Theatre - Film and Digital Media Admissions

Applying to Illinois State

Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!

Audition and Enrollment Process

1. Apply to Illinois State University
2. Receive a confirmation email from School of Theatre, Dance, and Film
3. Upload portfolio materials for scholarship consideration (optional)
4. Receive a decision within two weeks
5. Submit your enrollment deposit and become a Redbird

Scholarship notification will take place the first week of March.

Program Requirements

The School of Theatre, Dance, and Film 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, Dance, and Film.

Any student accepted by Illinois State University may declare a major in Film and Digital Media. No audition or interview is required, although Film and Digital Media majors may upload portfolio materials for departmental scholarship consideration. Faculty from Film and Digital Media will view your materials.

Upload one of the following to getacceptd.com/illinoisstate:

1. Film Review: A 600–800-word review of a film of your choice.
2. Visual Submission: Either a short video (up to 5 minutes) or a series of 5-10 photos.
3. Short Screenplay: A screenplay within 10 pages.
4. Personal Statement or Self-Video: A written personal statement or a self-recorded video (up to 5 minutes) explaining why you want to study film, what film means to you, and why you believe ISU is the place to achieve your goals.

If you have any questions or would like to visit a film class and meet with faculty, please email Cristen Monson.

Applying to Illinois State

Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!

Audition and Enrollment Process

1. Apply to Illinois State University
2. Receive a confirmation email from School of Theatre, Dance, and Film
3. Upload portfolio materials for scholarship consideration (optional)
4. Submit your enrollment deposit and become a Redbird

Scholarship notification will take place the first week of March.

Program Requirements

The School of Theatre, Dance, and Film 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, Dance, and Film.

Any student accepted by Illinois State University may declare a major in Film and Digital Media. No audition or interview is required, although Film and Digital Media majors may upload portfolio materials for departmental scholarship consideration. Faculty from Film and Digital Media will view your materials.

Upload one of the following to getacceptd.com/illinoisstate:

1. Film Review: A 600–800-word review of a film of your choice.
2. Visual Submission: Either a short video (up to 5 minutes) or a series of 5-10 photos.
3. Short Screenplay: A screenplay within 10 pages.
4. Personal Statement or Self-Video: A written personal statement or a self-recorded video (up to 5 minutes) explaining why you want to study film, what film means to you, and why you believe ISU is the place to achieve your goals.

If you have any questions or would like to visit a film class and meet with faculty, please email Cristen Monson.

Minimum GPA

2.00

Middle 50% GPA

TBD - TBD

Required Courses

Recommended Courses

To find the course equivalencies at an Illinois community college, please review our Course Articulation Guides

• Introduction to Film Art (THE 170)
• Acting I (THE 110)
• Costume (THE 130)

If your college doesn't offer the recommended courses for this major, you may wish to consider transferring earlier to stay on track to complete your degree in a timely manner. Please reach out to Admissions at (309) 438-2181 or Admissions@IllinoisState.edu for additional questions.

Academic Advising

Middle 50% GPA

TBD - TBD

Application Period

Applications are always accepted.

Application Information

Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.

Academic Advising