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Illinois Wesleyan University

Bloomington, IL

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Browse programs

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 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

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

Faculty regularly attend International Thespian Festival, SETC, USITT, College Audition Project, Illinois High School Theatre Festival, and Missouri Thespians State Conference

Performance & Productions

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

Notable Alumni

Brian Bogin — BFA '99 — Broadway stage manager for War Horse, Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, and Rent

Professional Development

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

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.82

Admit rate

39%

school-wide

Grad rate

75%

Enrollment

1.6K

Earnings

$71K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$61,208

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$78,348

Before aid

Average net price

$28,199

After aid

Tuition · iwu.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 22, 9:52 PM

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

Faculty regularly attend International Thespian Festival, SETC, USITT, College Audition Project, Illinois High School Theatre Festival, and Missouri Thespians State Conference

Performance & Productions

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

Notable Alumni

Brian Bogin — BFA '99 — Broadway stage manager for War Horse, Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, and Rent

Professional Development

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

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

Faculty regularly attend International Thespian Festival, SETC, USITT, College Audition Project, Illinois High School Theatre Festival, and Missouri Thespians State Conference

Performance & Productions

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

Notable Alumni

Brian Bogin — BFA '99 — Broadway stage manager for War Horse, Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, and Rent

Professional Development

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

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App

Opens

Aug 1, 2026

Deadline

Early ActionNov 15, 2026

International Regular DecisionMar 15, 2027

Regular Decision — Rolling

Admissions Apply · iwu.edu International Applicants · iwu.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

Google Forms

Opens

Aug 1, 2026

Auditions

On-Campus Audition / Interview

Nov 14, 2026Jan 16, 2027Feb 27, 2027

Virtual Interview — By Appointment

Auditions Admissions · iwu.edu

Interview Requirements

Resume

Submit your theatre resume through the audition form

Headshot

Submit a recent headshot through the audition form

Portfolio / Creative Sample (Optional)

Portfolio URL: include examples of your artistry

Portfolio examples: design drawings or sketches, light or sound plots, paint elevations, scenic models, costume renderings, or prompt books

Portfolio examples: photographs of in-process work or productions; sewing, craft, or properties projects; design boards or research

Portfolio examples: other evidence of artistic ability such as drawing, painting, sculpture, graphic design, photography, or metal/jewelry making

Auditions Admissions · iwu.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

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 Theatre Design & Technology Audition Form, which includes resume, headshot, and optional portfolio URL

Transfer Pathway

Transfer students may bring approved prior credit, and an Illinois AA with the GECC can satisfy IWU general education; remaining BFA Theatre Design & Technology requirements are evaluated individually.

Transfer Applicants · iwu.edu

What's The Process

Audition Process

On-Campus: November 14, 2026 (join us for Spring Awakening)

On-Campus: January 16, 2027 (join us for The Tender Land)

On-Campus: February 27, 2027 (join us for The Revolutionists)

Virtual dates available by appointment

Audition Expectations

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

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

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

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.82

Admit rate

39%

school-wide

Grad rate

75%

Enrollment

1.6K

Earnings

$71K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$61,208

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$78,348

Before aid

Average net price

$28,199

After aid

Tuition · iwu.edu College Scorecard

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

Faculty regularly attend International Thespian Festival, SETC, USITT, College Audition Project, Illinois High School Theatre Festival, and Missouri Thespians State Conference

Performance & Productions

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

Notable Alumni

Brian Bogin — BFA '99 — Broadway stage manager for War Horse, Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, and Rent

Professional Development

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

Updated Aug 22, 9:52 PM