Public school19.1K

Illinois State University

Normal, IL

Test-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+

Start free for 7 days

Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

12-24 Students

Program

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

12-24 Students

Browse programs

Concentrations

Quick Links

BA/BS Theatre

Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

12-24 Students

Quick Links

BA/BS Theatre

Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

12-24 Students

Quick Links

BA/BS Theatre

Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

BA/BS Theatre

Theatre Studies

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionScholarship InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

BA/BS Theatre

Education

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionScholarship InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Teacher Cert

Quick Links

BA/BS Theatre

Production Design and Technology

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

BA/BS Dance

Dance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

BA/BS Dance

Education

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Teacher Cert

Quick Links

BM Music Performance

Band and Orchestra Instruments Performance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

BM Music Performance

Classical Guitar Performance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

BM Music Performance

Jazz Studies

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

BM Music Performance

Music Composition

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

BM Music Performance

Piano Performance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

BM Music Performance

Voice Performance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Training

•Professional training in acting, dance, and music within a liberal arts framework

•Small class sizes with individualized attention

•Weekly private voice lessons and dance training alongside dance majors

Notable Alumni

•Sean Hayes — Emmy winner for Will & Grace, Tony-nominated for Promises Promises on Broadway

•Laurie Metcalf — three-time Emmy winner, two-time Tony winner, Academy Award nominee for Lady Bird

•Rondi Reed — Tony winner for August: Osage County, Steppenwolf ensemble member

•Gary Sinise, John Malkovich, Terry Kinney, Jeff Perry — co-founded Steppenwolf Theatre while at ISU

Professional Development

•Training for Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional theatre, national tours, theme parks, and cruise ships

•Develop expressive singing voice, physical characterization, and triple-threat skills

•Outstanding faculty working actively in professional theatre

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2027: 15 students

School Info

Snapshot

3.62

Avg GPA (W)

88%

Admit Rate

school-wide

65%

Grad Rate

19.1K

Enrollment

$62K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$16,816

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$29,484

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$36,422

Before aid

Average Net Price

$19,398

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Program info updated 3d ago

Program Highlights

Training

•Professional training in acting, dance, and music within a liberal arts framework

•Small class sizes with individualized attention

•Weekly private voice lessons and dance training alongside dance majors

Notable Alumni

•Sean Hayes — Emmy winner for Will & Grace, Tony-nominated for Promises Promises on Broadway

•Laurie Metcalf — three-time Emmy winner, two-time Tony winner, Academy Award nominee for Lady Bird

•Rondi Reed — Tony winner for August: Osage County, Steppenwolf ensemble member

•Gary Sinise, John Malkovich, Terry Kinney, Jeff Perry — co-founded Steppenwolf Theatre while at ISU

Professional Development

•Training for Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional theatre, national tours, theme parks, and cruise ships

•Develop expressive singing voice, physical characterization, and triple-threat skills

•Outstanding faculty working actively in professional theatre

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2027: 15 students

Program Highlights

Training

•Professional training in acting, dance, and music within a liberal arts framework

•Small class sizes with individualized attention

•Weekly private voice lessons and dance training alongside dance majors

Notable Alumni

•Sean Hayes — Emmy winner for Will & Grace, Tony-nominated for Promises Promises on Broadway

•Laurie Metcalf — three-time Emmy winner, two-time Tony winner, Academy Award nominee for Lady Bird

•Rondi Reed — Tony winner for August: Osage County, Steppenwolf ensemble member

•Gary Sinise, John Malkovich, Terry Kinney, Jeff Perry — co-founded Steppenwolf Theatre while at ISU

Professional Development

•Training for Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional theatre, national tours, theme parks, and cruise ships

•Develop expressive singing voice, physical characterization, and triple-threat skills

•Outstanding faculty working actively in professional theatre

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2027: 15 students

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2026

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

$55

Deadline

PriorityNov 1, 2025

Regular DecisionRolling

Program AppApplication

Apply

Acceptd

Auditions

On CampusDec 6, 2025

On CampusJan 24, 2026

Chicago National Unified AuditionsFeb 2, 2026

Chicago National Unified AuditionsFeb 3, 2026

On CampusFeb 28, 2026

Audition Requirements

Songs

Requirements

•Two Contrasting Songs

•From American Musical Theatre repertoire, 60-90 seconds each

•One up-tempo and one ballad

•Piano accompanist provided on campus — have music clearly marked in correct key

•You may provide your own recorded accompaniment or musical track on a separate device

•Avoid overly done material or pieces associated with particular artists

Monologues

Requirements

•One Contemporary MONOLOGUE, 60 seconds

•Choose age-appropriate material from published plays

•Avoid self-written monologues

•Make sure the character is in conflict

Material Selection

•Choose material you connect with personally

•Know the character you are playing

What to Avoid

•Yelling or screaming

•Using dialects

•Phone call monologues

•Climax of the play

•Sexually explicit or extremely offensive material

Dance

Requirements

•Optional Dance Video

•30-60 seconds in any discipline you are most comfortable with (no tap)

•Submit only if dance is your strong suit

•May be self-choreographed but must be a solo video of you

•Can include full body self-tape or professionally choreographed performance where you are featured alone

•All choreography must be performed to music (no a cappella)

Additional Materials

Headshot

•Bring a current headshot or recent photo to audition day

•One copy needed

Resume

•Bring a current theatrical resume to audition day

•One copy needed

Dual Consideration

•If you want to also be considered for the Acting sequence, prepare an additional one-minute monologue

•You will attend each audition separately

Official Source

Good to Know

Application Logistics

•Apply to Illinois State University first, then select audition date within the application

•On-campus audition is preferred when possible

•Three-year program for transfer students

•Submit recorded audition via Acceptd only if you cannot attend an on-campus audition date

•Chicago National Unified Auditions (February)

•Musical Theatre cannot be admitted through Illinois High School Theatre Festival (callback only)

What's The Process

Audition Expectations

•Brief meeting with faculty for introductions and Q&A

•Current students share about the program while individual auditions take place

•Auditions in the order applications are received

•Faculty provide feedback during your audition

Decisions

•Rolling admissions contingent on acceptance to Illinois State University

•Notification within two weeks of audition via email

•Scholarship notification first week of March

Contact

•Maggie Marlin-Hess: memarl1@ilstu.edu, (309) 438-5871

Scholarship Info

Scholarship Notification

•Awards announced first week of March

•Contact School of Theatre, Dance, and Film for details

School Info

Snapshot

3.62

Avg GPA (W)

88%

Admit Rate

school-wide

65%

Grad Rate

19.1K

Enrollment

$62K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$16,816

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$29,484

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$36,422

Before aid

Average Net Price

$19,398

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Training

•Professional training in acting, dance, and music within a liberal arts framework

•Small class sizes with individualized attention

•Weekly private voice lessons and dance training alongside dance majors

Notable Alumni

•Sean Hayes — Emmy winner for Will & Grace, Tony-nominated for Promises Promises on Broadway

•Laurie Metcalf — three-time Emmy winner, two-time Tony winner, Academy Award nominee for Lady Bird

•Rondi Reed — Tony winner for August: Osage County, Steppenwolf ensemble member

•Gary Sinise, John Malkovich, Terry Kinney, Jeff Perry — co-founded Steppenwolf Theatre while at ISU

Professional Development

•Training for Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional theatre, national tours, theme parks, and cruise ships

•Develop expressive singing voice, physical characterization, and triple-threat skills

•Outstanding faculty working actively in professional theatre

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2027: 15 students

Updated 3d ago