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Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts

John Tovar

Associate Professor, Acting and Directing
John's Profile Image
Office
CE Centennial East 206
Office Hours
By Appointment Only
Office Phone
(309) 438-3955office
phone
Email
jatovar1@ilstu.eduemail
Website
www.johntovar.comwebsite
  • About
  • Education
  • Awards & Honors
  • Selected Research

Biography

John Tovar is a multiple Award-winning theatrical artist who specializes in the areas of acting, directing and stage combat.

Current Courses

THE 110.002 Acting I

THE 324.001 Advanced Stage Combat: Broadsword and Smallsword

THE 424.001 Advanced Stage Combat: Broadsword and Smallsword

THE 324.001 Advanced Stage Combat: Unarmed & Single Sword

THE 424.001 Advanced Stage Combat: Unarmed and Single Sword

THE 287.003 Independent Study

THE 291.003 Undergraduate Teaching Experience In Theatre

THE 324.001 Advanced Stage Combat: Knife and Rapier & Dagger

THE 324.002 Advanced Stage Combat: Knife and Rapier & Dagger

THE 424.001 Advanced Stage Combat: Knife and Rapier & Dagger

THE 424.002 Advanced Stage Combat: Knife and Rapier & Dagger

THE 287.006 Independent Study

THE 224.001 Stage Combat

THE 474.001 Stage Combat

THE 302.006 Theatre Practicum

THE 291.001 Undergraduate Teaching Experience In Theatre

MFA Directing

Illinois State University
Normal, Illinois

BS Acting

Illinois State University
Normal, Illinois

AA Theatre

Elgin Community College
Elgin, IL

Outstanding College Service Award

School of Theatre, Dance, and Film
2025

Service Initiative Award

School of Theatre and Dance
2022

Teaching Initiative

Illinois State University
2021

Creative Activity Initiative Award

Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts
2020

Joseph Jefferson Award for Fight Direction

Joseph Jefferson Committee
2019

Joseph Jefferson Award for Fight Direction

Joseph Jefferson Committee
2015

Joseph Jefferson Award for Fight/Movement Direction

Joseph Jefferson Committee
2013

Performances and Exhibits

A MONSTER CALLS
John Andrew Tovar.
Illinois State University. February 2026 - February 2026
BLOOD WEDDING
John Andrew Tovar.
Illinois State University. January 2026 - January 2026
URINETOWN
John Andrew Tovar.
Illinois State University. March 2026 - March 2026
ACTION MOVIE: THE PLAY
John Andrew Tovar.
Illinois State Univeristy. August 2025 - October 2025
CONSTELLATIONS
John Andrew Tovar.
Illinois State University. November 2025 - November 2025
DOUBLEWIDE, TEXAS
John Andrew Tovar.
Illinois State University. April 2025 - April 2025
EVERYBODY
John Andrew Tovar.
Illinois State University. April 2025 - April 2025
HAMLET
John Andrew Tovar.
July 2025 - July 2025
INTO THE WOODS
John Andrew Tovar.
Illinois State University. October 2025 - October 2025
THE ART OF DINING
John Andrew Tovar.
Illinois State University. November 2025 - November 2025
THE LIGHTNING THIEF
John Andrew Tovar.
Illinois State University. November 2025 - November 2025
THE PROM
John Andrew Tovar.
Illinois State University. March 2025 - March 2025
TRUE WEST
John Andrew Tovar.
June 2025 - June 2025
WHO'S THERE?!?
John Andrew Tovar.
July 2025 - July 2025
WITCH
John Andrew Tovar.
Illinois State University. November 2025 - November 2025
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
John Andrew Tovar.
April 17 2024 - April 20 2024
ARSENIC AND OLD LACE
John Andrew Tovar.
November 20 2024 - November 22 2024
CAMPFIRE MACBETH
John Andrew Tovar.
Illinois Shakespeare Festival. June 2024 - August 2024
CLUE: ON STAGE
John Andrew Tovar.
August 1 2024 - August 11 2024
EAT, SLAY, LEAVE
John Andrew Tovar.
April 2024 - April 2024
ESCOBAR'S HIPPO
John Andrew Tovar.
November 2024 - November 2024
HONEY BEE BABY
John Andrew Tovar.
September 26 2024 - September 29 2024
MACBETH
John Andrew Tovar.
July 2024 - August 2024
MEDEA
John Andrew Tovar.
October 11 2024 - October 19 2024
PUFFS
John Andrew Tovar.
November 1 2024 - November 9 2024

Presentations

Fight Direction and Stage Management: Keys to Safety
John Andrew Tovar.
Roosevelt University, Online, February 20, 2026
Fight Direction and Stage Management: Keys to Safety
John Andrew Tovar.
Roosevelt University, Online, January 24, 2025
Fight Direction and Stage Management: Keys to Safety
John Andrew Tovar.
Roosevelt University, Online, January 26, 2024
Fight Direction and Stage Management: Keys to Safety
John Andrew Tovar.
Roosevelt University, Online, February 26, 2021