Illinois Wesleyan University
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
Highly Selective
Under 12 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•Among the United States' leading undergraduate programs in theatrical design, technical theatre, and production stage management
•Ranked No. 1 Theatre Design College in Illinois (Prepler, 2021; collegefactual.com, 2022)
•ETCP Recognized Employer — one of only five universities in the country to earn this designation (2022)
TRAINING & PRODUCTION
•Practice-based, all-encompassing pre-professional curriculum
•Applied training in costuming, hair and makeup, lighting, scenic, sound, and production stage management
•Six large-scale productions per season with multiple opportunities to design, build, and stage manage
•Students can specialize in Costume Design, Scenic Design, Lighting Design, or Stage Management
PROGRAM CULTURE
•Conservatory-style training within a liberal arts setting
•Small class sizes with close, personal instruction from experienced faculty
•Undergraduate-only program — students are never taught by or compete with graduate students
•Alumni include Tony winners and Oscar, Emmy, and Golden Globe Award nominees
FACULTY ENGAGEMENT
•Faculty regularly attend International Thespian Festival, SETC, USITT, College Audition Project, Illinois High School Theatre Festival, and Missouri Thespians State Conference
Key Info
Program AppApplication
Apply atdocs.google.com
Auditions
Interview (On-Campus & Virtual)Nov 22, 2025
Interview (On-Campus & Virtual)Jan 31, 2026
Interview (On-Campus & Virtual)Feb 14, 2026
Virtual InterviewFeb 28, 2026
Interview Requirements
resume (required)
•resume of theatre work submitted via the Audition Form
HEADSHOT (required)
•Recent headshot submitted via the Audition Form
PORTFOLIO (optional)
•Portfolio URL submitted via the Audition Form
•Should present examples of your artistry including:
-Design drawings or sketches (hand or computer)
-Light or sound plots
-Paint elevations and scenic models
-Costume renderings
-Prompt books
-Photographs of in-process work or productions
-Sewing/craft/properties projects
-Design boards or research
-Other evidence of artistic abilities (drawing, painting, sculpture, graphic design, photography, etc.)
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Submit a free application to Illinois Wesleyan University
•Fill out the BFA Theatre Design & Technology Audition Form (includes resume, headshot, and optional portfolio URL)
•Register for an on-campus or virtual interview date
PORTFOLIO
•Optional but recommended — present examples of your artistry
•Can include design drawings, light/sound plots, costume renderings, scenic models, photographs, prompt books, programs/posters, and other evidence of artistic ability
What's The Process
INTERVIEW FORMAT
•On-campus interviews preferred; virtual interviews available
•During on-campus visits, prospective students can meet current faculty and students, tour campus and theatre facilities, and observe a rehearsal or performance
INTERVIEW DATES
•On-Campus: November 22, 2025 (join us for Holiday Inn)
•On-Campus: January 31, 2026 (join us for Music Theatre Society and Student Choreographed Dance Concert)
•On-Campus: February 14, 2026 (join us for 35MM: A Musical Exhibition)
•Virtual: November 22, 2025
•Virtual: January 31, 2026
•Virtual: February 14, 2026
•Virtual: February 28, 2026
CONTACT
•Prospective students and families can receive complimentary tickets to productions — contact Mena Williams at mwillia8@iwu.edu
•For questions about the audition or admission process, contact Laura Dolan at ldolan@iwu.edu or (309) 556-3063
Program info updated 1 week ago
Academic School Information
3.82
Avg GPA (W)
45%
Admit Rate
81%
Grad Rate
1,570
Enrollment
$70,871
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$55,704
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$29,550
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$21,011
Family Income $30k - $48k$24,494
Family Income $48k - $75k$24,284
Family Income $75k - $110k$28,757
Family Income $110k+$35,699
