Western Illinois University - Department of Theatre and Dance

Welcome to Western Illinois University!

Here’s a quote from our Department of Theatre and Dance mission statement: “...Our standard of excellence demands the celebration of individuality with the collaborative process, empowering students to begin a life-long career of artistic risk-taking and self-discovery…”. If this is the inclusive and supportive program you'd like to be a part of, contact us today!

Degrees offered:

• BA Theatre: Performance (including a directing track)
• BA Theatre: Design
• BFA Musical Theatre (audition program /a Signature Program of the university)
• Dance Minor
• Stage Combat Minor (one of only four in the nation)
• MFA Theatre: Acting
• MFA Theatre: Directing 
• MFA Theatre: Design (Costume, Lighting, Scenic, and Technical Direction)

Please note: We do not have a Pre-Screen for any of our programs - your audition upload (following the spcifications) is your audition! 

Other Important facts:

• We offer in-state tuition for all 50 states and a wide variety of scholarship and financial assistance through Admissions and talent grant and tuition waivers throughout the department. 
• We create 15 fully-realized productions each year, including two dance concerts.
• Freshmen are immediately eligible for performance opportunities - in fact, there is a fall production just for new students. 
• You get one-on-one attention to help you grow and thrive with most of the classes in the major accommodating 8 - 12 students.
• You are provided opportunities to build your own experience within our offerings and have the opportunities to work outside of your chosen discipline to help you become the multi-faceted and fierce artist that you want to be.
• We have an approachable faculty of educators who are also working professionals focused on your education.
• In support of our BIPOC students, the DUMELA Alumni Council was added in Fall of 2020 to reinforce a dedication by our department to serve as advocates for our BIPOC population with the focus of "building a bridge" between the current students, the department, and its professional alumni.
• We are a NAST accredited program

Contact us!

Tammy Killian - Department Chair - tl-killian@wiu.edu

Lysa Fox - Associate Professor, Head of BFA Musical Theatre - l-fox@wiu.edu 

Adam Lewis - Assistant Professor, Head of BA Studies - a-lewis@wiu.edu

Steven House - Assistant Professor, Graduate / MFA Studies - sp-house@wiu.edu

Donald Laney - Assistant Professor, Head of Dance Minor - dj-laney@wiu.edu

For technical questions, please visit the Acceptd Help Desk.