Private school1.6K

Illinois Wesleyan University

Bloomington, IL

Test-Optional

Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsStudy Abroad

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsStudy Abroad

Browse programs

Quick Links

BFA Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsStudy Abroad

Quick Links

BFA Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsStudy Abroad

Quick Links

BFA Music Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or VirtualMTCP Participant

Program profile

SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Quick Links

BA Theatre Arts

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionScholarship InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

12-24 Students

Quick Links

BFA Theatre Design & Technology

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Training

•Highly selective program with small class sizes enabling close, individualized actor training for stage and film

•Conservatory-style training within a liberal arts setting — students develop critical thinking skills beyond the performing arts

•Undergraduate-only program: students are never taught by or compete with graduate students

•Weekly master class in Monologue Presentation for Audition for all four years

•Faculty/staff regularly attend ITF, SETC, USITT, College Audition Project, Illinois High School Theatre Festival, and Missouri Thespians State Conference

Performance & Productions

•Active season featuring six high-caliber productions plus workshop and performance opportunities on stage and on camera

•Multiple opportunities to act in original short films directed by faculty and submitted to film festivals throughout the US and internationally

•Graduates receive a professional demo-reel showcasing diverse film roles

Notable Alumni

•Richard Jenkins '69 — Emmy winner (Olive Kitteridge), two-time Oscar nominee (The Visitor, The Shape of Water), HBO's Six Feet Under

•Frankie R. Faison '71 — Tony nomination for original Broadway Fences; all four Hannibal Lecter films, HBO's The Wire

•Melanie Keller BFA '97 — Jeff Award for Best Actress (2012); Chicago Fire (TV)

•Mariann Mayberry BFA '86 — Steppenwolf Theatre; originated role in August: Osage County on Broadway

Professional Development

•Annual Professional Senior Showcase features work on stage and film

•Upper-level students assisted through the professional audition process

•Study abroad opportunities at programs in London, UK and Dublin, Ireland

Academic info

Snapshot

3.82

Avg GPA (W)

39%

Admit Rate

school-wide

78%

Grad Rate

1.6K

Enrollment

$71K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Average Annual Cost

$28,199

after typical aid

Tuition & Fees

$57,704

before aid

Average annual cost reflects the grants and scholarships most students receive.

$0-30k$17,732

$30-48k$19,057

$48-75k$23,152

$75-110k$27,396

$110k+$37,104

View full data on College Scorecard

Program info updated May 27, 1:16 AM

Program Highlights

Training

•Highly selective program with small class sizes enabling close, individualized actor training for stage and film

•Conservatory-style training within a liberal arts setting — students develop critical thinking skills beyond the performing arts

•Undergraduate-only program: students are never taught by or compete with graduate students

•Weekly master class in Monologue Presentation for Audition for all four years

•Faculty/staff regularly attend ITF, SETC, USITT, College Audition Project, Illinois High School Theatre Festival, and Missouri Thespians State Conference

Performance & Productions

•Active season featuring six high-caliber productions plus workshop and performance opportunities on stage and on camera

•Multiple opportunities to act in original short films directed by faculty and submitted to film festivals throughout the US and internationally

•Graduates receive a professional demo-reel showcasing diverse film roles

Notable Alumni

•Richard Jenkins '69 — Emmy winner (Olive Kitteridge), two-time Oscar nominee (The Visitor, The Shape of Water), HBO's Six Feet Under

•Frankie R. Faison '71 — Tony nomination for original Broadway Fences; all four Hannibal Lecter films, HBO's The Wire

•Melanie Keller BFA '97 — Jeff Award for Best Actress (2012); Chicago Fire (TV)

•Mariann Mayberry BFA '86 — Steppenwolf Theatre; originated role in August: Osage County on Broadway

Professional Development

•Annual Professional Senior Showcase features work on stage and film

•Upper-level students assisted through the professional audition process

•Study abroad opportunities at programs in London, UK and Dublin, Ireland

Program Highlights

Training

•Highly selective program with small class sizes enabling close, individualized actor training for stage and film

•Conservatory-style training within a liberal arts setting — students develop critical thinking skills beyond the performing arts

•Undergraduate-only program: students are never taught by or compete with graduate students

•Weekly master class in Monologue Presentation for Audition for all four years

•Faculty/staff regularly attend ITF, SETC, USITT, College Audition Project, Illinois High School Theatre Festival, and Missouri Thespians State Conference

Performance & Productions

•Active season featuring six high-caliber productions plus workshop and performance opportunities on stage and on camera

•Multiple opportunities to act in original short films directed by faculty and submitted to film festivals throughout the US and internationally

•Graduates receive a professional demo-reel showcasing diverse film roles

Notable Alumni

•Richard Jenkins '69 — Emmy winner (Olive Kitteridge), two-time Oscar nominee (The Visitor, The Shape of Water), HBO's Six Feet Under

