Virginia Law

The program in theatre arts preK-12 shall ensure that the candidate has demonstrated the following competencies:

1. Understanding of the knowledge, skills, and processes of the theatre arts discipline as defined in the Virginia Standards of Learning and how these provide a necessary foundation integral to teaching theatre arts.

2. Understanding of the knowledge, skills, and processes for teaching theatre arts to the developmental levels and academic needs of students in preK-12, including the following:

a. Experience in planning, developing, administering, and evaluating a program of theatre arts education;

b. Knowledge and understanding for teaching theatre arts, including performance and production; theatre history and cultural context; analysis, evaluation, and critique; and aesthetics;

c. Knowledge and understanding in directing;

d. Knowledge and understanding in technical theatre, including lighting, set design, stage craft, costuming, makeup, and safety;

e. Knowledge and understanding in performance, including acting and acting styles;

f. Knowledge and understanding in dramatic literature;

g. Knowledge and understanding of the relationship of theatre and culture and the influence of theatre on past and present culture;

h. Knowledge and understanding of technological and artistic copyright laws;

i. Knowledge and understanding of classroom management and safety, including performance and studio and use of toxic art materials in various aspects of theatre arts production, performance, and the classroom;

k. Knowledge of instructional and assessment strategies to foster, support, and enhance student theatre arts learning;

l. Knowledge of related areas of theatre arts, such as art, dance arts, music, and the visual arts;

m. Knowledge and understanding of technology, with applications for instruction, resources, artistic expression, administration, assessment, and communication;

n. Knowledge and understanding of appropriate and sensitive attention to diversity and cultural understanding; and

o. Observation and student teaching experiences at the elementary, middle, and secondary levels.

3. Understanding of and proficiency in grammar, usage, and mechanics and their integration in writing.

4. Understanding of and proficiency in pedagogy to incorporate writing as an instructional and assessment tool for candidates to generate, gather, plan, organize, and present ideas in writing to communicate for a variety of purposes.