School of Theatre
Welcome to the School of Theatre at Illinois State University. We invite you to take a look around and learn more about our nationally recognized undergraduate and graduate programs.
In the School of Theatre, we provide pre-professional training to dedicated young actors, dancers, designers and educators. This is a competitive program but there is work for everybody. You will be encouraged to demonstrate your craft by participating in some of the nine major productions, two dance concerts and dozens of smaller plays and performances presented every year. For examples of the kinds of plays we produce please see our schedule of upcoming productions.
Our Faculty
We have more than 30 faculty members in the School of Theatre, so we are able to keep our studio classes small. We offer individualized instruction in a supportive environment which means you will have lots of contact with your instructors.
Our teachers stay involved in the professional world, working as directors, designers, actors, dancers, and choreographers. On top of that, Illinois State is one of the leading schools in producing Theatre teachers. Illinois State started as a teacher-training college, and the School of Theatre is proud to continue that tradition.
Undergraduate Areas of Study
The School of Theatre offers conservatory-level training within the context of a liberal arts education. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in one of seven sequences:
Auditions and Evaluations
An audition is required if you intend to pursue one of the Performance sequences: Acting, Dance, or Dance Education. A portfolio review and interview are required for the Design/Production sequence. If you intend to pursue the Theatre Education or Theatre Studies sequence you just need to be accepted by Illinois State University, and declare one of those sequences as your major (but you may still want to interview with us for School of Theatre scholarships.) For more information please see Audition, Portfolio Review, and Scholarship Interview Guidelines.
Students in the Performance sequences are evaluated by the faculty on an ongoing basis. You will be judged on the basis of your talent, classroom preparation, level of production participation and commitment to your art. Actress Judith Ivey (“Designing Women,” Tony Award-winner for “Hurlyburly”) said that during her time in the School of Theatre, “They made demands on you that a lot of professionals since then have never made on me. It prepared me for what has turned out to be a wonderful career.”
The Illinois Shakespeare Festival
During the summer months, the School of Theatre is proud to be the home of the nationally acclaimed Illinois Shakespeare Festival. The Festival offers top students an opportunity to work side-by-side with professionals from around the world.
We Are Proud of Our Graduates
Located just two hours south of Chicago, Illinois State University has been described as “a large university with a small college feel.” The School of Theatre has provided a steppingstone into the professional theatre world for many acclaimed actors, including the founding members of Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company, as well as hundreds of graduates who can be found in theatre companies and schools throughout the Midwest and beyond—acting, dancing, directing, designing and educating the theatre artists of the future.
The School of Theatre Advantage
- We provide professional training in a liberal arts setting.
- Our highly qualified faculty members maintain active involvement in the professional world.
- We provide a supportive environment that encourages exploration and growth.
- Our extensive production program enhances the classroom learning experience.
- We are committed to individualized instruction.
