About the Theatre for Young Audiences Minor
Our theatre for young audiences minor prepares students to make a positive impact
in the lives of children and those in their local communities. Students learn how
to teach theatre and inspire children through productions that cater to their various
interests and developmental stages.
To complete this minor, students take a flexible curriculum consisting of 12 required
credit hours and additional electives. Required course topics include theatre education,
service learning and play production for young audiences. Elective options include
acting, musical theatre and directing courses.
Students must pursue an undergraduate degree at UW to declare a minor in theatre for
young audiences.
UW’s theatre students get access to specialized performance and rehearsal spaces, including:
- Modern theatres
- Design studios
- Classrooms
- Industry-grade lighting, sound and staging equipment
- Dedicated spaces for movement, voice and acting workshops
What can you do with an educational theatre minor?
An Educational Theatre minor prepares you to use theatre as a tool for teaching, learning and community engagement. You can pursue careers as a drama teacher, teaching artist, youth theatre director, or education coordinator at theatres, schools, museums or nonprofits. This minor is also great for those interested in arts integration, creative youth development, or educational outreach. Paired with majors like education, theatre, English or communication, it adds creative and communication skills that are valuable in both classrooms and community settings.
Our graduates are prepared for fulfilling careers as performers who work with and inspire young children! Some of our grads pursue careers as educators or performers, while others pursue the business side of the arts. Whatever path you choose, you’ll be able to apply your rigorous theatrical training and hands-on experience working with others.
UW’s theatre and arts alumni are getting creative in a variety of ways! Here are some of the exciting job titles our grads have held:
- Director
- Video Producer
- Theatre Teacher
- Marketing Director
- Theatre and Dance Professor
- Special Events Manager
- Communications Manager
- Vice President of Philanthropy
- Social Media Manager
Here are some of the places UW grads are making an impact:
- Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University
- Colorado Youth for a Change
- CBS Sports
- University of Wyoming Department of Theatre and Dance
- Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts
- Mile High United Way
- KTVN 2 News
- University of Wisconsin
In the educational theatre minor, you learn how to use theatre as a powerful tool for education and community engagement. You’ll explore topics like drama-based teaching strategies, youth theatre, directing, theatre for social change and creative drama. The program blends performance, pedagogy and production, helping you develop skills in communication, collaboration, storytelling and arts integration—ideal for work in classrooms, community programs or arts organizations.
Welcome to UW Theatre and Dance
Looking for a creative home where your love for theatre and education can thrive? At UW, the Theatre and Dance program is more than a classroom—it’s a vibrant, supportive community full of passionate artists and educators like you. You’ll work side-by-side with industry pros who bring real-world experience and a genuine commitment to your growth. Whether you're performing, directing, designing or exploring new ways to teach through theatre, you’ll have the freedom to experiment and the support to succeed. If you’re craving connection, creativity and a fresh dose of inspiration, you’ll find it here.
