Undergraduate Sequence in Theatre Education

The Theatre Education Sequence at Illinois State University is dedicated to preparing highly qualified artist/teachers to meet the challenges of teaching in the secondary school system. Illinois State University is recognized nationally as the second largest producer of teachers among institutions certified by the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education. Nearly one of every seven teachers in Illinois public school classrooms holds a degree from Illinois State.

Undergraduate theatre education majors receive a solid foundation of basic skills in traditional theatre courses, such as acting, directing, design, theatre history and dramatic literature. At the same time, they follow a course of instruction specifically focused on theatre education at the secondary level. Professional skills are enhanced through classes taught through the College of Education.

An element of the Theatre Education program's strength resides in a variety of clinical experiences for students within the high school setting. These include the opportunity to assist master teachers in extracurricular speech and theatre activities, present workshops, and demonstrate teaching lessons in the classroom. The culminating experience for Theatre Education students is to take complete responsibility for a fully-mounted production at a local high school. During their last year at the University, students teach in a high school classroom for ten weeks under the supervision of a master teacher.

Illinois State University hosts the Illinois High School Theatre Festival every other year. The event offers students in the Theatre Education Sequence the opportunity to take on leadership roles and to interact with secondary education professionals from across the state. Students participate by working on planning committees, leading workshops, serving as monitors, and assisting professionals during the three day festival.

The Theatre Education Sequence leads to an Illinois Certification in Theatre, enabling the student to teach in grades 6-12 in Illinois and surrounding states. Visit the College of Education website for more information about teacher education at Illinois State University.

The School of Theatre Advantage:

A high placement rate upon graduation. Illinois State University students work throughout the state and across the nation.
A training program that focuses on the development of professional strategies, resources, and skills needed for successful teaching.
More than 100 hours of practical clinical experiences before student teaching.
Opportunities to direct and coordinate co-curricular activities in local high schools and at state wide festivals, as well as to participate in state conventions.
Individualized attention from master teachers with strong secondary education experience.
Participation in a teacher training program accredited on the state and national level.

For more information about program requirements and course descriptions, please review the Undergraduate Catalog (pdf).

Admission to the Theatre Education Sequence

Prospective freshmen and transfer students intending to pursue the Theatre Education Sequence need to be accepted by Illinois State University and declare Theatre Education as their sequence. To be considered for scholarship support, prospective students in the Theatre Education Sequence must participate in the School of Theatre’s interview process.

To arrange an interview, complete the School of Theatre Application Form (pdf) and any additional required materials and send to the School of Theatre. You will receive confirmation of your interview date by e-mail or letter. For Scholarship Interview Guidelines, visit Audition, Portfolio Review, & Scholarship Interview Guidelines.

For Audition, Portfolio Review, and Scholarship Interview dates, go to Admissions.