Admissions
- New Freshmen
- New Transfer
- Illinois State Students
Applying to Illinois State
Illinois State's preferred filing period for freshman students for the fall semester is September 1-November 15. Applying early is encouraged to receive a decision by the end of the year, and for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships.
The School of Theatre and Dance has pivoted to virtual auditions. We hope this gives you a convenient way to audition and interview for potential scholarships.
2020-21 Audition Dates
November 7: Theatre and Dance
January 16: Theatre only
February 13: Theatre and Dance
February 20: Theatre only
Audition and Enrollment Process
- Apply to Illinois State University
- Choose an audition/interview date
- Upload any required materials to your application
- Receive a confirmation email from School of Theatre and Dance
- Attend audition/interview
- Receive a decision within two weeks
- Submit your enrollment deposit and become a Redbird
Scholarship notification will take place the first week of March.
If you would like to audit a class via Zoom, meet with faculty, or if you have a question about the enrollment process, email Cristen Monson.
Program Requirements
Students must apply to Illinois State University prior to submitting a portfolio for review through your portal. A portfolio review is required for acceptance into the Production Design and Technology major within the School of Theatre and Dance.
The School of Theatre and Dance applies the same academic standards as those required for admission to Illinois State University. There is no separate SAT/ACT or GPA requirement for admission to the School of Theatre and Dance.
Students who seek entrance into the Production Design and Technology sequence must present a portfolio of their work for review by members of the School of Theatre and Dance faculty. Portfolio materials vary greatly depending upon the applicant’s experience and intended area of interest. Students are encouraged to assemble evidence of their work on prior productions or related projects. Items that may be included are sketch books, paintings, evidence of organization and management, photographs, production programs, drafting, prompt books, and more. Please consider that the faculty is assessing your potential for success in the field as well as your passion for the art. We invite you to share your experience thus far in the admission interview using your portfolio as a guide in that journey. Your interview will also count as your interview for scholarship consideration.
Quality is more important than quantity. Be prepared to discuss one or two items from your portfolio with the Production Design and Technology faculty for five minutes at your interview. The remainder of the interview will be reserved for discussion and questions.
Requirements for Design and Production Program Consideration
After submitting your application, you will be asked to upload the following materials:
- Recent production resume
- Recent photo or headshot
You will also be required to interview with faculty to discuss your portfolio and experience.
Deadlines and Review Dates
Students are accepted into the Production Design and Technology major within the School of Theatre and Dance on a rolling basis, contingent on admission by Illinois State University. Normally students are notified within two weeks whether or not they have passed their portfolio review via email.
School of Theatre and Dance scholarship awards are announced after March 1.
Audition Information
On audition day, you will attend a synchronous interview with Design and Production faculty.
There will be a brief meeting of all those auditioning/interviewing where faculty and administration will introduce themselves and answer questions. While you wait for your audition/interview time, you will be sent to a waiting room where current students will talk about the program and answer questions. Individual interviews take place in the order application is received.
Preparing Your Portfolio Review
When you come for your portfolio review and interview, please bring:
- a resume detailing your theatre production experience
- a recent photo of yourself
- a "portfolio" of your work, including
- production photos
- drawings
- drafting
- sketches
- organizational forms
- any other audio/visual materials that illustrate your skills.
Quality is more important than quantity. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio with the Production Design and Technology faculty at your interview.
Plan of Study
This information is based on requirements for the academic year(s) indicated. Students should consult the catalog year they were admitted under for their academic requirements.
Applying to Illinois State
Illinois State's preferred filing period for freshman students for the fall semester is September 1-November 15. Applying early is encouraged to receive a decision by the end of the year, and for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships.
The School of Theatre and Dance has pivoted to virtual auditions. We hope this gives you a convenient way to audition and interview for potential scholarships.
