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Theatre: Generalist

EIU Theatre provides a well-rounded education for diverse creative and professional paths. The Generalist emphasis lets students explore multiple areas of theatre while tailoring coursework to their interests and goals. EIU’s student-centered production season offers hands-on experience in acting, directing, design, stage management and technical production, complemented by opportunities to learn from accomplished guest directors and designers.

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Theatre: Generalist

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Degree Level
Bachelor of Arts
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
8 Semesters
Credit Hours
120 Total, 55 in Major
Careers
Actors, Producers, Directors
Theatre: Generalist students at EIU

Why Study Theatre: Generalist at EIU?

  • Shape a broad theatre education around your interests with support from a dedicated advisor
  • Learn every part of the production process through a common foundation in performance, design, technology, history and literature
  • Take on meaningful onstage and backstage responsibilities in an undergraduate-focused production program
  • Work closely with theatre faculty in small classes and learn from guest directors and designers
  • Create in a proscenium theatre, flexible Black Box, performance laboratory, shops and specialized design spaces
"I didn't expect to get real experience this early, but by my sophomore year I was already working on projects that felt like actual marketing work. It made me feel confident that I'm ready for what comes next."
Alex Wilcoxon
Marketing | Junior
Alex Wilcoxon, Marketing at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Perform, direct, write, design, stage-manage or serve on production crews during the departmental season
  • Complete performance and technical theatre labs tied to the practical work of making productions
  • Build a personalized set of advanced electives and complete a senior thesis project with faculty guidance
  • Learn from guest artists who direct, design and share current professional practices
  • Participate in opportunities such as the Children's Theatre Tour, student productions and Hello Dali improv
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Theatre: Generalist students at EIU

What You'll Learn

EIU’s Theatre B.A. – Generalist emphasis gives students broad experience in performance, design, technology, history and production. The 55-hour major combines foundational courses, labs, electives and a senior thesis. With hands-on production opportunities, small classes, accessible faculty and professional perspectives, students build skills for careers, internships, apprenticeships or graduate study. 

View in Catalog
$90,360
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • 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
2080 Doudna Fine Arts Center
217-581-6003
Nicholas Shaw Message Nicholas

Message Nicholas

or email neshaw@eiu.edu directly
Matt Gill
Department Chair
mjgill@eiu.edu
2521 Buzzard Hall
217-581-6003
Matt Gill Message Matt

Message Matt

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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