Theatre Teacher Education
Overview
The Theatre Teacher Education sequence at Illinois State University is dedicated to preparing highly qualified teachers/artists to meet the challenges of education in the secondary school system.
Illinois State University is recognized nationally as the second largest producer of teachers among institutions certified by the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education. Nearly one of every seven teachers in Illinois public school classrooms holds a degree from Illinois State.
Point of Pride
Theatre Teacher Education students play an important role in planning and running the Illinois High School Theatre Festival, one of the largest festivals of its kind in the U.S.
Why study Theatre Teacher Education?
As a Theatre Teacher Education student, you will receive a solid foundation of basic skills in traditional theatre courses, such as acting, directing, design, theatre history, and dramatic literature. At the same time, you will follow a course of instruction specifically focused on teaching theatre at the secondary level. Your teaching skills will be enhanced by professional studies classes taught through the College of Education.
The strength of our Theatre Teacher Education sequence lies partly in the variety of clinical experiences you will experience while working in a high school setting. These include the opportunity to assist master teachers in extracurricular speech and theatre activities; presenting workshops; and demonstrating teaching lessons in the classroom. The culminating experience for Theatre Teacher Education students comes when you take complete responsibility for a fully mounted theatrical production at a local high school.
During your last year at Illinois State University, you will student teach in a high school classroom under the supervision of a master teacher.
Schedule a Visit
Come see campus and meet with campus representatives either in person or virtually. Optional chances to meet with academic department, honors, and financial aid.
How to Apply
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
- Apply to Illinois State University
- Choose an audition/interview date
- Receive a confirmation email from School of Theatre, Dance, and Film
- Attend audition/interview
- Receive a decision within two weeks
- 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.
Interview for a Scholarship
If you wish to interview for a School of Theatre, Dance, and Film scholarship, please select an interview date within your application for admission. Bring the following to your interview:
- A resume detailing your theatre production experiences
- A recent photo
- A one-page typed essay describing your interest in Theatre
Please come to the interview prepared to discuss your essay, your experiences in theatre, and any additional experiences you may have had working with young people. (Note that your essay for the School of Theatre, Dance, and Film is separate from the personal statement required by the Office of Admissions.)
On interview day, you will attend a synchronous interview with Theatre Education faculty. There will be a brief meeting of all those interviewing. Faculty and administration will introduce themselves and answer questions.
Those interviewing will be sent to a waiting room where current students will talk about the program and answer questions while individual interviews take place. Interviews will take place in the order the application is received.
2024-2025 Audition Dates and Information
Saturday December 7, 2024 (Illinois State)
Saturday February 1, 2025 (Illinois State)
Saturday February 22, 2025 (Illinois State)
Deadlines and Review Dates
Students are accepted into the Theatre Teacher Education major contingent on admission by Illinois State University.
School of Theatre, Dance, and Film scholarship awards are announced after March 1.
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