How to Become a Performing Arts Teacher
A performing arts teacher’s career (i.e. acting instructors, choreographers, vocal teachers) is very rewarding and profitable. Performing arts teachers are able to teach on their love of music, drama or dance and also continue performing their music themselves in the classroom or at recitals.
Things You'll Need
- Proficiency in either drama, music or dance skills
- A college degree and business certification
- A resume
- An EIN (Employer Identification Number)
- Enroll in a college that has a strong performing arts program. Get your Bachelor’s degree in performing arts and your minor in education.
- Participate in productions while in college so that you can gain practical performing experience and practice the techniques that you have learned.
- Look for opportunities to perform within your community.
- Consider hiring a private instructor to help you continue developing your skills.
- Make sure that you practice on your own as much as possible.
- Decide what state you want to live in so that you can contact their Department of Education and register for their exams. Once you pass, contact the department and find out how to apply for a teaching certificate.
- Prepare your performing arts resume.
- Visit the school district's administrative offices in your area and ask if they are hiring a performing arts teacher. If not, consider teaching an after-school drama program.
- Contact the performing arts schools in your area. Even if they don’t have any openings, send them your resume.
- Post ads online and in local newspapers telling people that you are available for private lessons. Make sure to include your experience and rates.
- Continue to audition and perform so that you can continue to add to your resume. Place ads on the Internet and in newspapers letting people know that you are available to teach.