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.

Experience

We believe that students should have theater experience from their first day in the program--no waiting until junior or senior year to be considered for opportunities. First-year students are often cast in shows and wok technical positions.

Size & Student-to-Faculty Ratio

We are a small department, which means individualized attention for all students. With around 50 student, there is plenty of opportunity for students to be cast in shows as well as gain experience backstage. We have a 6-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. This means that the faculty know every student. Most theater classes have less than ten students in them. 

Professional Theater Experience

Indiana State University is home to Crossroads Repertory Theatre, a professional summer repertory theater company. Students can audition for the shows and apply to work in various production positions. Many even do both! Students can gain paid, professional theater experience before they graduate. As a part of Crossroads Rep, industry professionals (directors, designers, stage managers, and actors) are brought in to work with students--professionals come from all over the United States and sometimes from abroad. This network helps students build indstry connections that benfit them once they graduate. 

International Touring Experience

At least every four years (but often every other year) the Department of Theater takes a show on internatonal tour. Recent trips include Hungary, England, Croatia, Ireland, Vietnam, and China. Students experice touring a show internationally, are immersed in a different culture, and--the best part--pay little to nothing for the trip thanks to the Indiana State University Academic Advantage. First-time, full-time students and full-time, transfer students entering ISU in Spring 2023 may receive an Experience Grant. The value of the grant ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 for internships and other work-based experiences, study abroad, education abroad, research and creative activity, or a service trip. The experience is a one-time opportunity and will be available beginning the second year at Indiana State.

Facilities

The Department of Theater has four dedicted theater spaces: a proscenium theater (Dreiser Theater), a thrust stage (Seventh Street Theater), a Blackbox theater, and the Performance/Tech Lab. In 2023, Dresier Hall, home to Dreiser Theater and the Blackbox, reopened after an $18 million renovation. All new lighting, sound, and projection equiptment means students learn on the best and newest equiptment. The building is also home to the costume shop, which is filled with domestic and industrial machines, as well as new tools for costume construction and crafts.