university of illinois springfield

What you'll study

The programme balances practical studio work, academic study and production experience. Core subjects typically include acting, voice and movement, script analysis, playwriting, theatre history, directing, and stagecraft. Technical and design modules cover set, lighting, costume and sound design, stage management and theatre technology. Students take classes in dramaturgy and theatre criticism to develop analytical skills, and complete practicum credits by participating in department productions.

Structure combines general education requirements of the university with a major sequence of lower‑ and upper‑level courses and supervised production work. Many students complete a senior project or capstone that can be a performance, directed production, design portfolio or research essay. Electives allow specialisation in areas such as musical theatre, stage management, design, or theatre for social change.

• Practical training: acting techniques, scene study, movement, voice, audition technique
• Production skills: set construction, lighting, sound, costume, stage management
• Theory and history: theatre history, dramaturgy, script analysis, theatre criticism
• Professional practice: rehearsal processes, directing, portfolio development, production practicum

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Typical entry expectations include a solid academic record in high school with coursework in English and the arts helpful for preparation. UIS accepts applications from first‑year and transfer students; transfer applicants should provide transcripts from previous institutions.

Depending on the applicant and the programme year, the department may request an audition, portfolio or video submission, particularly for students seeking emphasis in performance or design. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or qualifications unless exempted. Admissions also take into account letters of recommendation, a personal statement and any relevant practical experience.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of careers across the performing arts and related fields. Typical destinations include acting, stage and production management, directing, set/lighting/costume and sound design, technical theatre and rigging, dramaturgy and play development, and arts administration. Many alumni work with regional theatres, touring companies, community and educational theatre, film and television productions, or as freelancers.

Other career pathways draw on the degree's transferable skills: teaching and education, cultural programming, event production, marketing and communications for arts organisations, fundraising and nonprofit leadership. Graduates who wish to specialise often pursue postgraduate training such as an MFA in acting, design or directing, or graduate study in arts management.

Why study at university of illinois springfield

Theatre students at UIS benefit from a small, supportive department where faculty provide close mentoring and practical guidance. The university offers regular production seasons that give students meaningful roles both onstage and behind the scenes, allowing them to build résumés and portfolios while still studying.

Facilities include performance and studio spaces suited to experimental and traditional work, alongside technical workshops for design and fabrication. UIS’s liberal‑arts environment fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and critical thinking, and the location provides access to regional theatres, festivals and internship opportunities that help bridge study and professional practice.