allow you to get your teaching license in the state where you want to teach, then look at your skill and knowledge set.  Choose a program that will help you to become proficient in the areas in which you are weakest currently while allowing you to continue to grow in those areas where you excel. 

Happy hunting!  

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CJ Breland
Retired Theatre Arts Educator
NC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-20-2024 09:44
From: Hayley Wood
Subject: Teach Education

Hello!

I have been involved with theatre work for many years now, receiving my undergraduate degree in Massachusetts in theatre arts. 
After volunteering in my local public school's theatre program for the last 5 years, I think for the foreseeable future, I'd like to officially pursue a career in theatre education. 

Thought I can begin teaching without it for now, I was wondering if anyone could offer any insight into what kind of Masters program would be most generally beneficial for a budding theatre artist/educator who doesn't know exactly where they want to land in the industry. I am currently wrestling with the decision on whether or not to pursue a M. Ed in general or theatre education or if I should pursue an M.F.A. in theatre.

Thank you!

------------------------------
Hayley Wood
Dracut Public Schools
Dracut, MA
------------------------------