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The Acting Program At...

  The Department of Theatre Arts at Eastern Illinois University supports in every way possible the Mission of Eastern Illinois University and the College of Arts and Humanities. It prepares its majors for careers in the various fields of the theatrical arts and provides for the non-major and the community the opportunity to experience live theatre performance both as a spectator and as a participant. To that end the Department Theatre Arts strives:

a. to prepare the undergraduate theatre major for graduate school, entry level positions in theatre, film or television or related professional areas (secondary education, management, public relations.)

b. to provide the non-major the opportunity to participate in theatrical experiences at every level of study (performance and production.)

c. to support the work of other programs and departments within the University by providing a varied production season, representing major works, genres, and social and historical perspectives.

d. to provide for, the campus community and the Charleston area a valued cultural experience.

Admission to all programs in Theatre Arts is predicated on admission to Eastern Illinois University. While no formal audition is required for entrance to the program, auditions and interviews are required of all Theatre Arts Scholarship applicants.

Auditions for Department of Theatre Arts’ productions are open to all EIU students, faculty, and staff. On occasion, an open invitation to audition will be offered to the Charleston Community at large. Dates and times for the auditions are always announced in local media and on the Department of Theatre Arts web page. Auditionees are generally asked to bring two 1 minute prepared contrasting pieces. Additionally, if a musical is being produced 16 bars of music should be prepared. Resumes and “headshots” are expected of Theatre Arts majors and minors and suggested for all others.

The Department of Theatre Arts is housed in the Doudna Fine Arts Center on the campus of Eastern Illinois University. This structure, renovated and reopened in 2008, houses the departments of Art, Music and Theatre and the offices of the Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities. For the Theatre Department, the structure houses the offices for all Theatre faculty, the chair and business manager.

Additionally, the Theatre (a 289 seat proscenium performance space), the Black Box (a flexible performance space) and the Movement Studio (an experimental theatre) are housed on the main floor in the Lumpkin Family Theatre Wing of the Doudna Fine Arts Center along with the scene and costume shops, dressing rooms, and support facilities.

The second floor of the Lumpkin Family Theatre Wing includes the instructional space for the Department. This includes a computer lab, drafting and craft room and a forty-seat classroom. Access to the light gallery and control booths are available from this floor as well.