Teaching high school theatre in the state of California requires a Single-Subject Credential in Theatre, issued by the California Commission on Teaching Credentials. This program is a two-semester post-baccalaureate program that meets the requirements of that credentialing process.

CSUF's Theatre Credential program focuses on practicing a consent-based, anti-oppressive approach to theatre pedagogy, providing teacher candidates with tools to help establish inclusive and accessible classrooms. Our goal is to arm future theatre teachers with the tools they need to change theatre education for the better.

During this program, you will student teach at a public school in partnership with a mentor teacher in a theatre classroom. You will spend the first semester observing, co-planning, and co-facilitating; during the second semester, you’ll take the lead.

Throughout your year of student teaching, coursework at CSUF will support you in improving your teaching practice.

This program's Subject Area Coordinator is Dr. Amanda Rose Villarreal

This is a one-year program. If applicants have completed the program prerequisites, the program begins in the Fall and continues throughout the Spring semester. If the applicant has not completed prerequisites, they will need to complete coursework during Summer sessions prior to entering the program.

New cohorts begin every Fall.

Minimum requirements:

A bachelor’s degree in theatre, OR
A bachelor’s degree in any field and a passing score on the CSET exam for Theatre, demonstrating content competency.

Attend a program overview session.

Transcripts show a minimum 2.67 cumulative undergraduate GPA.

Preferred Qualifications:

Transcripts show a minimum 2.75 cumulative undergraduate GPA.

Preference will be given to applicants who have earned a BA in Theatre or who have worked professionally in theatre or theatre education.

Additional preference will be given to applicants whose transcripts demonstrate successful completion of coursework in theatre education, applied theatre, community-based theatre, or theatre with youth.

EDSC 310, 320, 330, 340 are required prior to beginning the program.

These can be completed prior to applying or can be in progress at the time of application, but must be completed prior to the Fall Semester of the credential program.

These courses can be completed at CSU Fullerton or another 4-year institution. Find more information on these courses and equivalences here

Fall Semester (15 units):
EDSC 410: Teaching and Learning from Language Learners in Secondary Schools
EDSC 440S General Pedagogy in Secondary Schools
EDSC 440F Supervised Fieldwork in Secondary Schools
EDSC 449E Externship in Single Subject Teaching
THTR 442 Methods in Anti-Oppressive Theatrical Praxis

Spring Semester (16 units):
EDSC 460 Teaching Performance Assessment Seminar
THTR 449I Second Semester Student Teaching
THTR 449S Seminar in Secondary Theatre Education

Student Teaching Placement:
This program requires that all teacher candidates complete a year of student teaching, supervised by a Mentor Teacher. CSUF faculty and staff will secure placement on your behalf; once a placement is secured, you are expected to complete student teaching obligations and support extra-curricular theatre activities at your designated placement site during both Fall and Spring semesters.

For more information, see the Cal State Fullerton College of Education’s Secondary Credential Program Handbook.

Interested applicants should complete or enroll in the prerequisites, attend an information session, and submit their application and letters of recommendation via Cal State Apply.

For more information, including links to registration for information sessions and deadlines for application, visit the Cal State Fullerton’s College of Education Credential Program Admissions page

Our intern program is developed for teacher candidates already employed in a public school but seeking a theatre credential.

This includes a full-year option and an Early Completion Option (ECO) second-semester only program.

Find more details here