Graduate Certificate in Theater Instruction

Develop the expertise to teach drama, lead after-school drama programs or enhance instruction in kindergarten through grade 12 disciplines with the Graduate Certificate in Theater Instruction in the School of Theater, Film and Media Arts at 51¶¯Âþ. Become a more creative and collaborative educator with professional expertise across all areas of theater—including acting, design/technology, directing and history—and integrate your studies into your classroom.

This 15-credit Theater Instruction Certificate (Graduate) program

  • equips working drama teachers with additional experience in an evolving profession.
  • increases an educator’s potential for advancement within their school or district.
  • meets the guidelines for drama teachers pursuing the .
  • provides teachers of any discipline with the skills to create meaningful engagement in the classroom through performance arts.

The program’s curriculum is offered in hybrid, online and intensive formats to accommodate your teaching schedule. Intensives are held in Summer II sessions on 51¶¯Âþ’s Main Campus, while other courses are held completely online or as hybrids that provide you direct contact with faculty and productions.

This program is part of a nationally accredited . It is led by distinguished , many of whom have decades of professional experience in all areas of theater, including acting, direction and production design, in cities such as Chicago, New York City and Philadelphia. Faculty members also have experience teaching drama and theater techniques to students of all ages and experience levels.

Classes & Curriculum

The 15-credit Theater Instruction Graduate Certificate comprises the following five courses.

  • Acting 1 for Teachers
  • Methods of Teaching Theater for Teachers
  • Stage Management for Teachers
  • Welcome Backstage for Teachers
  • World of the Play for Teachers

Related Graduate Degrees

Careers

Graduates of the Theater Instruction Graduate Certificate are prepared to incorporate drama and theater performance in kindergarten through grade 12 classrooms. This program also prepares professional educators seeking the Pennsylvania Department of Education Theatre Endorsement. Students form the foundation to pursue careers in drama or theater, and current drama educators can advance their careers.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51¶¯Âþ’s commitment to access and affordability, this Graduate Certificate offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,221.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,634.00 per credit

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Additional Program Information