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School of Theatre Arts

Applying to SoTA

School of Theatre Arts Tour

Applications to the School of Theatre Arts open on August 1 each year. 

Because ours is a highly selective program, IWU students experience close, personal instruction from an outstanding faculty/staff who lead them through rigorous theatrical training.

The School of Theatre Arts sees thousands of candidates from across the country each year and mindfully accepts only a handful. Faculty/Staff regularly attend International Thespian Festival, Southeastern Theatre Conference, United States Institute for Theatre Technology, College Audition Project, Illinois High School Theatre Festival, and Missouri State Thespian Conference. 

2024-2025 Audition/Interview Dates:
November 23, 2024 you are welcome to attend our production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood
January 25, 2025 you are welcome to attend our Music Theatre Society performance
February 8, 2025
February 22, 2025 you are welcome to attend our production of All My Sons

Check out our Production Season! If you want to attend a performance when visiting campus, please contact Mena Williams at mwillia8@iwu.edu. 

 

Application & Audition Requirements by Program

  1. Submit a FREE application to Illinois Wesleyan University.
  2. (Optional) Apply for a Talent Scholarship by filling out the BA Theatre Audition Form which includes your resume of theatre work, recent headshot, and and a link to your audition or portfolio. Applicants may present auditions in the area of acting, vocal performance, dance, or directing. Applicants are also welcome to submit portfolios in the area of design, scholarship, or creative writing. 
  3. (Optional) Set up your on-campus or virtual interview by using the links below.

BA Interview dates

For questions about the interview or admission process, please contact Laura Dolan at ldolan@iwu.edu.

  1. Submit a FREE application to Illinois Wesleyan University.
  2. Fill out the BFA Acting Audition Form, which includes your resume of theatre work, and recent headshot.
  3. Set up your on-campus audition by using the links below. During your on-campus audition you will have the opportunity to meet current faculty and students, tour campus and theatre facilities, and even observe rehearsals or performances. Three of our four audition dates have performances that evening. (A virtual audition may be arranged if warranted, however on-campus auditions are preferred.)
  4. Prepare two contrasting, contemporary monologues for a combined time of under three minutes. (No Shakespeare please.)
BFA Acting On-Campus Audition Dates:

Check out our Production Season! If you want to attend a performance when visiting campus, please contact Mena Williams at mwillia8@iwu.edu.

BFA Acting Virtual Audition Dates:

For questions about the audition or admission process, please contact Laura Dolan at ldolan@iwu.edu.

  1. Submit a FREE application to Illinois Wesleyan University.
  2. Submit your Pre-Screen materials via our Acceptd page, which includes resume and headshot.  Our Pre-Screen deadline is 1/1/2025.
  3. If selected for a callback, you will be notified to sign up for a callback date.

    2024-2025 Callback Dates:
    November 23, 2024
    January 25, 2025
    February 8, 2025
    February 22, 2025

**IWU participates in the Musical Theatre Common Prescreen, which includes the following materials:

 Song Requirements: Option A

  • One song written before 1970 (musical theater, Golden Age, pop, hip-hop, folk, rock, rap, soul, country, punk, etc.).
  • One song written after 1970 (musical theater, pop, hip-hop, folk, rock, rap, soul, country, punk, etc.). This song should contrast the style of the first selection.

Monologue Requirements: Option A

  • One monologue from a published play or written by a professional writer.
  • A professional writer is someone whose plays have been produced, but may not have been professionally published.

Dance Requirements: Option A

  • Show us your best version of dancing or moving. Please include at least one turn, one jump and one kick (or other suitable rotation, elevation, and extension that works for your body).

Ballet Requirements: Option C

  • No ballet required.

**Please follow all guidelines and tips for the Musical Theatre Common Prescreen.

For questions about the pre-screen process, please contact Anna Corvera at acorvera@iwu.edu. For questions about the audition or admission process, please contact Laura Dolan at ldolan@iwu.edu.

  1. Submit a FREE application to Illinois Wesleyan University.
  2. Fill out the BFA Theatre Design & Technology Audition Form which includes your resume of theatre work, recent headshot, and portfolio URL (optional). Your portfolio should present examples of your artistry in the form of design drawings or sketches (hand or computer), light or sound plots, paint elevations, scenic models, costume renderings, or prompt books from theatrical productions. Other examples include photographs of process work or productions, schedules/paper work, programs/posters, sewing projects, craft and properties projects, design boards, research, or other evidence of your artistic abilities such as drawing, painting, sculpture, pottery, graphic design, art photography, or metal/jewelry making. 
  3. Set up your on-campus or virtual audition (interview) by using the links below. 

Theatre Design & Technology Audition Dates:

For questions about the audition or admission process, please contact Laura Dolan at ldolan@iwu.edu.

Laura Dolan - Fine Arts Admissions Coordinator

Department - Admissions

(309) 556-3063