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
