Illinois State University School of Theatre, Dance, and Film

Welcome!

 We are excited for another inspiring year as we nurture our current students and look for new artists to join us! We want to help you create your legacy!

Beyond the classroom, our students explore their craft in seven major productions and two dance concerts. In addition, our students produce, direct, act, dance, and design dozens of additional plays and performances every year through FreeStage and other registered student organizations.

Graduates earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in one of eight sequences:

Acting
Dance
Dance Teacher Education
Film and Digital Media
Musical Theatre
Production Design and Technology
Theatre Studies
Teacher Education 

Students wishing to enroll in Acting, Dance, Dance Teacher Education Musical Theatre and Film and Digital Media must apply online to the university and schedule an audition or portfolio review day.

2025-2026 Audition and Interview Dates

October 25 All Majors except dance 

December 6 All Majors 

January 24 All Majors except dance 

February 28 All Majors 

Off Campus Acting and Musical Theatre Auditions

Illinois High School Theatre Festival January 9th (Must be registered with your school to attend) 

Musical Theatre cannot be admitted through Theatre Festival; call back only

Chicago Unified Auditions TBD

Off Campus Dance Auditions 

Chi Arts Connections Week (October 2025) Only for Chi Arts Students 

Illinois High School Dance Festival October 25 (Must Register for festival) 

CNADM (November 7) Must be registered for CNADM 

Chicago Audition TBD Date 

Required Online Submissions

Film and Digital Media

Film and Digital Media requirement for admission submitted via Acceptd

Requirements for Prospective Students 

To apply, please submit one of the following materials: 

1. Film Review: A 600–800-word review of a film of your choice.
2. Visual Submission: Either a short video (up to 5 minutes) or a series of 5-10 photos.
3. Short Screenplay: A screenplay within 10 pages.
4. Personal Statement or Self-Video: A written personal statement or a self-video (up to 5 minutes) explaining why you want to study film, what film means to you, and why you believe ISU is the place to grow your talents.

1. Video #1: Across-the-floor combination (contemporary or jazz)
2. Video #2: 1-2 minute solo (self-choreographed OR choreographed by a teacher)
3. Headshot OR Photo in Motion

1. Two contrasting songs from American Musical Theatre Repertoire, 60-90 seconds each, 1 up-tempo and 1 ballad.
2. One 60 second contemporary monologue.
3. Resume of Theatrical work
4. Recent photo or headshot

Optional: If dance is your strong suit, you are invited to submit a pre-recorded 30-60 second dance sample in whatever discipline you are most comfortable. Please no tap. Dance media can be self-choreographed but it must be a solo video of you. This can include a full body self-tape or a professionally choreographed show, competition, or other performance so long as you are featured on your own. All choreography must be performed to music, no “a cappella” please.

Students in Production Design and Technology, Theatre Studies or Theatre Teacher Education interested in being considered for one of our scholarships must schedule an interview or upload materials to Acceptd.

We encourage potential students to come for a campus visit and experience a “Day in the Life of a Theatre Major.” This provides an excellent opportunity to take classes, sit in on rehearsals, attend a production, and have conversations with both faculty and students about theatre in a college setting. Please encourage all your theatre or dance students to contact us and schedule a visit. Contact Cristen Monson to arrange a visit. (309) 438-3936 theatre@ilstu.edu.

We hope to talk with you more about Illinois State and our outstanding programs.