BA in Theatre Arts
Eastern Illinois University — Charleston, IL
About this program
EIU's Department of Theatre is NAST-accredited and housed in the Lumpkin Theatre Wing of the Doudna Fine Arts Center — designed by internationally renowned architect Antoine Predock and unveiled in 2008. The Doudna is described as 'a cultural beacon for all of central Illinois.' The programme serves 40–60 undergraduate majors and minors from across the United States and internationally. KEY FACULTY: Anne Thibault — actress, playwright, director; 20+ years professional experience; AEA and VASTA member; formerly Columbus State University; ran Empowered Youth of Columbus (citywide programme for at-risk and incarcerated youth); EU Distinguished Faculty Undergraduate Research Award; athibault@eiu.edu. Christopher M. Wixson — dramaturgy, dramatic literature; undergraduate research mentor. Additional faculty: Christopher J. Mitchell; Christopher Gadomski; Karen A. Eisenhour (costume construction); J. Kevin Doolen (directing; fight choreography); Nicholas E. Shaw; Larry Cox Jr.; Michael D. Lynch. FOUR EMPHASES: 1. Performance — acting, movement, voice; stage performance training. 2. Musical Theatre Performance — acting, singing, dance integrated for the musical theatre stage. 3. Technology/Design — scenic, lighting, costume, sound, stage management. 4. Generalist — broad-based preparation without single specialisation; ideal for graduate school or careers across multiple theatre areas. PRODUCTION: 4–5 faculty-directed productions per year + student productions + touring experiences. Students report being cast in at least one production every semester. EIU DANCERS — student dance company presenting its own annual concerts. Open to dance-interested students from any major. BA HONORS PROGRAMME — optional pathway: direct a production; build a professional portfolio; design a production; or create something entirely new. FACILITIES — Lumpkin Theatre Wing, Doudna Fine Arts Center: The Theatre — 290-seat proscenium. The Black Box — flexible (arena, proscenium, thrust, traverse, or other). The Globe Studio — performance laboratory for workshop and experimental work. Fully equipped scene and costume shops; drafting and computer lab; Gabbard Green Room and makeup lab.
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