Illinois Wesleyan University School of Theatre Arts

Welcome to the Acceptd page for Illinois Wesleyan University School of Theatre Arts! 
We are currently accepting applications for the 2025-2026 academic year. 

The School of Theatre Arts at Illinois Wesleyan University (SoTA) fosters the creative confidence of every artist-in-training. Inspired by your uniqueness, our dedicated faculty cultivates your authentic voice, preparing you for a rich life after IWU. We are a tightly knit community that celebrates the artist in all of us.

Degree Programs:
BA in Theatre Arts*
BFA in Acting*
BFA in Design & Technology*
BFA in Music Theatre**
*Pre-screen not required--see application requirements. 
**Pre-screen required via Acceptd. 

Minors:
Arts Management
Dance
Film
Theatre Arts
Theatre Design & Technology

Certificate:
Dance

Audition/Interview Dates:
November 23, 2024 you are welcome to attend our production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood
January 25, 2025 you are welcome to attend our Music Theatre Society performance
February 8, 2025
February 22, 2025 you are welcome to attend our production of All My Sons
Check out our Production Season! If you want to attend a performance when visiting campus, please contact Mena Williams at mwillia8@iwu.edu. 

Our programs are selective and intentionally small. SoTA students experience close, personalized instruction from an outstanding faculty who guide them through rigorous theatrical training. Our professional grade productions provide opportunities for students to experience every aspect of theatre. Students in all four degree tracks have the opportunity of an industry specific showcase or a bridge to professional colleagues/venues that helps launch their post-graduate career. 

IWU alumni are some of the most successful, well-respected theatre professionals working in arts and entertainment today, including Tony winners and Oscar, Emmy and Golden Globe nominees. 

Our four distinct degree programs combine conservatory-style professional training with a nationally-ranked, multi-disciplinary liberal arts education. It is precisely this blend of theory and practice that we believe leads our students to “breakthrough” and achieve their dreams.

Why IWU?

Individual Focus
Our small class sizes and student-focused curriculum offer dynamic, flexible professional training from experienced faculty.

The Cross-Disciplinary Advantage
Our unique approach combines conservatory-style training in a liberal arts setting. Illinois Wesleyan students develop critical thinking skills and gain an understanding of the world beyond the performing arts.

Undergraduate Only
IWU students are never taught by or asked to compete with graduate students. Our students have more opportunities to write, perform, direct, and design than most of our competitors.

Looking forward to meeting you! 

For questions about the pre-screen process, please contact Anna Corvera at acorvera@iwu.edu.
For questions about the audition or admission process, please contact Laura Dolan at ldolan@iwu.edu.