In this program, students are prepared to teach drama and speech at the elementary and secondary levels.
The theatre education degrees are designed for students seeking to share the art and craft of theatre with others. The degree choices allow the student to be broad-based with opportunities to teach any grade level in communication and theatre or to focus solely on junior high and high school students.
Why study drama and speech at Harding?
Real experience
The department presents an average of seven fully staged productions each year. Live theatre at Harding University is a year-round production environment. Opportunities to develop as a performer, designer or technician are constant with a wide range of styles including musical theatre, Greek tragedies, Shakespeare, commedia dell’arte, American classics and contemporary works.
Community involvement
More than 36,000 patrons see Harding University productions every season. Student involvement begins during your first semester and continues as you progress through the program. Productions include the Homecoming musical, Spring Sing musical revue and Searcy Summer Dinner Theatre.
Pied Pipers
Improvisational skills are encouraged through the Pied Pipers, our children’s theatre troupe. This group performs more than 60 times every year, visiting elementary schools, pre-schools, churches, children’s hospitals, theatre workshops and more.
What can you do with a degree in drama and speech?
Teaching
You'll be equipped to teach drama and speech in grades K-12, sharing your love of the stage with future actors. Curriculum may include acting, directing, stage design and theatre history as well as management of full productions.
Acting
A degree in drama and speech will equip you with diverse skills for careers in the performing arts and beyond. With a strong foundation in technique, voice and movement, you can pursue professional opportunities in theatre, film, television and media.
Community and regional theatre
Our emphasis on Christian values and ethical storytelling will also prepare you for roles in faith-based productions and community theatre. Acting is a skill with lifelong opportunities to enrich your life both professionally and as a volunteer.
OUR COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY BLENDS ACTORS, AUDIENCES, STORIES AND SPACES INTO IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES THAT REFLECT AND INSPIRE.