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Eastern Illinois University

Theatrical Performance

EIU Theatre provides a well-rounded education for diverse creative and professional paths. The Performance emphasis offers specialized stage acting training through classroom instruction and hands-on production experience. EIU’s student-centered season gives students opportunities in acting, directing, design, stage management and technical production. Each season includes at least one musical, with classic and contemporary works, plus guest artists who bring professional perspectives.

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Theatrical Performance

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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, Drama,, Postsecondary
Theatrical Performance students at EIU

Why Study Theatrical Performance at EIU?

  • Audition from the beginning, with first-year and transfer students eligible for immediate consideration
  • Develop voice, movement, scene work, character analysis and audition skills through progressive actor training
  • Perform in an undergraduate-focused season where student artists are central to the work
  • Receive specific feedback from accessible faculty in small classes and rehearsal settings
  • Adapt to varied artistic approaches by working with faculty and guest directors in multiple performance 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
Theatrical Performance | Class of 2025
Abbey McCord, Theatrical Performance at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Audition for departmental productions beginning in your first year at EIU
  • Apply classroom technique in performance labs, rehearsals and fully produced shows
  • Explore additional performance settings through student productions, improv and theatre for young audiences
  • Practice professional audition preparation and career-management skills through advanced coursework
  • Complete a senior thesis project that integrates your training, interests and creative growth
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Theatrical Performance students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The Performance emphasis combines disciplined actor training with a broad Theatre B.A. education. Students develop skills in voice, movement, script analysis, character study and performance while gaining experience in the full production process. With immediate audition opportunities, frequent casting, small classes, faculty guidance and guest directors, students prepare for professional work, internships, apprenticeships or advanced training.

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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

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

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

Anne Thibault Geen
Associate Professor
athibault@eiu.edu
2347 Doudna Fine Arts Center
217-581-6003
Anne Thibault Geen Message Anne

Message Anne

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

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or email neshaw@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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