•Frankie R. Faison '71 — Tony nomination for original Broadway Fences; all four Hannibal Lecter films, HBO's The Wire

•Melanie Keller BFA '97 — Jeff Award for Best Actress (2012); Chicago Fire (TV)

•Mariann Mayberry BFA '86 — Steppenwolf Theatre; originated role in August: Osage County on Broadway

Professional Development

•Annual Professional Senior Showcase features work on stage and film

•Upper-level students assisted through the professional audition process

•Study abroad opportunities at programs in London, UK and Dublin, Ireland

Key Info

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App

Deadline

Early ActionNov 15, 2025

Regular DecisionRolling

Program AppApplication

Apply

Google Forms

Auditions

On-Campus & VirtualNov 22, 2025

On-Campus & VirtualJan 31, 2026

On-Campus & VirtualFeb 14, 2026

VirtualFeb 28, 2026

Audition Requirements

Monologues

TWO CONTRASTING MONOLOGUES FOR A COMBINED TIME OF UNDER THREE MINUTES

•No Shakespeare

Additional Materials

Resume (required)

•Resume of theatre work submitted via the Audition Form

Headshot (required)

•Recent headshot submitted via the Audition Form

Official Source

Good to Know

Application Logistics

•Applications to the School of Theatre Arts open on August 1 each year

•Submit a free application to Illinois Wesleyan University

•Fill out the BFA Acting Audition Form (includes resume and headshot)

•Register for an on-campus or virtual audition date

What's The Process

Audition Process

•On-Campus: November 22, 2025 (Holiday Inn)

•On-Campus: January 31, 2026 (Music Theatre Society and Student Choreographed Dance Concert)

•On-Campus: February 14, 2026 (35MM: A Musical Exhibition)

•Virtual: November 22, 2025

•Virtual: January 31, 2026

•Virtual: February 14, 2026

•Virtual: February 28, 2026

Audition Expectations

•Prepare two contrasting monologues for a combined time of under three minutes

•No Shakespeare

•On-campus auditions preferred; virtual auditions available

•During on-campus auditions, students can meet current faculty and students, tour campus and theatre facilities, and observe a rehearsal or performance

Contact

•Prospective students and families can receive complimentary tickets to productions

•For questions, contact Laura Dolan at ldolan@iwu.edu or (309) 556-3063

Scholarship Info

Iwu Alumni Talent Scholarship

•College of Fine Arts applicants in Theatre, Music, or Art are considered using the audition, portfolio review, or interview

•With a few rare exceptions, awards go up to $24,000

•No extra steps beyond applying for admission and submitting requested materials

Academic info

Snapshot

3.82

Avg GPA (W)

39%

Admit Rate

school-wide

78%

Grad Rate

1.6K

Enrollment

$71K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Average Annual Cost

$28,199

after typical aid

Tuition & Fees

$57,704

before aid

Average annual cost reflects the grants and scholarships most students receive.

$0-30k$17,732

$30-48k$19,057

$48-75k$23,152

$75-110k$27,396

$110k+$37,104

View full data on College Scorecard

Training

•Highly selective program with small class sizes enabling close, individualized actor training for stage and film

•Conservatory-style training within a liberal arts setting — students develop critical thinking skills beyond the performing arts

•Undergraduate-only program: students are never taught by or compete with graduate students

•Weekly master class in Monologue Presentation for Audition for all four years

•Faculty/staff regularly attend ITF, SETC, USITT, College Audition Project, Illinois High School Theatre Festival, and Missouri Thespians State Conference

Performance & Productions

•Active season featuring six high-caliber productions plus workshop and performance opportunities on stage and on camera

•Multiple opportunities to act in original short films directed by faculty and submitted to film festivals throughout the US and internationally

•Graduates receive a professional demo-reel showcasing diverse film roles

Notable Alumni

•Richard Jenkins '69 — Emmy winner (Olive Kitteridge), two-time Oscar nominee (The Visitor, The Shape of Water), HBO's Six Feet Under

•Frankie R. Faison '71 — Tony nomination for original Broadway Fences; all four Hannibal Lecter films, HBO's The Wire

•Melanie Keller BFA '97 — Jeff Award for Best Actress (2012); Chicago Fire (TV)

•Mariann Mayberry BFA '86 — Steppenwolf Theatre; originated role in August: Osage County on Broadway

Professional Development

•Annual Professional Senior Showcase features work on stage and film

•Upper-level students assisted through the professional audition process

•Study abroad opportunities at programs in London, UK and Dublin, Ireland

Updated May 27, 1:16 AM

Illinois Wesleyan University

Browse programs

Program Highlights

Key Info

Audition Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

Academic info

Program Highlights

Program Highlights

Key Info

Audition Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

School Info

Illinois Wesleyan University

Browse programs

Program Highlights

Key Info

Audition Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

Academic info

Program Highlights

Program Highlights

Key Info

Audition Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

School Info