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"I learned in my formative years at college, an aesthetic of hard work, bravery, experiment, knowledge and humility. I truly recommend this school."

-Elizabeth Laidlaw, '93

Auditions are required for admission to the BFA programs in Acting and Music Theatre; portfolio reviews are required for admission to the BFA in Design/Technology. Students applying for the BA in Theatre Arts must complete the BA Application, and must interview on-campus with the Director of the School of Theatre Arts.  BA in Theatre Arts students are encouraged to audition if they wish to be considered for Talent Scholarship Awards, but are not required to do so.

Auditions and portfolio reviews are held to determine a student's experience and potential for success in a theatre-related career, as well as to determine Talent Scholarship Award amounts. Auditions are held on-campus only. This provides you with the opportunity to take a campus tour, have lunch with students, and possibly see a rehearsal or performance. For campus visit information, click here.

Live auditions provide you the best opportunity to show us what you can do.  If you live more than 300 miles from campus, we will accept a DVD from you for pre-screening purposes.  The deadline for submission is January 1, 2010.                                                                         .

Audition/Portfolio Dates for Fall 2010 Applicants

Jan. 30, 2010

Feb. 13, 2010

Feb. 20, 2010

BFA in Theatre Arts/Acting:

Applicants must submit a resume of all theatre work and a recent photograph. Prepare two contrasting monologues that are within your casting age and range. They should be taken from modern plays, memorized and thoroughly rehearsed. Each one should be 1-2 minutes in length. In addition to the audition, prospective students will interview with the Director of the School of Theatre Arts.

BFA in Theatre Arts/Design & Technology:

Present a portfolio, a resume of all theatre work, and a recent photograph. The portfolio should present examples of your work in the form of photographs, slides, and/or drawings of theatrical productions on which you have worked. Other examples of photographs, drafting, props, sewn garments, woodworking, sketching, drawing, painting or other evidence of your artistic abilities are also helpful.

BFA in Music Theatre:

Applicants must submit a resume of all theatre work and a recent photograph. The audition has three components: acting, singing, and dance. Each selection should be memorized and thoroughly rehearsed.

Acting: Prepare (2) two contrasting monologues within your casting age range (adolescent to thirty) and personality type. Each one should be approximately (1) one minute in length.  Select monologues that are active (not passive voice) and that you feel express you current strengths as an actor.  Avoid text from musical theatre librettos and work for real contrast between the (2) two selections.  Each selection should be memorized and thoroughly rehearsed.

Vocal: Prepare (2) vocal selections from music theatre literature, (1) one ballad and (1) one up-tempo. Cut the song to (32) thirty-two bars of music.  An accompanist is provided; bring your sheet music and make sure that your cuts are clearly marked and you are prepared to talk to the accompanist.  Please note that a 32 bar cut is sufficient, but you may be asked to sing the entire song so be prepared.  Each selection should be memorized and thoroughly rehearsed.  Contact the Theatre Recruiting Office for a list of “Overdone” songs that should be avoided.

Dance:The dance audition will be taught as a class, with a warm-up, ballet, and jazz combinations. Bring appropriate dance attire especially shoes.

BA in Theatre Arts:

Applicants must submit a completed copy of the BA Application for review and schedule an on-campus interview with the Director of the School of Theatre Arts.  BA applicants are encouraged to attend one of our audition days if they wish to be considered for a Talent Award.  BA students who wish to be considered may audition with the BFA Acting candidates (see above requirements) or present a portfolio. 

Admission Deadlines & Notification

Admission to Illinois Wesleyan University is selective, and auditions are an integral part of the admission decision. Prospective students in Theatre and Music Theatre must complete both their application to the University and their audition for the School of Theatre Arts before their application will be reviewed for admission. We recommend you complete your application and audition prior to March 1. Review of applications begins in December with notification of decisions being mailed January 1 through April 1. In addition, prospective students must submit an application to the University, along with transcripts and test scores. To contact IWU's Admission office, click here.

Requirements for Admission:

• Application and Essay

• High school transcript (minimum 3.0 GPA)

• Test scores (minimum SAT 1070 or ACT 23)

• Interview

• Portfolio showing or audition

To arrange an Audition or a Portfolio Presentation, please call or write the Theatre Admission Office, Illinois Wesleyan University, P.O. Box 2900, Bloomington, IL 61702-2900 (309) 556-3944. E-mail: theatre@titan.iwu.edu

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School of Theatre Arts
Illinois Wesleyan University
P.O. Box 2900, Bloomington, Illinois 61702-2900
Telephone: 309.556.3944
Fax: 309.556.3411
Theatre Box Office: 309.556.3232
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