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Welcome to the Illinois State University School of Theatre. We invite you to take a look around and learn more about our outstanding undergraduate and graduate programs.

The School of Theatre at Illinois State University is committed to providing a disciplined but supportive environment where students can develop both their intellectual and artistic talents. The School offers quality training in the theatre arts and has been recognized nationally for its diverse opportunities in performance, design, technical arts, education, management, and other theatre studies.

The Illinois State University School of Theatre is proud to be the home of the nationally-acclaimed Illinois Shakespeare Festival. The Festival offers students the opportunity to work side-by-side with professionals from around the world.

The School of Theatre has played an important part in the early careers of many prominent professionals in the world of theatre and dance. Our distinguished alumni include Janet Allen (artistic director of Indiana Repertory Theatre), Gary Griffin (director of The Color Purple on Broadway), dancers Tony Orrico (Tricia Brown Dance Company) and Ed Rice (Brian Brooks Moving Company), actors Terry Kinney (Oz), Gary Cole (Office Space), Suzzanne Douglass (The Parent ’Hood), Judith Ivey (Tony winner for Hurlyburly), and Reggie Hayes (Girlfriends), along with John Malkovich, Laurie Metcalf, Jeff Perry and other members of Chicago's famed Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

The School of Theatre Advantage:

  • A dedication to professional training in a liberal arts setting.
  • Highly-qualified faculty who maintain active involvement in the professional world.
  • A supportive environment that encourages exploration and growth.
  • An extensive production program to enhance classroom learning.
  • A commitment to individualized instruction.

 

Audition/Portfolio Review/Interview/Scholarship Requirements for Incoming Students

Freshmen and transfer students intending to pursue a Performance Sequence (Acting or Dance) are required to audition for admission to the School of Theatre.  Students intending to pursue the Design/Production Sequence must participate in a portfolio review and interview for admission.  Students auditioning for admittance to a Performance Sequence or presenting a portfolio for admittance to the Design/Production Sequence do not need to do an additional audition or interview for scholarship consideration.

Freshmen and transfer students intending to pursue the Theatre Education or Theatre Studies Sequences need only be accepted by Illinois State University, and declare a Theatre major with either sequence.

Audition, Portfolio Review and Scholarship Interview Guidelines

 

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