the school of
T HEATRE ARTS perform, design, create 2013–14
“
Theatre is the quintessential liberal art. It encompasses so many other art
THE SCHOOL OF
THEATRE ARTS
Above: 9 to 5, 2012.
Liberal Arts Advantage The liberal arts curriculum at Illinois Wesleyan enables students in the School of Theatre Arts to not only explore all aspects of theatre, but also expand their studies beyond the performing arts. This curriculum provides Wesleyan theatre students with a broad perspective and deeper understanding that enhances their creative endeavors.
Individual Attention Above: Curtis Trout, scenic design professor and Director of the School of Theatre Arts. On the cover: As You Like It, 2013.
Illinois Wesleyan’s School of Theatre Arts gives individual attention to the development of each student as enrollment is intentionally selective.
forms—creative writing, movement, singing, acting, design — as well as educational disciplines that provide historical, social and philosophical context. The art of theatre means nothing unless you understand why you are doing it and where it comes from.” Curtis Trout Director of the School of Theatre Arts Professor of Theatre Arts
Undergraduates Only Theatre Arts at Illinois Wesleyan is entirely for undergraduates.
The Breach, 2013
That means our students play all the roles in the varied production schedule and have more opportunities to direct and design productions than at larger schools.
Faculty as Mentors The student-teacher ratio at Illinois Wesleyan is 11 to 1, guaranteeing that every student will enjoy close mentoring relationships with our expert faculty members. The relationships students forge with our faculty often last a lifetime.
Degrees and Programs Wesleyan awards four different bachelor’s degrees and
Theatre Facilities The School of Theatre Arts has a variety of performance and rehearsal facilities, including: • McPherson Theatre, a fully equipped 273-seat proscenium/thrust theatre; • The E. Melba Johnson Kirkpatrick Laboratory Theatre, a “black box” theatre with flexible seating; • The Phoenix Theatre, a small space for experimental productions; and
three minors in theatre arts: the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre
• Dance Studios, used primarily for dance rehearsals.
Arts, the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting, the Bachelor of
In addition, the School of Theatre Arts stages
Fine Arts in Music Theatre and the Bachelor of Fine Arts
performances and concerts in the Hansen Student
in Theatre Design & Technology. The minors available are
Center, Evelyn Chapel and the Joslin Atrium.
in Theatre Arts, Theatre Dance and Arts Management.
DEGREE
PROGR A MS
The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre is an interdisciplinary degree allowing a broad range of exploration in theatre as an artistic, scholarly and social discipline. This degree is flexible and each BA Theatre Arts student tailors a unique course of study, focusing on developing their skills and voice as an artist. The BA in Theatre is also well suited for those wishing to double major or whose expertise spans more than one facet of the discipline. Students in the BA program have the full range of opportunities to participate in the production season and routinely hold leadership positions and play major roles. Dr. Dani Snyder-Young is the Head of the BA program.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting is for the student who aspires to an acting career. This well-rounded pre-professional curriculum includes applied training in acting, movement and voice. Students are immersed in both classical and contemporary acting styles ranging from Shakespeare to Acting for the Camera. The degree also includes academically oriented courses such as Theatre History and Dramatic Literature. Students are exposed to the technical areas through Theatre Laboratory and production
20
outstanding faculty
1 main stage theatre 1 black box theatre 1 experimental theatre 7-8 supported productions 2-4 music theatre productions 1-2 dance productions 8-12 student productions 4-6 guest artists 2 theatre trips 1 Chicago showcase
experiences. In addition to intensive coursework, BFA Acting students are required to audition for the production season. Thomas A. Quinn is the Head of the Acting program.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theatre is
for
the student who aspires to a professional performance career. This wellrounded pre-professional curriculum requires each student to enroll in a balanced mix of acting, voice and dance courses. These include both applied skills courses such as Stage Makeup, Music Theory and Broadway Dance Repertory, and academically oriented courses like Music Theatre History and Introduction to Dramatic Literature. Students are also exposed to the technical areas through Theatre Laboratory and production experiences. In addition to intensive coursework, BFA Music Theatre students are required to audition for the production season. Scott Susong is the Head of the Music Theatre program.
Faculty Coreographed Dance Concert, 2013
“
It’s been an awesome journey, and I couldn’t ask for anything else,” described Kasprzak, on August 6, 2009 at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. Evan won third place on Fox TV’s So You Think You Can Dance?. Evan Kasprzak, BFA Music Theatre ’10 (right) Currently playing Elmer on Broadway in Disney’s Newsies.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design & Technology is for the student who aspires to a career as a designer, stage manager or technician for the theatre. The curriculum includes applied training in drawing, rendering, sound, stagecraft, construction, hand and computer drafting, painting and stage management as well as design courses in costume, scenery and lighting. In addition, students will take academically oriented courses such as Introduction to Dramatic Literature, Directing and Theatre History. BFA designers and technicians will apply their skills
The Minor in Theatre Dance provides
to our production program with the goal of having
students training in dance (modern, jazz, tap and
managed or designed a Main Stage or Laboratory Theatre
ballet) and choreography. It encompasses the physical
production prior to graduation. Marcia K. McDonald is
workings of the body in dance technique, as well as the
the Head of the Theatre Design & Technology program.
creative and theatrical aspects of the discipline.
The Minor in Theatre Arts
The Minor in Arts Management
provides students
(offered
majoring in another field the opportunity to pursue
by the Department of Business Administration) is for
theatrical interest at the college level. Theatre minors take
the student who aspires to management of their own
performance, technical and academic courses in theatre,
theatre, or to work in arts development. It provides an
and participate actively in our production season.
excellent complement to the BA in Theatre Arts.
Trojan Women, 2011
“
In the professional theatre, versatility is everything. From performing to directing to designing, the skills I learned at Illinois Wesleyan made me a more well-rounded, and ultimately more marketable theatre artist.” Nicholas Reinhart, BFA Music Theatre ’11 A Chicago-based actor and director. Chicago credits include work with Circle Theatre, FourPlay Theater Company and Lifeline Theatre. Currently holds the title of Producing Director with Circle Theatre.
SPECIAL
PROGR A MS
Internships
Student Groups
Theatre Arts students quite often participate in
At IWU, there are countless ways to be involved in
pre-professional internship programs during their careers
theatre other than in class and on stage. These groups
at Illinois Wesleyan. Some result from our affiliation
promote creativity, leadership and foster actors, directors,
with the Great Lakes College Association (GLCA), which
playwrights, designers, dancers and comedians.
places interns with professional theatres, television
Masquers is the student service organization for the
studios, casting agencies and the like, in New York City.
School of Theatre Arts. The Music Theatre Society takes
Internships can also be arranged in such theatrical
its roots from the City Center Encores! and produces
centers as Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
musicals in concert. Jm7* improvisation troupe does
Internships are available in design, performance and
all forms of improv, has weekly classes and performs
management. Recent examples include student internships
throughout the year. Shringara Theatre is our multi-
in performance and technology at the MUNY (St. Louis),
cultural theatre company producing plays and creating
in lighting at Stages (St. Louis) and as a stage manager at
a platform where actors and directors can share their
Berkshire Theatre Festival (Massachusetts). Internships
views. Cohesion Dance Company is an auditioned
can be taken for academic credit during the academic
dance company. In addition, there is an annual student
year, and the faculty is eager to help create an internship
choreographed dance concert. Check out the website for
that will be of value to each student.
more information about student groups.
Above: Hello Again, 2011. Right: Curtis Trout instructs 2013 May Term students in Scene Painting class.
1 in 2
One in two Wesleyan students choose to study abroad for a semester, a year or during May Term.
Study Abroad In order to provide a wide variety of opportunities and experiences for Illinois Wesleyan students who choose to study abroad, Illinois Wesleyan has affiliated with a
Chicago Arts Programs
number of study abroad programs, including the IES Gaity School of Acting in Dublin, Ireland, National Theatre
The Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM) Chicago
Institute/Eugene O’Neill Center — Moscow Program,
Arts Program is a semester that immerses students in the
and the British/American Drama Academy in London,
art scene of Chicago. Students live with a roommate
which offers summer and full-semester programs. Some
in a studio apartment in downtown Chicago, work at
programs are independently operated while others offer the
an arts-related internship, take courses and explore
option of enrolling directly in major international institu-
an area of the arts in an independent study project.
tions. During May Term, travel seminars are routinely
Students attend openings, plays, readings, concerts,
offered under the guidance of faculty members. Students
screenings, rehearsals, recording sessions, installations,
have a variety of travel options around the globe and topics
performances and more. They meet the people who are
of study range from photography to language immersion.
making and presenting art in Chicago and learn about
For example, Dance Coordinator Jean MacFarland Kerr led
what they do, how they do it and how they got where
a trip in 2008 to study culture, dance and historic movement
they are today.
in Japan.
Application,
Red Devils, 2013
AUDITIONS A N D AWA R D S
Admission to Illinois Wesleyan is highly selective. All students interested in auditioning for the School of Theatre Arts must complete the process appropriate for the desired degree. Auditions for the fall 2013 incoming class will be held on Saturdays: November 9, January 25, February 15 and March 1. The School of Theatre Arts sees hundreds of candidates from across the country each year and mindfully accepts only a handful. Faculty annually attend the International Thespian Festival, Southeastern Theatre Conference, North Texas Drama Auditions and the Illinois High School Theatre Festival. Students may receive a callback from any of these off-campus auditions.
For more detailed information about auditions and admission to the School of Theatre Arts, visit www.iwu.edu/theatre/Auditions_Admissions.html Love’s Labor’s Lost, 2008
To get a QR code reader/scanner for your smartphone, go to www.mobile-barcodes.com/qr-code-software
“
IWU prepared me for the real world more than I imagined and in unexpected ways. In addition to holding a BFA in Music Theatre, I feel like I also hold minors in multitasking, perseverance and a strong work ethic. IWU also encouraged and supported me in creating my own projects, which I continue to do to this day. I am truly undaunted by anything in this crazy business of show and IWU is a huge reason why.” Heather Olt, BFA Music Theatre ’96 Heather most recently appeared on Scandal, Body of Proof and The Mentalist. She is also the co-creator/ producer/ w riter/ star of 2 Hopeful Spinsters, the Web series.
All incoming students must submit a completed application to IWU including current transcripts and test scores prior to any on campus audition/interview.
Talent Awards, Scholarships and Grants
All students auditioning for the BFA Programs in Acting
Illinois Wesleyan is again considered one of
and Music Theatre are required to prescreen by uploading
Kiplinger’s “Best Values in Private Colleges.” We
your audition/portfolio to the acceptd. website (see below)
are pleased to be able to offer scholarships based
or by calling the Theatre Recruiting Office at (309) 556-3944
on talent and/or academic performance. Students
for more information. All BA candidates must call the office
planning to major in the BFA Acting, Design and
to schedule an on-campus audition/interview on one of our
Tech, Music Theatre or BA in Theatre programs
four audition Saturdays.
will be considered for the Alumni Fine Arts for
Auditions, interviews and/or portfolio presentation must
Theatre Scholarships or Alumni Fine Arts for
be completed before our final audition/interview date, which
Music Theatre Scholarships. These scholarships
is Saturday, March 1, 2014.
are renewable for four years and are awarded on the basis of a combination of auditions or portfolio evaluations and high school academic performance. Awards range from $10,000 to $22,000 per year. All academic scholarships are awarded based upon
All students auditioning for the BFA in Music Theatre and Acting must prescreen through acceptd. or the IWU online application.
http://app.getacceptd.com/iwutheatre
the academic record submitted in your application. In addition, the University offers need-based grants and loans.
“
IWU provides an essential, diversified theatrical training with so many
AUDITION R EQU IR EM EN TS
BA in Theatre • Resume and Photo: Applicants must submit a recent photograph or headshot and a resume of theatre work. • Application: Applicants must submit a completed copy of the BA Application for review. • Talent Audition: Students wishing to audition for a talent award or talent scholarship may present either an acting audition or the portfolio, as outlined on the previous area’s requirements. • Interview: All BA applicants must schedule an on-campus interview with the Theatre Studies Faculty. Auditions and interviews are held on campus during audition days.
BFA in Acting • Resume and Headshot: Applicants must submit a recent headshot and a resume of all theatre work. • Audition: Prepare two contrasting monologues that are within your casting age and range. They should be taken from modern plays (No Shakespeare, verse or dialects please). Select active monologues (not passive voice) that you feel express your current strengths as an actor. Each selection should be memorized, thoroughly rehearsed and one to two minutes in length. • Interview: In addition to the audition, prospective students will interview with acting faculty.
hands-on opportunities. By the time I graduated, I had the tools and confidence to enter the professional world. I was so well-prepared; my internship offered me a job and my Equity card right after graduation!” Brian Bogin, BFA Theatre Design & Technology ’99 Broadway & National Tours: War Horse, Elf, The People in the Picture, Wicked, Spamalot, The Phantom of the Opera, Urinetown, Chicago, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (AEA Stage Manager)
BFA in Music Theatre • Resume and Headshot: Applicants must submit a resume of all theatre work and a recent headshot. The audition has four components: • Dancing: The dance audition will be taught as a class, with warm up, followed by ballet and jazz combinations.
BFA in Design & Technology
Bring appropriate attire for dance, especially shoes.
• Resume and Photo: Applicants must submit a recent
• Acting: Prepare two contrasting monologues within
photo or headshot and a resume of all theatre work.
your casting age range; adolescent to 30 years old and
• Portfolio: The portfolio should represent examples
personality type (No Shakespeare, verse or dialects
of your theatrical work in the form of costume
please). Each one should be approximately one minute
sketches, scenic sketches, paint elevations, light and
in length. Avoid text from musical theatre librettos.
sound plots, hand or computer drafting or sketches
Each selection should be memorized and thoroughly
and prompt books from theatrical productions and
rehearsed.
production photography. Rough design sketches,
• Singing: Prepare vocal selections from music theatre
sketch books and construction process photography
literature, one ballad and one up-tempo. Cut the song
are welcomed. Other examples may include light
to 32 bars of music (Do not sing the whole song). An
and sound paperwork and cues, programs/posters,
accompanist will be provided; bring your sheet music
sewing and patterning projects, craft and properties
and make sure your cuts are clearly marked and you
projects, design collage boards and background
are prepared to talk with the accompanist. Please note
research. Additional evidence of your artistic abilities
that a 32-bar cut is sufficient, but you may be asked to
may include fine art photography, drawing, painting,
sing the entire song. Each selection should be memorized
sculpture, ceramics, jewelry and print making..
and thoroughly rehearsed. • Interview: In addition to the audition, prospective
students will interview with the Music Theatre Faculty.
• Interview: In addition to the audition, prospective students will interview with the Theatre Design and Technology Faculty.
Above: A Shayna Maidel (2012) featured costume design by Bachelor of Arts student Zachery Wagner during his junior year.
Illinois Wesleyan is located in Bloomington-Normal, within two and a half hours of Chicago and St. Louis. The Central Illinois Regional Airport, ten minutes from campus, provides direct jet access to America’s major hubs.
Contact Us! To schedule a campus visit or for additional information, contact:
Statements of Accreditation and Non-discrimination Illinois Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Illinois Wesleyan University does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation including gender identity and expression, disability, or national origin in its admissions policies, educational programs and activities, or employment policies. Inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policy should be directed to the Office of the President, Illinois Wesleyan University, P.O. Box 2900, Bloomington, IL 61702-2900. Illinois Wesleyan expressly recognizes the requirements of Title IX legislation. Title IX complaints should be reported to the University’s Title IX coordinator, who is the Associate Provost (211 Holmes Hall, (309) 556-3255). Illinois Wesleyan University does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities. The Vice President for Business and Finance, the Vice President for Student Affairs/ Dean of Students, and the Associate Provost are designated by the University to coordinate all efforts to comply with Section 504 and its implementing regulation 34 C.F.R. Part 104 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. All questions should be directed to the University compliance coordinators indicated above.
The Admissions Office Illinois Wesleyan University P.O. Box 2900 Bloomington, IL 61702-2900 309-556-3031 or 1-800-332-2498
Theatre Recruiting Office School of Theatre Arts 309-556-3944 email: theatre@iwu.edu
Learn More To learn more about the School of Theatre Arts, visit us on the Web at:
www.iwu.edu/theatre or www.iwu.edu Find us on Facebook at Illinois Wesleyan Theatre