"Illinois Wesleyan University created an environment of learning and discovery."
-- Amanda Dehnert, '94

The following descriptions of our programs are brief overviews, to give you the flavor of the differences in the degrees we offer. We will work carefully with you to make sure you are in the degree program that best meets your educational goals. In addition to providing solid training in theatre arts, all of our degree programs are strengthened by the University’s liberal arts curriculum. Regardless of the degree you choose, you will receive a broad education in a variety of disciplines across campus.

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Curriculum

The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts allows students a broad range of exploration and study of the theatre, giving them the opportunity to become theatre artists and scholars whose expertise spans more than one facet of the discipline. While students earning this degree may go on to pursue professional careers in acting, design, or some other theatrical specialization, this course of study uniquely prepares students for the intellectual and aesthetic challenges of the contemporary theatre. The program is intended for the following types of students:

• The student who aspires to a professional career in directing, playwriting, dramaturgy, theatre management, or other sub-discipline that requires a broad understanding of theatre arts. Student actors and designers in the BA program will have the full range of opportunities to participate in the production season open to them.

• The student who intends to pursue graduate training as a theatre scholar, or who aspires to teach at the university level.

• The student who wishes to double-major in Theatre Arts and a second area.

• The student who intends to teach on the high school level. The student would be required to double major in another area, in which s/he would be certified to teach. Theatre is listed as a secondary area of expertise on the certificate.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts is for the student who aspires to an acting career. This well-rounded pre-professional curriculum includes applied training in acting, movement, voice and dance, as well as academically-oriented courses like dramatic theory, history and literature. All students will also be exposed to the technical and design areas through coursework and production experiences. In addition to intensive coursework, BFA actors often have the opportunity to apply their craft on stage in our active production season.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theatre is for the student who aspires to a performance career in music theatre. This well-rounded pre-professional curriculum requires each student to enroll in a balanced mix of theatre, music, and dance courses. These include both applied skills courses like acting, voice lessons and modern dance, and academically-oriented courses like dramatic theory, history and literature. All students will also be exposed to the technical and design areas through coursework and production experiences. In addition to intensive coursework, BFA Music Theatre students often have the opportunity to apply their craft on stage in our active production season.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design and Technology is for the student who aspires to a career as a designer or technician for the theatre. This well-rounded pre-professional curriculum includes applied training in drawing, rendering, stagecraft, construction, drafting, and painting as well as academically-oriented courses like dramatic theory, history and literature. All design/tech students will also receive some performance training and have the opportunity to audition for roles. In addition to intensive coursework, BFA designers and technicians often have the opportunity to apply their crafts behind the scenes in our active production season.

The Minor in Theatre Arts is for students majoring in another field, but who wish to pursue their theatrical interest at the college level. Theatre minors take a sampling of performance, technical and academic courses in theatre, and participate actively in our production season.

The Minor in Theatre Dance provides students with training in performance, dance technique (modern, jazz, tap and ballet) and choreography. It encompasses the physical workings of the body in dance technique, as well as the creative and theatrical aspects of the discipline.

The Minor in Arts Management (offered with the Department of Business Administration) is for the student who aspires to manage his or her own theatre, to work in arts development, or to fulfill any management function within a professional theatre. It is an excellent complement to the BA in Theatre Arts.