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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
"I didn't expect to get real experience this early, but by my sophomore year I was already working on projects that felt like actual marketing work. It made me feel confident that I'm ready for what comes next."
Alex Wilcoxon
Marketing | Junior
Alex Wilcoxon, Marketing 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.

View in Catalog
$84,490
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • 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 Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)
Personality Fit Artistic

Connect With Us

Anne Thibault Geen
Associate Professor
athibault@eiu.edu
Doudna Fine Arts 2347
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

Message Nicholas

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

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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