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Eastern Illinois University

Theatre: Generalist

EIU Theatre provides a well-rounded education for diverse creative and professional paths. The Generalist emphasis lets students explore multiple areas of theatre while tailoring coursework to their interests and goals. EIU’s student-centered production season offers hands-on experience in acting, directing, design, stage management and technical production, complemented by opportunities to learn from accomplished guest directors and designers.

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Theatre: Generalist

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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
Actors, Producers, Directors
Theatre: Generalist students at EIU

Why Study Theatre: Generalist at EIU?

  • Shape a broad theatre education around your interests with support from a dedicated advisor
  • Learn every part of the production process through a common foundation in performance, design, technology, history and literature
  • Take on meaningful onstage and backstage responsibilities in an undergraduate-focused production program
  • Work closely with theatre faculty in small classes and learn from guest directors and designers
  • Create in a proscenium theatre, flexible Black Box, performance laboratory, shops and specialized design spaces
"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
Theatre: Generalist | Class of 2025
Abbey McCord, Theatre: Generalist at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Perform, direct, write, design, stage-manage or serve on production crews during the departmental season
  • Complete performance and technical theatre labs tied to the practical work of making productions
  • Build a personalized set of advanced electives and complete a senior thesis project with faculty guidance
  • Learn from guest artists who direct, design and share current professional practices
  • Participate in opportunities such as the Children's Theatre Tour, student productions and Hello Dali improv
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Theatre: Generalist students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The B.A. in Theatre with a Generalist emphasis gives you broad experience in performance, design, technology, history and production. It is a fit if you want to explore many areas of theatre before choosing a focus and want to build skills for careers, internships, apprenticeships or graduate study.

View in Catalog
$90,360
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

  • Actors
  • Producers & Directors
  • 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 EnterprisingEnterprising interest typeYou like business and leadership. This type of work includes managing, selling, marketing and leading, including in politics or law.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Connect With Us

Nicholas Shaw
Head of Theatre Division/Professor
neshaw@eiu.edu
2080 Doudna Fine Arts Center
217-581-6003
Nicholas Shaw Message Nicholas

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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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