We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Career

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I Become a Drama Teacher?

By Carol Francois
Updated: Mar 02, 2024
Views: 14,672
Share

Many times, a person who enjoys dramatic productions and teaching will decide to complete the three steps required to become a drama teacher. These steps include completing formal post-secondary training, obtaining related work experience and securing employment. A drama teacher is responsible for providing instruction in acting methods and techniques. Employment opportunities can be found at the secondary and post-secondary levels.

The type of person who wants to become a drama teacher is naturally outgoing, loves the theater and the stage and enjoys working with young people. Although most people assume that drama teachers are failed actors, this is not necessarily the case. Acting work is notoriously unreliable, and many successful actors combine the two careers. The amount of time dedicated to each role can shift back and forth, depending on the opportunities available.

Although there is no formal education required to work in the dramatic arts, all drama teachers are required to complete an undergraduate degree as well as teacher training. Drama teachers usually hold a bachelor's degree in fine arts, with a major in drama or musical theater from a recognized university. Teacher training is an additional year at a university in most countries, and it often is recognized as a separate bachelor's degree in education. These two degrees are mandatory if you want to become a drama teacher at the high school level.

Teaching at the post-secondary level can include positions in community colleges, universities or private dramatic arts schools. Academic credentials required include a bachelor's degree but not necessarily a degree in education. At this level, a graduate degree in drama or extensive experience is expected.

Related work experience for anyone who wants to become a drama teacher can be divided into two categories: leadership and acting. Most schools are looking for teachers with extensive leadership experience. This type of experience can include working as a team leader, camp counselor or a volunteer supervisor. Acting experience can be obtained through positions in the local community theater, at a television station or in movies. In order to work as an actor, he or she must audition for a producer who is responsible for the creation of a play, film or television show.

At the secondary level, most schools offer a very small number of drama classes. In order to have a full workload, teachers can be required to work at more than one school or to teach both drama and another course. Flexibility and a willingness to teach other courses is often required, because there simply are not enough drama courses for a full-time teaching job in most schools. Look for opportunities in large cities, because school districts there are more likely to have both an active drama community and multiple schools.

Share
Practical Adult Insights is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon344541 — On Aug 10, 2013

Can you become a drama teacher with an acting degree?

Share
https://www.practicaladultinsights.com/how-do-i-become-a-drama-teacher.htm
Copy this link
Practical Adult Insights, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

Practical Adult Insights, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.