Theatre EC-12
Study & Test Strategies

Strategy 1

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

I used "Pass the TExES Theatre Exam" by Eileen Eberhart (more useful for the approach to studying than actual study material), Brockett's History of Theatre, and Campbell's Technical Theatre for Nontechnical People. Familiarize yourself with some educational vocabulary, like "cooperative learning" or "scaffolding" because there will be some pedagogical questions. This test does require preparation, so hunker down for some disciplined preparation time. Of the three broad areas (teaching, technical and theatre history), take some practice tests (online or from your ACP organization) to determine your weakest area(s) and study up on those. Overall, I spent about an hour each weekday over 4 weeks, I gave myself the weekends off.

Testing Strategy

The test is 100 multiple choice questions (only 80 of which will count; the other 20 are pilot questions that they are testing out). Most of the technical questions and theater history questions are straightforward, you either know the answer or you don't. Many of the pedagogical questions require a little critical thinking. Read the questions carefully; there is a reason they are using certain words and noting these words can help you eliminate wrong answers. I used 2 of the 5 hours given to take the test. I made a first pass, noting the questions about which I was uncertain. Then I made a second pass, focusing on those uncertainties. My final pass was just to make sure I was satisfied with all of my answers. The scaling of scoring is very confusing. If it's helpful, I missed 6 questions out of 80 and my scaled score was 275 out of 300. Good luck!

Strategy 2

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

I only had one book to study about theater which was heavy on the history. I felt ready for the test. I did not spend enough time on the Technical Theater part; that needs to have dedicated study time.

Testing Strategy

I felt like I knew a lot on the test, but not enough and I was right.I only scored a 231. I will be taking it again and really concentrating on the areas with the highest percentage of questions, Tech Theater being one of them.

Strategy 3

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

I recently failed this exam. Because of that, I wanted to share that the Mometrix flash cards didn't help for the exam. There were only 2-3 questions that the flash cards covered. Instead, use old theatre textbooks and quizzes. Study theatre history, on stage, and technical aspects.

Testing Strategy

Overall the test was alright, however I only made a 207 and will have to retake it. At least now I definitely know what to study and expect the next time I take the exam. Good luck!

Strategy 4

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

I used the Ed Publishing "Pass the TExES Theatre EC-12" and any old theatre textbooks I had around (Brockett's History of Theatre, an old tech manual, and notes from college). I took a sample test to see where my weak areas were and used that as a guideline for studying. I'm pretty strong when it comes to theatre history, acting, and general literary knowledge, but struggle with some of the technical terms/know-how. Reviewing notes from college lighting and set design classes helped a lot. Make sure you take time EVERY DAY to study a little (one hour or more and use the Pomodoro method if that seems daunting). Do not cram for this test. This is not a test that will allow for the simple regurgitation of facts; you will need to fully understand the information. Pace yourself with your studying. Allow yourself one topic per study session and one session a week where you do an over all review.

Testing Strategy

My testing room was very quiet, but cold (bring a sweater). I went through the test one time all the way through and "marked" any questions that I was unsure of the answer. After I completed all the questions, I reviewed over my "marked" questions. Finally I went through the entire test again. To be honest, the test was easier than I expected, but I'm still glad that I took the time to study. I completed the test in under an hour, but do not feel rushed! Take your time if needed and trust that you know the information. I walked out of the testing center confident that I had passed, but had to wait 8 days before finding out that I passed with a 283. Happy test taking and Break a leg!

Strategy 5

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

I used the Ed Publishing Pass the Texes Theatre EC-12. I also used the state preparation manual.

Testing Strategy

This test was much harder than I thought that it was going to be. I've been doing Theatre since High School and I found the exam to be difficult. Try not to second guess yourself. Mark any questions that you're not sure of and go back to them. I would suggest going in depth when studying for the Theatre History portion of the test, as well as for the portion about technical Theatre.

Strategy 6

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

I studied using Pass the TEXES Theatre EC-12 Second Edition by Eileen Eberhardt. I also had The Wadsworh Anthology of Drama from college. I did a google search for anything in the study guide I wanted to read more about to get a better understanding of its importance.

Testing Strategy

I had 5 hours to complete the exam. I took the entire time to review the test over and over again. It might not have been necessary but I needed more time to think of how my studying tied into some of the questions. There were some questions I was stuck on and had to use logic even after following the instructions in the study guide. I passed!

Strategy 7

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

My first advise is to use the study guides. I also used the flashcards and online materials. I recommend using the Brockett book for the Theatre History portion. For the Tech portion, use Theatre for Dummies. I found it helpful to review areas I was not familiar with and just accept that my area of expertise (Tech) after 25 years as a professional designer would be enough. I was right. Trust your strengths and spend your time doing a review of your weak areas.

Testing Strategy

Breathe and go with your gut. Don't spend a ton of time second guessing yourself. I scored a 261 on the first try and I have been out of school for 9 years.

Strategy 8

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

I used the Ed Publishing online book "Pass the Texes 180" and I also found practice questions online. There aren't a lot of study materials for this exam, but if you google "theater teacher study guides" you can use the ones from other states as well. I would also suggest looking over a high school "history of theater" quiz. It helps- trust me!

Testing Strategy

I've been doing theater my whole life and honestly I thought it was a little hard. YOU NEED TO STUDY. There are a lot of questions about theater history, tech theater, and concepts. If you read over materials, you should be fine. I wouldn't suggest going into the test without looking over a study guide and taking as many practice tests as you can. If you see a question or a word come up in a few different study materials... WRITE IT DOWN. It's going to be on the exam. The test took me about an hour and a half.

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