2020-21 Audition Dates
November 7: Theatre and Dance
January 16: Theatre only
February 13: Theatre and Dance
February 20: Theatre only
Audition and Enrollment Process
- Apply to Illinois State University
- Choose an audition/interview date
- Upload any required materials to your application
- Receive a confirmation email from School of Theatre and Dance
- Attend audition/interview
- Receive a decision within two weeks
- Submit your enrollment deposit and become a Redbird
Scholarship notification will take place the first week of March.
If you would like to audit a class via Zoom, meet with faculty, or if you have a question about the enrollment process, email Cristen Monson.
Program Requirements
Students must apply to Illinois State University prior to submitting a portfolio for review through your portal. A portfolio review is required for acceptance into the Production Design and Technology major within the School of Theatre and Dance.
The School of Theatre and Dance applies the same academic standards as those required for admission to Illinois State University. There is no separate SAT/ACT or GPA requirement for admission to the School of Theatre and Dance.
Students who seek entrance into the Production Design and Technology sequence must present a portfolio of their work for review by members of the School of Theatre and Dance faculty. Portfolio materials vary greatly depending upon the applicant’s experience and intended area of interest. Students are encouraged to assemble evidence of their work on prior productions or related projects. Items that may be included are sketch books, paintings, evidence of organization and management, photographs, production programs, drafting, prompt books, and more. Please consider that the faculty is assessing your potential for success in the field as well as your passion for the art. We invite you to share your experience thus far in the admission interview using your portfolio as a guide in that journey. Your interview will also count as your interview for scholarship consideration.
Quality is more important than quantity. Be prepared to discuss one or two items from your portfolio with the Production Design and Technology faculty for five minutes at your interview. The remainder of the interview will be reserved for discussion and questions.
Requirements for Production Design and Technology Program Consideration
After submitting your application, you will be asked to upload the following materials:
- Recent production resume
- Recent photo or headshot
You will also be required to interview with faculty to discuss your portfolio and experience.
Deadlines and Review Dates
Students are accepted into the Production Design and Technology major within the School of Theatre and Dance on a rolling basis, contingent on admission by Illinois State University. Normally students are notified within two weeks whether or not they have passed their portfolio review via email.
School of Theatre and Dance scholarship awards are announced after March 1.
Audition Information
On audition day, you will attend a synchronous interview with Design and Production faculty.
There will be a brief meeting of all those auditioning/interviewing where faculty and administration will introduce themselves and answer questions. While you wait for your audition/interview time, you will be sent to a waiting room where current students will talk about the program and answer questions. Individual interviews take place in the order application is received.
Preparing Your Portfolio Review
When you come for your portfolio review and interview, please bring:
- a resume detailing your theatre production experience
- a recent photo of yourself
- a "portfolio" of your work, including
- production photos
- drawings
- drafting
- sketches
- organizational forms
- any other audio/visual materials that illustrate your skills.
Quality is more important than quantity. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio with the Production Design and Technology faculty at your interview.
Minimum GPA
2.00
Middle 50% GPA
2.52 - 3.63
Required Courses
None
Recommended Courses
To find the course equivalencies at an Illinois community college, please review our Course Articulation Guides.
- Acting I (THE 110)
- Fundamentals of Theatre I & II (THE 103 & THE 104)
- Introduction to Costume (THE 130)
- Stagecraft (THE 160)
Additional Information
Sequence requires portfolio review and interview.
Plan of Study
This information is based on requirements for the academic year(s) indicated. Students should consult the catalog year they were admitted under for their academic requirements.
Academic Advising
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cristen Monson | Centennial West 203 | cbmonso@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-3936 |
Middle 50% GPA
2.52 - 3.63
Plan of Study
This information is based on requirements for the academic year(s) indicated. Students should consult the catalog year they were admitted under for their academic requirements.
Application Period
Applications are always accepted.
Application Information
Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.
Major Requirements
Sequence requires a Portfolio Review/Interview.
Academic Advising
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cristen Monson | Centennial West 203 | cbmonso@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-3936 |