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Eastern Illinois University

Dramatic Writing

EIU’s Dramatic Writing emphasis combines theatre and English to develop playwrights and storytellers. Students strengthen skills in character, dialogue, structure, conflict and theme while exploring how scripts become performances. EIU’s production season connects writers with actors, directors and designers, offering insight into rehearsal and performance. Classic and contemporary works, along with guest artists, broaden students’ understanding of dramatic storytelling.

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Dramatic Writing

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Degree Level
Bachelor of Arts
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
8 Semesters
Credit Hours
120 Total, 55 in Major
Careers
Writers, Authors, Lyricists, Producers, Directors
Dramatic Writing students at EIU

Why Study Dramatic Writing at EIU?

  • Study dramatic writing as a collaborative art connected to acting, directing, design and production
  • Develop scripts through progressive creative writing coursework, workshops and purposeful revision
  • Build versatile skills in playwriting, screenwriting, dramaturgy, criticism, scholarship and script analysis
  • Receive detailed feedback from faculty and peers in small classes and an undergraduate-focused theatre community
  • Join a broader School of Communication, Journalism & Theatre community centered on stories and audiences
"From the moment I stepped onto campus, every professor, staff member, and student I encountered treated me with such genuine warmth and respect, as if I were already a valued member of their community. Despite not having officially joined the EIU family, I immediately felt a deep sense of belonging. The atmosphere was one of comfort and inclusivity, where everyone seemed genuinely invested in my success and well-being."
Abbey McCord
Dramatic Writing | Class of 2025
Abbey McCord, Dramatic Writing at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Develop and revise original scripts through readings, workshops and feedback from collaborators
  • Serve as a production dramaturg by researching context and supporting a production's artistic process
  • Write criticism, scholarship or program materials connected to theatre events and productions
  • Participate in productions as a writer, performer, designer, technician, director or stage manager
  • Complete a senior thesis project that showcases your strongest creative or scholarly work
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Dramatic Writing students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The Dramatic Writing emphasis in the B.A. in Theatre combines theatre and English to develop playwrights and storytellers. It is a fit if you love writing for the stage or screen, enjoy revising and want to collaborate with performers and directors.

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$84,490
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • Writers & Authors
  • Poets, Lyricists & Creative Writers
  • Producers & Directors
  • Art, Drama, & Music Teachers,…
  • Actors
  • Media Programming Directors
  • Talent Directors
  • Media Technical Directors/Managers

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Bright OutlookBright Outlook careers are ones with a promising future. They're expected to grow quickly, to have lots of job openings, or to be brand new and emerging. A career earns the label if it meets any one of these: projected growth of 5% or more, at least 75,000 projected openings, or New & Emerging status.
Grow Rapidly: Jobs in this career are expected to grow 5% or more over the next several years, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics projections.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)Job Zone 4: Considerable preparationMost of these careers require a four-year bachelor's degree. They also tend to build on several years of work-related experience or training.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit ArtisticArtistic interest typeYou like to create. This could mean visual art, performance, writing or music, or using design to shape objects and materials.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Connect With Us

Nicholas Shaw
Head of Theatre Division/Professor
neshaw@eiu.edu
2084 Doudna Fine Arts Center
217-581-6003
Nicholas Shaw Message Nicholas

Message Nicholas

or email neshaw@eiu.edu directly
Matt Gill
Department Chair
mjgill@eiu.edu
2521 Buzzard Hall
217-581-6003
Matt Gill Message Matt

Message Matt

or email mjgill@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

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or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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