Abstract
This article addresses the problem of high school students applying to college theatre programs without sufficient academic preparation. Many applicants excelled in drama activities but lacked basic competencies in math, science, or foreign language, often because theatre courses and competitions displaced core academic subjects. The discussion critiques how secondary theatre programs, influenced by play contests, awards, and performance-focused teachers, unintentionally encouraged students to emphasize production at the expense of scholastic development. Suggestions for improvement include shifting college outreach workshops from production techniques to admission requirements, de-emphasizing contests, providing training opportunities for high school teachers, and promoting awareness of theatre career options beyond performance. The article argues that theatre education should support rather than dominate secondary schooling, ensuring students maintain broad academic preparation and viable options for college success.
Recommended Citation
Drapeau, Donald A.
(1987)
"Closing the Gap: How Colleges and Universities Can Help Improve Secondary Theatre Education,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 62, Article 11.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol62/iss1/11
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