SIUC Department of Theater

The SIUC Department of Theater offers the right combination of theory, practice and imagination— an effective blend of academic work, production experience and creativity. Housed in the Communications Building on the SW corner of the Southern Illinois University Carbondale campus, the Department combines the advantages of a large University experience with the personalized attention of smaller institutions. A faculty of ten, with support from a number of professors from other departments, serves the needs of approximately 20 MFA and PhD students and 75 undergraduates.

Practical Experience:

The SIUC Department of Theater produces a season of five to eight fully mounted productions each year plus numerous workshops, one-nighters, special events, guest artist visits and performance opportunities. For Theater majors and minors, our busy production schedule gives you the chance to really do live theater. Whether you write the play, direct it, design it, build it, act in it, or study it, opportunities abound.

Educational Context:

Practical experience is only a part of what goes into theater. As an art form, theater reflects ideas and traditions of society at large. To get the best education possible, it's vital that you understand and study theater in its broad, liberal arts context. The more you know, the better you work.

All the Bachelor's degree programs at SIUC share common required Core Curriculum courses in science, humanities, fine arts, human health, social science, communication and mathematics. About a third of your time is spent satisfying these requirements.

Theater majors and minors also have Theater Core classes, covering the essentials: theater history, play analysis, acting, stagecraft, directing, and stage makeup. Also, to provide a well-rounded experience, you will work as a technician on at least one major project each semester for up to four semesters.

The Creative Component:

All theater starts with a creative imagination. Actors, directors, playwrights, performers, even teachers and technicians enrich the vitality of their work through imagination. Elective courses help stimulate and exercise your creativity and imagination. All undergraduate theater majors are assigned a faculty mentor from their specific area of study to aid them with the selection of elective courses and to offer guidance on their careers at SIUC and beyond.

SIUC's Department of Theater has the opportunities to expand your own creative potential as far as you can and to give you the tools to survive in the career you choose.

For detailed information about Admission, Tuition and Fees, or any other SIUC related information, visit the SIUC Homepage.

SIUC is located in Carbondale, IL, in Southern Illinois at the intersection of Highway 13 and State Highway 51. It has a resident population of approximately 25,000 and an additional 20,000 plus students.

Mark K. Varns, Chair
Department of Theater
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Carbondale, IL, 62901-6608
(618) 453 5741
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