We CU Performing at Centenary University!
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts: Education
Combine theatre training with teaching preparation to inspire creativity and confidence in K–12 performing arts classrooms.
Why Theatre Education? Think about a person who inspired you…
It usually begins with a teacher, perhaps in elementary school or junior high or even high school. To inspire, to encourage and to awaken in a student a desire for the performing arts is a noble goal and an enlightened profession.
Centenary University Theatre and Education programs are uniting to offer this opportunity for the motivated aspiring theatre educator.
Drama teachers assist students in exploring their creativity and building interpersonal skills through classroom activities and theatre productions. They utilize instructional methods to create lesson plans, exercises and other activities to help students master costume and set design, acting and directing. Drama teachers are employed in a wide range of educational settings from elementary, middle and high schools to colleges and universities.
Why it Matters
Teacher shortages, especially in certain certification areas are at an all-time high. NJDOE data suggests that in certain certification areas 100’s of positions will go unfilled in the 2021-22 school year, with additional stress anticipated. Teacher vacancies, especially in certain certification areas are increasing each year. This is especially true in the urban and underserved portions of the state. This program, which provides dual certification opportunities, makes Centenary graduates highly marketable state-wide. This new degree is designed to meet the projected demand for educators through 2026 and beyond as the number of completions from New Jersey’s 46 institutions offering education programs in 2017 fell far below the openings for that year, effectively creating a teacher shortage.
This partnership with the Education Program creates unique opportunities for those aspiring educators.
Your Future
Academic Advancement:
Next steps include MFA/MA in Theatre, arts administration, stage management, design/production certificate, teaching certification, or nonprofit management credential.
Career Pathways:
Theater Teacher, Drama Coach, Curriculum Developer
Industry Outlook:
Moderate growth in arts education, with demand for theater teachers in schools and community arts programs.
Regional employers include
NJPAC; Paper Mill Playhouse; McCarter Theatre Center; George Street Playhouse; Two River Theater; State Theatre New Jersey; Count Basie Center; New Jersey Ballet; regional production companies; school districts.
Salary Outlook:
$40,000 – $60,000
Getting Started
For New Jersey entry-level roles aligned to BA in Education: Theater, a reasonable starting range is approximately $35,000–$52,000, depending on role, licensure/certification, employer type, and prior experience.
Early Career and Progression
Approx. $60,000 midpoint at about five years, with higher earnings in specialized, licensed, technical, supervisory, or high-demand settings.
Approx. $85,000 average or attainable mid-career benchmark around ten years, especially for advanced credentials, management responsibility, or specialized practice.
*Salary and Outlook Data