Production Program

With more than 20 productions every year, the School of Theatre offers outstanding performance opportunities to its graduate and undergraduate students in theatre and dance.

Season selections span a wide variety of genres, styles, and periods. The School produces a musical or opera every year, along with a wide range of classics and contemporary plays. The School of Theatre recognizes the value of producing new works as well and encourages the submission of work by new playwrights.

The School of Theatre is committed to the production of plays that represent a diverse population and includes at least one play each year written by a minority playwright. Recently selected plays include MARISOL by Jose Rivera, CROWNS by Regina Taylor, ROOSTERS by Milcha Sanchez-Scott, AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' with music by Thomas "Fats" Waller, and MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM by August Wilson.

The MainStage Season

Our MainStage season consists of eight fully-supported performance events each year. Six MainStage theatrical productions are directed by faculty and by third year graduate directing students. They are produced in our 525-seat Center for the Performing Arts and in the more intimate Westhoff Theatre. A MainStage dance concert is held in the Center for the Performing Arts at the end of each semester, featuring the works of faculty, guest, and student choreographers.

The SecondStage Season

Four SecondStage shows are directed by second year MFA directing students. They are produced in Westhoff Theatre and utilize both thrust and arena configurations.

Other Productions

The MainStage and SecondStage seasons are supplemented by productions performed in our Studio Theatre space and directed by our first-year graduate directing students.

A wide variety of shows is also produced with minimal technical support through student organizations such as Freestage and Women’s Project. These shows are performed in classrooms as well as in alternative spaces across campus and in downtown Normal.

Production Calendar

A complete production calendar with design and technical deadlines is available on-line.

Production Handbook

More information about the rules and regulations governing School of Theatre productions is available in the Production Handbook.

Production Kudos

The production program at Illinois State University is known for the excellence and diversity of its productions. The School of Theatre has been invited on three occasions by the National American College Theatre Festival to showcase productions at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

Numerous acting students have found success at the regional and national levels of the prestigious Irene Ryan competition. Our design students have also competed successfully at a national level.

Student and faculty-choreographed dance pieces are adjudicated at the American College Dance Festival in the spring of each year and repeatedly win high marks.