Student actors dressed in rain coats and ponchos stand on and around a wooden platform in the studio theatre as they sing together for the final scene of Western Theatre Co's production of 'LOVE'.

Theatre Secondary Licensure

Part of: Communication Arts, Language & Literature Department, Education Department

Offered as: Education Licensure, Major Emphasis

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts

Licensure: Secondary Licensure

Related Areas of Study: Theatre Secondary Licensure with MA in Education, Theatre

Part of: Communication Arts, Language & Literature Department, Education Department

Offered as: Education Licensure, Major Emphasis

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts

Licensure: Secondary Licensure

Related Areas of Study: Theatre Secondary Licensure with MA in Education, Theatre

Bring the art of theatre to life in the classroom.

Western’s Theatre Secondary Licensure program is designed for students passionate about theater and eager to inspire that enthusiasm in middle and high school students. This comprehensive program combines rigorous coursework in theater arts—including acting, stagecraft, script analysis, and directing—with pedagogical training tailored for secondary education. Students engage in hands-on experiences through laboratory work and collaborative projects, culminating in a year-long clinical residency that provides real-world teaching experience in secondary education settings.

We equip students with the necessary academic and practical skills, the Colorado Department of Education oversees the teacher licensure process. To obtain a teaching license in Colorado, candidates must fulfill specific requirements, including completing an approved educator preparation program, demonstrating content knowledge through relevant examinations, and meeting professional development criteria. Western’s program is meticulously designed to prepare students to meet these state requirements, ensuring they are well-positioned to achieve licensure and excel as theater educators in secondary schools.

Theatre Secondary Licensure Requirements

Emphasis
Licensure

A major emphasis dives deeper into a specific interest within your major. It allows you to focus on a particular area of study, replacing the need for a separate minor. By tailoring your coursework, a major emphasis equips you with specialized knowledge and skills to better prepare you for career opportunities or advanced studies in your chosen field.

A licensure complements a degree and is awarded by entities other than Western. Often awarded by the state for teaching, it is a public and professional assurance that state teaching standards are met and the student is prepared to teach.

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

The Western Colorado University Foundation offers scholarships for this program. Explore eligibility requirements and funding opportunities.

General Western Scholarships

The Western Colorado University Foundation offers scholarships for this program. Explore eligibility requirements and funding opportunities.

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Top Skills

Communication
Leadership
Management
Marketing
Operations
Teaching

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Career Pathways

Actor
Choreographer
Media Programming Director
Set and Exhibit Designer
Theatre Teacher
Theatre Director

Latest News

Faculty & Staff

Communication Arts, Language & Literature Department

Contact Information

Contact Location

Western Colorado University
Taylor Hall 216
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231

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