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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
Credit Hours
21 Total
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
Class of 2026, English and Theatre major
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

As a Theatre Minor, you will study the fundamentals of acting, stagecraft, and costuming. You’ll develop strong performance techniques, gain hands-on technical experience in scenic design, stage management, lighting, and costuming, and collaborate on live productions. Beyond the stage, you'll cultivate crucial skills in creative communication, collaboration, and public presentation that complement any major.

View in Catalog
$80,190
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • Art, Drama, & Music Teachers,…
  • 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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