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Theatre

The Theatre Minor serves as a flexible, supportive complement to any major, offering a comprehensive, undergraduate-focused curriculum. Students gain hands-on experience in acting performance, musical theatre performance, tech and costume design, dramaturgy, creative writing, and dramatic literature.

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Theatre

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Degree Level
Minor
Delivery
In Person
Careers
Drama,, Postsecondary, Actors, Producers, Directors
Theatre students at EIU

Why Study Theatre at EIU?

  • Audition and potentially get cast your first semester
  • Work hands on creating the costumes and sets for the mainstage productions
  • Perform in world-class spaces at the Doudna Fine Art Center
  • Tour with productions around Illinois and NYC
  • Tailor the minor to your exact theatre passions
"I chose to attend EIU for a few different reasons. ... I enjoy a smaller school feel, especially because of the connections and opportunities that such an environment allows for. On that note, I also chose EIU because I knew that this school would allow me to pursue everything that I hope to get out of college."
Mary Graff
English and Theatre | Class of 2026
Mary Graff, English and Theatre at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Production-based coursework and stage performance integrated through hands-on labs
  • Direct access to mainstage plays, musicals, and student-produced projects at the Doudna Fine Arts Center
  • Practical experience behind the scenes in set design, stage management, dramaturgy, lighting, audio, and costuming
  • Performance and technical practicum credits that build real-world theater credits for your creative resume
  • Opportunities for regional theatre internships, summer stock productions, and guest artist workshops
Hands-On Experience, Theatre students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The Theatre minor is a flexible, supportive complement to any major. It is a fit if you love live performance or the work behind it and want creative communication, collaboration and public presentation skills.

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Career Outcomes

  • Art, Drama, & Music Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Actors
  • Producers & Directors
  • Media Programming Directors
  • Talent Directors
  • Media Technical Directors/Managers

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)
Personality Fit Enterprising

Connect With Us

Nicholas Shaw
Head of Theatre Division/Professor
neshaw@eiu.edu
2084 Doudna Fine Arts Center
217-581-7152
Nicholas Shaw Message Nicholas

Message Nicholas

or email neshaw@eiu.edu directly
Matthew Gill
Department Chair
mjgill@eiu.edu
2526 Buzzard Hall
217-581-6003
Matthew Gill Message Matthew

Message Matthew

or email mjgill@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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