Illinois Wesleyan University School of Theatre Arts

Welcome to the Acceptd page for Illinois Wesleyan University School of Theatre Arts! 
Starting Aug 1st we will be accepting applications for the 2026-27 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:
BFA in Music Theatre*
BFA in Acting**
BFA in Design & Technology**
BA in Theatre Arts**
*Prescreen required via Acceptd. 
**Prescreen not required--see application requirements. 

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

Certificate:
Dance

Audition/Interview Dates:
November 22, 2025 you are invited to our production of Holiday Inn
January 31, 2026 you are invited to our student produced Music Theatre Society and Student Choreographed Dance Concert
February 14, 2026 you are invited to our production of 35MM: A Musical Exhibition
February 28, 2026
Check out our Production Season! Prospective students and families can receive complimentary tickets. 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 prescreen 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.