

The Theatre, Theatre Education (K-12) Bachelor of Arts program at the University of North Carolina provides students with a comprehensive understanding of theatre performance, pedagogy, and educational practices. The curriculum emphasizes acting, directing, stagecraft, and theatre education methods, preparing learners to teach and guide students effectively in K-12 settings. Students develop performance skills, educational competence, creative thinking, and applied theatre knowledge, equipping them to contribute meaningfully to school theatre programs and community arts initiatives.
Throughout the program, learners participate in coursework, productions, and practical teaching experiences that integrate theoretical knowledge with real world applications. Faculty mentorship guides students in instructional strategies, performance techniques, and curriculum development, enabling them to apply classroom and stage knowledge to educational and professional contexts. By combining theory with applied practice, students strengthen teaching skills, creative abilities, leadership competence, and applied problem solving abilities, ensuring they are prepared for professional, educational, and community theatre roles.
Year 1 Foundations in Theatre
• Introduction to Theatre and Performance
• Acting Fundamentals and Stage Techniques
• Theatre History and Literature
• Academic Writing and Research
Year 2 Core Theatre and Education Studies
• Intermediate Acting and Directing
• Theatre Production and Stagecraft
• Educational Psychology for Theatre Teaching
• Applied Teaching Methods in Theatre
Year 3 Advanced Applications
• Advanced Acting and Performance
• Curriculum Development in Theatre Education
• Practicum I: Classroom Teaching Experience
• Elective Modules in Theatre or Education
Year 4 Integration and Capstone
• Senior Performance Project or Production
• Practicum II: Teaching Internship
• Capstone Project in Theatre Education
• Professional Development and Portfolio
Graduates of this program are prepared for professional roles that combine expertise in theatre and education. Many pursue careers as K-12 theatre educators, drama instructors, educational program coordinators, and community arts facilitators, applying performance, teaching, and leadership skills to classroom and community settings. Others work in schools, educational institutions, theatre programs, or nonprofit arts organizations, designing theatre curricula, leading performances, and fostering student engagement in the arts. The program’s emphasis on applied teaching, performance, and creative skills equips graduates to excel in professional, educational, and artistic environments.
This program is ideal for students who want to combine practical theatre performance with educational pedagogy for K-12 instruction. Its curriculum emphasizes acting, directing, stagecraft, and classroom teaching strategies, providing learners with the tools to teach, guide, and inspire students effectively. Faculty mentorship supports students in developing performance expertise, creative abilities, instructional skills, and applied problem solving competence. Through productions, teaching practicum, and capstone experiences, learners strengthen teaching skills, creative abilities, performance expertise, and applied educational competence, preparing them for impactful careers in theatre education, drama instruction, community arts, and K-12 teaching.
Phone: +1 (919) 966-3621
Email: unchelp@admissions.unc.edu
Address: Jackson Hall, 174 Country Club Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA