About the Indiana State University Department of Theater
Mission Statement
The Indiana State University Department of Theater provides practical experience and training that equips undergraduate students with a broad- based or a discipline-focused theater education in an inclusive and supportive environment.
Our Philosophy
Theater is for all people. We believe in an inclusive and supportive learning and production environment. Everyone is welcome--auditions and portfolio reviews are not required for admission; we will teach all who want to learn. We are committed to anti-racism and allyship in and out of the classroom and theater. Preparing students for success as theater artists is our primarily goal and our curriculum, productions, and experience opportunities reflect that.
Why ISU
Theater?
Undergraduate-only program--no competing with graduate students for opportunities. On- and off-stage experience from Day One--no waiting until junior/senior year.
Brand new building with state-of-the-art lighting, sound, projection, and streaming equipment.
Paid, professional theater credits through our summer company, Crossroads Repertory Theatre.
Opportunities for international touring. Affordable, quality education.
Big school benefits, small school experience. Three theaters for multiple theater setting education: proscenium, thrust, & black box. One-to-one mentoring in all disciplines. Small classes; 6-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Caring faculty who are active professional theater, dance, and media practitioners.
Explore
Create
Devised Theater
Design Your Learning
SIGNATURE PROGRAMS
Gain paid professional theater experience during the summer with Crossroads Repertory Theatre, a professional repertory theater company on campus each summer.
We take shows abroad! Experience performing internationally. Recent tours include England, Vietnam, Serbia, China, Ireland, Croatia, and Hungary.
Explore creating theater as a group that begins with an idea, and not text. Students write, design, and perform their own original pieces of theater.
Want a class that is not offered? We create courses based on student interest. Recent examples include puppet construction, corset making, and stage combat.
THEATER MAJOR
REQUIRED CORE COURSES – 30 credits
THTR 102: Introduction to Theater Production (3 credits)
THTR 151: Acting I (3 credits)
THTR 177: Stagecraft (3 credits)
THTR 178: Introduction to Costume and Makeup (3 credits)
THTR 191: Introduction to Play Analysis (3 credits)
THTR 275: Introduction to Design (3 credits)
THTR 272: Theater Administration Practicum (1 credit)
THTR 295: Theater History I (3 credits)
THTR 355: Working in the Theater (1 credit)
THTR 372: Period Styles for the Theater (3 credits)
THTR 396: Theater History II (3 credits)
Choose one of the following three courses:
THTR 270: Scenic Studio Practicum II (1 credit)
THTR 271: Costume Studio Practicum II (1 credit)
THTR 370: Production Practicum (1 credit)
PRACTICUM ELECTIVES – 5 credits
Select at least 5 hours from the following practicum courses:
THTR 299A: Acting Production Credit (1 credit)
THTR 299D: Directing & Dramaturgy Production Credit (1 credit)
THTR 299T: Design & Technology Production Credit (1 credit)
THTR 399: Stage Management Practicum (3 credits)
THTR 465: Devised Theater Practicum (2 credits)
THTR 498A: Independent Project in Acting (2 credits)
THTR 499A: Advanced Acting Production Credit (1 credit)
THTR 498M: Independent Project in Theater Management (2 credits)
ABOUT
The Indiana State University Department of Theater provides practical experience and training that equips undergraduate students with a broad-based or a disciplinefocused theater education in an inclusive and supportive environment.
The Department provides a one-of-a-kind, hands-on learning experience in all aspects of theater. Our students work in performance, design, production, direction, and administration before they graduate; this well-rounded training prepares them for a wide variety of careers in the performance and entertainment industries.
Focus on area(s) of interest
THTR 498T: Independent Project in Design and Technology (2 credits)
THTR 499D: Advanced Directing & Dramaturgy Production Credit (1-2 credits)
THTR 499T: Advanced Design & Technology Production Credit (1-2 credits)
The following courses are allowed only if not taken in fulfillment of the major core:
THTR 270: Scenic Studio Practicum II (1 credit)
THTR 271: Costume Studio Practicum II (1 credit)
THTR 370: Production Practicum (1 credit)
General Theater
Electives
Acting Electives
Entertainment
Design and Technology
Electives
ELECTIVE COURSES – 15 credits
Select 15 hours of theater electives, 6 of which must be from the 300 or 400 level; 3 credit hours maximum from approved courses from outside of the Department of Theater.
THTR 215 Topics in Theater 3 credits)
THTR 252 Playwriting (3 credits)
THTR 381 Directing for the Proscenium and Thrust (3 credits)
THTR 415 Advanced Topics in Theater (3 credits)
THTR 452 Advanced Playwriting: Adaptations (3 credits)
THTR 482 Theater Theory (3 credits)
THTR 483 Dramaturgy (3 credits)
THTR 250 Acting II (3 credits)
THTR 387 Voice for the Stage (2 credits)
THTR 484 Advanced Acting I: Characterization (3 credits)
THTR 485 Advanced Acting II: Auditions (3 credits)
THTR 486 Advanced Acting III: Style (3 credits)
DANC 124 Modern Dance (1 credit)
DANC 125 Jazz Dance (1 credit)
DANC 126 Beginning Tap Dance (1 credit)
DANC 127 Ballet (1 credits)
THTR 274 Theater Technology (3 credits)
THTR 279 Graphic Arts in the Theater (3 credits)
THTR 374 Costume Construction (3 credits)
THTR 377 CAD for Entertainment Design & Technology (3 credits)
THTR 379 Stage Management (3 credits)
THTR 470 Scene Painting (3 credits)
THTR 473 Costume Design (3 credits)
THTR 475 Lighting Design (3 credits)
THTR 476 Technical Theater Practices (3 credits)
THTR 477 Scenic Design (3 credits)
THTR 481 Sound & Projection Design (3 credits)
THTR 340 Theater Administration (3 credits)
Theater
Administration
Electives
THTR 341 Theater Management (3 credits)
THTR 342 Writing and Communication in the Arts (3 credits)
THTR 440 Theater Administration II (3 credits)
THTR 441 Marketing the Arts (3 credits)
THTR 442 Funding the Arts (3 credits)
OUR MINORS COMPLIMENT ANY MAJOR
Whether you are a theater major looking for a minor to pair with your studies, or a non-theater major who is interested in exploring theater, there is a minor for you!
ACTING
Learn acting fundamentals, work with prominent techniques, and expand their understanding of the art form.
ARTS ADMINISTRATION
Gain discipline-specific business acumen and practical skills needed to succeed as arts leaders, in either commercial or non-profit settings.
DANCE
Become a well-rounded dancer with focus on technical skills and creative ability in various dance disciplines.
ENTERTAINMENT DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
Explore multiple areas of design and technology in theater and live entertainment.
WHO ARE THESE MINORS FOR?
MEDIA PRODUCTION*
*Coming in 2025! This minor prepares students to work in media production-spanning film, television, radio, editing, lighting, sound, projections, and more!
THEATER
Explore all areas of theatrical production including acting, directing, design, scenery, costumes, lighting, sound, and history.
THEATER HISTORY*
*Coming in 2025! This minor if for those who enjoy learning about theater and applying it as a theater historian or as a dramaturg on a production.
THEATER MAJORS: You want to further explore your passions and gain more knowledge in your area(s) of focus.
THEATER ENTHUSIASTS: You did theater and high school and want to do it in college, but you have another major in mind.
THEATER CURIOUS: You have little or no theater experience, but you have always wanted to try it out!
THEATER ACTING
MINOR
CREDITS (21 total)
Required Courses (12 credits)
THTR 102: Introduction to Theater Production (3 Credits)
THTR 151: Acting I (3 Credits)
THTR 191: Introduction to Play Analysis (3 Credits)
THTR 250: Acting II (3 Credits)
Acting Elective Courses (6 credits)
Choose two of the following courses:
THTR 484: Advanced Acting Technique I: Characterization (3 Credits)
THTR 485: Advanced Acting Technique II: Auditions (3 Credits)
THTR 486: Advanced Acting Technique III: Style (3 Credits)
Performance Elective Courses (3 credits)
Choose three credits from the following courses:
PE 124: Modern Dance (1 Credit)
PE 125: Jazz Dance (1 Credit)
PE 126: Beginning Tap Dance (1 Credit)
PE 127: Ballet (1 Credit)
THTR 178: Introduction to Costume and Makeup (1 Credits)
THTR 272: Theater Administration Practicum (1 Credit)
THTR 299A: Acting Production Credit (1 Credit)
THTR 387: Voice for the Stage (2 Credits)
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Gaining confidence while speaking in front of people can benefit every major! Acting is public speaking and engaged listening, and these skills need to be practiced to be perfected. As an acting minor, students will learn acting fundamentals, work with prominent techniques, and expand their understanding of the art form. Students have opportunity as an undergraduate to perform on stage, on camera, and even as voice actors.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
4-6 department-produced shows per year. Each season has contemporary, classic, and new works.
Genres span comedy, drama, musical, devised, and dance shows.
End-of-semester showcases for performance courses.
Student-produced shows every semester. Students can be cast from day one--no waiting until junior/senior year for roles! Productions are audition-based.
THTR 441: Marketing the Arts (3 Credits)
THTR 498A: Independent Project in Acting (2 Credits)
THTR 499A: Advanced Acting Production Credit (1 Credit)
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
No audition required to be in the program; all are welcome!
Undergraduate program only--no competing with graduate students! Small class size means personalized instruction.
One-on-one faculty mentorship.
Three venues: proscenium, thrust, and black box theaters.
International touring opportunities
Opportunities for conferences and competition participation.
Study abroad with faculty-led theater trips.
ARTS
admin
MINOR CREDITS (16 total)
Required Courses (7 Credits)
THTR 272: Theater Administration
Practicum (1 Credit)
THTR 340: Arts Administration (3 Credits)
THTR 441: Marketing the Arts (3 Credits)
Nonprofit Leadership Elective Courses (3 Credits)
Choose 1 of the following:
RCSM 150: Intro to Nonprofit Leadership and Management (3 Credits)
RCSM 205: Program Development (3 Credits)
RCSM 440: Volunteer Engagement (3 Credits)
RCSM 483: Fundamentals of Fundraising (3 Credits)
RCSM 489: Advanced Nonprofit Admin (3 Credits)
Arts Elective Courses (6 Credits)
Choose 2 of the following:
THTR 341: Theater Management (3 Credits)
THTR 342: Writing and Communication in the Arts (3 Credits)
THTR 442: Funding the Arts (3 Credits)
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Arts Administration minors can pursue internships with a variety of local arts and cultural organizations spanning theater, orchestra, chorale, art gallery, art museum, outdoor concert venue and more. Internships range from marketing, box office, house management, development, artistic management, and more!
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Students will gain discipline-specific business acumen, preparing them with the practical skills needed to manage their careers as arts leaders, in either commercial or non-profit settings.
The Arts Administration minor takes a hands-on approach to the business side of the arts. From starting non-profit visual art, performing art, or cultural organization, to creating LLCs for freelance arts practitioners, the Arts Administration minor will prepare students with the business skills they need to be successful in their artistic endeavors.
WHAT ARTS ADMINISTRATORS DO
Arts Administrators are leaders in arts and cultural organizations. Some jobs that arts administrators do include:
Artistic Director | Managing Director | Producer | Marketer | Fundraiser | Event Planner | Director of Education | Volunteer Coordinator | Program Leader | Literary Manager | Company Manager | Advocate | Box Office Manager | House Manager | Museum Curator | Director of Art | Grant Writer | Development Officer | Volunteer Manager | Festival Manager | Tour Manager
Arts administrators work at non-profit and commercial art and cultural organizations, including theaters, operas, galleries, dance companies, orchestras, chorales, festivals, museums, touring organizations, concert venues, music studios, and more!
EXPLORE ALL CORNERS OF ARTS ADMINISTRATION:
How to start an arts or culture business. Plan, organize, and run events. Box office operations and money handling. Crowd management during live events. Print, digital, and social media marketing. Venue and volunteer management. Budgeting and financial management.
Managing people, resources, and time.
Gaining employment as a freelance arts practitioner.
MINOR DANCE
CREDITS (17 total)
Required Theory Courses (9 credits)
DANC 353: Theory and Methods of Dance (3 Credits)
DANC 363: Dance Repertory (1 Credit)
DANC 396: Practicum in Dance (2 Credits)
DANC 463: Dance Composition: Designing, Structuring, and Staging (3 Credits)
Skill Proficiency Courses (8 credits)
DANC 121: Ballroom Dance (1 Credit)
DANC 124: Modern Dance (1 Credit)
DANC 125: Jazz Dance (1 Credit)
DANC 126: Tap Dance I (1 Credit)
DANC 127: Ballet I (1 Credit)
DANC 160: Tap Dance II (1 Credit)
DANC 172: Modern Dance II (1 Credit)
DANC 173: Ballet II (1 Credit)
THTR 128: Introduction to Musical Theater Dance Styles (1 Credit)
DANC 213 Dance in Educational Settings (2 Credits)
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Dance Minor offers instruction on more than just dance. The curriculum creates a well-rounded dancer with focus on technical skills and creative ability. The goal is to foster the love of artistic expression and better well-being through dance. This minor is for dancers, actors, performers, and beginners with a passion. The dance minor allows students to connect their minds and bodies through dance. No experience required!
FAQ
Do I need to audition to be accepted into the program?
No, an audition is not required!
I have no dance experience, but I am interested in the minor. Is this ok? Yes! The dance minor is open to all students, no matter your major or experience level.
Will I be able to dance in musicals?
Yes! Dancers who are interested in being in musicals are encouraged to audition. Auditions happen every semester for shows.
How long are the classes?
Dance skills classes are 8-week courses. You can do one class for the first 8 weeks, and another for the second. Theory classes are 16 weeks.
Will the dance minor take a long period to complete?
Not at all! The dance minor is 17 credit hours, and can be completed in as little as 2 years or less.
OPPORTUNITIES
Perform in Dance Showcases and Department of Theater musicals and productions.
Chances to choreograph and instruct other students, groups, and performance ensembles. The ability to find a community, no matter your background or experience level.
ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY DESIGN &
CREDITS (18 total)
Required Coursework (11 credits)
THTR 102: Introduction to Theater Production (3 Credits)
THTR 274: Theater Technology (3 Credits)
THTR 275: Introduction to Design (3 Credits)
Choose one of the following:
THTR 177: Scenic Stagecraft (2 credits)
THTR 178: Introduction to Costume and Makeup (2 credits)
Practical Experience (2 credits)
Choose two of the following practicum courses:
THTR 270: Scenic Studio Practicum II (1 Credit)
THTR 271: Costume Studio Practicum II (1 Credit)
THTR 370: Production Practicum (1 Credit)
Production Credit Courses (2 credits)
Choose two credits from the following:
THTR 299T: Design and Technology Production Credit (1 Credit)
THTR 499T: Advanced Design and Technology Production Credit (1-2 Credits)
Theater Design and Technology Courses (3 credits)
Choose one of the following courses:
THTR 374: Costume Construction (3 Credits)
THTR 377: CADD for Entertainment Design and Technology (3 credits)
THTR 379: Stage Management (3 Credits)
THTR 470: Scene Painting (3 Credits)
THTR 473: Costume Design (3 Credits)
THTR 475: Lighting Design (3 Credits)
THTR 476: Technical Theater Practices (3 Credits)
THTR 477 Scenic Design (3 Credits)
THTR 481: Sound and Projection Design (3 Credits)
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The EDT minor introduces students to multiple areas of design and technology in theater and live entertainment.
Spanning scenery, costumes, makeup, lighting, sound, projections, and properties design to carpentry, painting, plumbing, welding, sculpting, drawing, and drafting skills, students are prepared for a variety of design and technology opportunities.
Students gain hands-on experience in the various theater shops, working on production crews, in stage management, and even on professional productions and events, such as street festivals, art galleries, and concerts.
The minor sets students up to pursue a post-graduation career in theater and live entertainment design and technology, or pursue graduate studies.
AREAS OF FOCUS
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Hands-on experience from day one. Undergraduate program only.
Small class size = personalized instruction. One-on-one faculty mentorship. Three venues: proscenium, thrust, and black box theaters.
New facilities with new equipment.
Electric and counterweight fly rail.
Design Lab with Mac desktops.
Fully stocked scene and costume shops with industrial and domestic equipment. Opportunities for conferences and competition participation.
Study abroad & international travel Scholarships available!
MINOR THEATER
CREDITS (18-19 total)
Required Courses (12 credits)
THTR 102: Introduction to Theater Production (3 Credits)
THTR 151: Acting I (3 Credits)
THTR 191: Introduction to Play Analysis (3 Credits)
THTR 275 - Introduction to Design (3 Credits)
Theater History Courses (3 credits)
Choose one of the following courses:
THTR 295: Theater History I (3 Credits)
THTR 372: Period Styles for the Theater (3 Credits)
THTR 396: Theater History II (3 Credits)
Practicum Elective Courses (1 credit)
Choose one of the following courses:
THTR 270: Scenic Practicum (1 Credit)
THTR 271: Costume Practicum (1 Credit)
THTR 272: Theater Administration Practicum (1 Credit)
THTR 370: Production Practicum (1 Credit)
Production Craft Courses (1 credit)
Choose one of the following courses:
THTR 177: Scenic Stagecraft (1 credit)
THTR 178: Introduction to Costume and Makeup (1 Credit)
Production Elective Courses (1-2 credits)
Choose one of the following courses:
THTR 299A: Acting Production Credit (1 Credit)
THTR 299D: Directing and Dramaturgy Production Credit (1 Credit)
THTR 299T: Design and Technology Production Credit (1 Credit)
THTR 499A: Advanced Advanced Acting Production Credit (1 Credit)
THTR 499D: Advanced Directing and Dramaturgy Production Credit (1 Credit)
THTR 499T: Advanced Design and Technology Production Credit (1 Credit)
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Theater minor introduces students to all areas of theatrical production including acting, directing, design, scenery, costumes, lighting, sound, and history.
This minor is for both those who participated in theater in high school or are brand-new to theater in college!
Students who are interested in teaching, psychology, human interaction, making live art, or careers where creativity, teamwork, and project management play an important part, can all benefit from a theater minor.
Theater minors develop a well-rounded skill set that will make them a successful theater artist as well as compliment their major area of study.
OPPORTUNITIES
The ability to find a community, no matter your background or experience level.
4-6 department-produced shows per year. Genres span comedy, drama, musical, devised, and dance shows.
Students can get involved in productions from day one--no waiting until junior/senior year for roles!
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Hands-on experience from day one.
No audition required to be in the program; all are welcome! Undergraduate program only--no competing with graduate students!
Small class size = personalized instruction.
One-on-one faculty mentorship.
Three venues: proscenium, thrust, and black box theaters. New facilities with new equipment. Electric and counterweight fly rail.
Fully stocked scene and costume shops with industrial and domestic equipment.
Opportunities for conferences and competition participation. Study abroad & international travel.
OUR FACULTY
JULIE DIXON
CHRIS BERCHILD
DEPARTMENT CHAIR
PROJECTION & SOUND DESIGN
ACTING & MOVEMENT MICHAEL JACKSON LIGHTING & SCENIC DESIGN ALICIA
CRYSTAL JOHNSON
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
JIM KOEHNLE
THEATER MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR TRESA MAKOSKY STAGE MANAGEMENT
TERESA MCCULLOUGH DANCE KATE MOTT
COSTUME DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
GRACE MUÑOZ
COSTUME SHOP
SUPERVISOR
INDIANA STATE ALUMNI
WHAT DO THEATER ALUMNI DO?
Hear what alumni say about our program HERE
ISU Theater alumni work in theater, opera, film/television, and as theater teachers. Some alumni have gone to graduate school for theater--including for acting, playwriting, stage management, directing, design, and arts administration.
Alumni are working on Broadway, on hit television shows RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE, THE MANDALORIAN and Amazon’s FALLOUT, on the movie BLACK PANTHER, and in theaters around the United States.
Recent alumni are currently dancing with the Indiana Fever Inferno Hip Hop Squad, stage manage at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, co-host the cable television show JOURNEY INDIANA, tour as a stand up comedian (after placing third on AMERICA’S GOT TALENT in 2019), and working full-time as actors, designers, technicians, and more!
No matter what they do, our alumni are prepared for careers in theater and live entertainment--right out of school!
DO YOU WANT $12,000* $12,000*
*$3,000/year for 4 years FOR COLLEGE?
Apply for the Indiana State University Creative & Performing Arts Scholarship - Theater
REQUIREMENTS:
Have a 2.5 GPA in high school
Be a Freshman
Be and remain a Theater Major
Apply at The Branch https://indstate.academicworks.com
Scholarships
There are scholarships for theater majors, minors as well as for academic merit and financial need! The Branch has over 400 scholarships and it is only one application! The deadline is March 1st so apply now!
Honors College
Look Books
Many theater students are in the Honors College! With special housing, additional support, leadership opportunities, and additional academic opportunities, partaking in the Honors program will further enrich your academic experience. There is so much more to see! Learn more about the Indiana State University College of Arts and Sciences, what it is like to live on campus with Residential Life, and information specifically for students who are transferring from another institution.
Learn About Scholarships
Apply for Scholarships
About the Honors College
Apply to the Honors College
College of Arts and Sciences
Residential Life Transfer Students
