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. Choose an audition/interview date (Interview required for scholarship consideration only)
3. Receive a confirmation email from School of Theatre, Dance, and Film
4. Attend audition/interview if applicable for scholarship consideration
5. Receive a decision within two weeks
6. 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, meet with faculty, or if you have a question about the enrollment process, email Cristen Monson.

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 arrange an interview for departmental scholarship consideration.

You must apply to Illinois State University prior to interviewing for a Film and Digital Media scholarship within the School of Theatre, Dance, and Film.

Interview for a Scholarship

On your interview day, you will attend an interview with Film and Digital Media faculty.

There will be a brief meeting of all those interviewing. Faculty and administration will introduce themselves and answer questions. 

While waiting for your interview, 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 the application is received.

During the interview with faculty, you will be asked to talk about your interest in this program, your experience in film/video and theatre, a film and a play you enjoyed, involvement in extracurricular or leadership activities, your expectations, and plans.

You will also be asked to present one of the two options outlined below: a 1-10 minute video of your work or a 2-page film review.

2024-2025 Interview Dates

Saturday December 7, 2024
Saturday February 22, 2024

Requirements for Film and Digital Media Scholarship Consideration

1. Bring a resume of relevant theatre or film experience
2. Bring a recent photo.
3. Option 1: Prepare a 1-10-minute video of your work to share.
4. Option 2: Prepare a 2-page film review.

Deadlines and Review Dates

Students are accepted into the Film and Digital Media major contingent on admission to Illinois State University.

School of Theatre, Dance, and Film scholarship awards are announced after March 1.

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. Choose an audition/interview date (Interview required for scholarship consideration only)
3. Receive a confirmation email from School of Theatre, Dance, and Film
4. Attend audition/interview if applicable for scholarship consideration
5. Receive a decision within two weeks
6. 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, meet with faculty, or if you have a question about the enrollment process, email Cristen Monson.

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 arrange an interview for departmental scholarship consideration.

You must apply to Illinois State University prior to interviewing for a Film and Digital Media scholarship within the School of Theatre, Dance, and Film.

Interview for a Scholarship

On your interview day, you will attend an interview with Film and Digital Media faculty.

There will be a brief meeting of all those interviewing. Faculty and administration will introduce themselves and answer questions. 

While waiting for your interview, 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 the application is received.

During the interview with faculty, you will be asked to talk about your interest in this program, your experience in film/video and theatre, a film and a play you enjoyed, involvement in extracurricular or leadership activities, your expectations, and plans.

You will also be asked to present one of the two options outlined below: a 1-10 minute video of your work or a 2-page film review.

2024-2025 Interview Dates

Saturday December 7, 2024
Saturday February 22, 2024

Requirements for Film and Digital Media Scholarship Consideration

1. Bring a resume of relevant theatre or film experience
2. Bring a recent photo.
3. Option 1: Prepare a 1-10-minute video of your work to share.
4. Option 2: Prepare a 2-page film review.

Deadlines and Review Dates

Students are accepted into the Film and Digital Media major contingent on admission to Illinois State University.

School of Theatre, Dance, and Film scholarship awards are announced after March 1.

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)

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