<p>I recently received the opportunity to conduct two of my original choral compositions at my arts school and to kind of serve as vocal coach for a friend for a few days as he preped his song for our musical theater class' performance. As I did this I sort of said to myself "Hm... I think I might be kind of good at this whole teaching thing. If I can't be an actress, I think I'd possibly enjoy teaching other people to act or sing." (This is a huge revelation, as I was previously all <em>insert melodramatic voice</em> "I MUSt act!!!") Obviously, you go the music ed route if you want to be a music teacher. (I don't think I could teach chorus the rest of my life, though. I'd have to give private lessons). But I was wondering what education you receive to be a drama teacher. Most teachers I've had have just been adjuncts or other types of uncertifyed professionals with no specific eduacation degree. So, what's the deal?</p>
<p>Certification itself varies from state to state and really only applies to public schools.
What "qualifications" and credentials you should seek (so you can be the best you can be) I defer to others to speak about in detail. My observation is that it is a GREAT asset if as a voice teacher you are really able to read music well.</p>
<p>Personally, I would run in the opposite direction if a voice teacher I was considering could not read music! I cannot imagine studying voice with someone who is musically illiterate. While, unfortunately, there are no official credentials, degrees, etc. required to become a private music teacher, being able to read music, having advanced vocal skills, and having some minimal keyboard competency are surely the minimum. I would want a private teacher to have at least a bachelors degree in voice. Anyone who graduates from a music school or department in this country will be able to read music!</p>
<p>Thanks to the replies! Here's my credentials now, which I will definately continue to build upon in college, whether in a capacity that leads towards certification or not: 6+ years of choirs (6 spent in prestigious local girls' choir), 2 years private voice but may years spent singing broadway rep without lessons, good sightsinging skills, experience as student choral conductor, 7 or 8 years of piano with acceptable sight-reading abilities but nowhere good enough to accompany, 4 years of arts high school where I was in the vocal ensembles and took AP level theory and 4 years of compositions in a variety of mediums, a few years of dance in several styles, 7ish years of acting in plays and musicals and taking drama classes. Ideally, I could see myself being a musical theater or drama teacher at an arts school like the one I've attended. Some have teaching certificates, but many don't but have tons of experience. Otherwise, I wouldn't mind teaching drama in public school or giving private voice lessons, etc. I think I've got a pretty good foundation under my belt, but I definately need more. I hate to admit it, but my parents were probably right when they told me I should major in music ed or the like...</p>
<p>Steinhardt at NYU has an excellent Theatre Ed. program.</p>
<p>The drama teachers at the arts h/s my D attended all had a minimum of a Masters in Drama, Directing, Film, or Music. In addition to that, most were working professionals in theatre. I think that you'll find that this is the case at most reputable arts high schools. In public schools, the drama teachers are usually English teachers who have an interest in theatre and who are thus drafted into teaching drama classes. They rarely have the educational or professional background that their counterparts at arts schools do. I have to agree that anyone seeking out a vocal coach should make sure that the individual has at minimum, a degree in music, and preferably in voice.</p>
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The drama teachers at the arts h/s my D attended all had a minimum of a Masters in Drama, Directing, Film, or Music. In addition to that, most were working professionals in theatre.
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It was the same at mine. Actually, at one time, one of the acting teachers was a BFA, but he left since he could only get adjunct pay and no benefits.</p>
<p>What about a Theater Ed major or double major with Acting? In OH, MD, and PA I noticed there are many schools with a specific Theater Education major. In those states, there may be a specific teaching credential for that subject. </p>
<p>In CA, there is no credential for theater educators. They have to major in something else. My S's theater teacher (full-time at a public school) has an English degree. There is a 2nd full-time teacher in the theater department (happens to be his wife). On the side, he performs in local musical productions. This school coordinates the musicals with the chorus teacher (who provides accompaniment until the pit band can rehearse), and the dance teacher who does the choreography. </p>
<p>It seems by my observation, that once a theater position is obtained, there is little turnover. So perhaps the strategy to landing a full-time job is to apply to schools in growing areas where new high schools are being built.</p>
<p>Thanks to all who replied! I wasn't even sure if there was such thing as theater education, so that's interesting to find out. I'll look in to all suggestions and thanks for the helpful info!</p>
<p>The University of Evansville has a great theater ed track but I think they only accept like two kids a year.</p>