2022 - 2023 College Guide (Name Tag QR Code)

Illinois Wesleyan University
1211 Park St
Bloomington, Illinois, 61701-1871
(309) 556-3377
Department Contact: Lauren Warnecke, lwarneck@iwu.edu
Academic Year: August to May
Degrees Offered: BA Theatre Arts, BFA Acting, BFA Music Theatre, BFA Theatre Design &
Technology
Program Objectives: IWU's School of Theatre Arts is committed to fostering the creative
confidence of every student-artist. We identify their uniqueness, help them develop their
authentic voice and prepare them for a rich life after IWU.
History: Illinois Wesleyan University was founded in 1850 by a diverse group of 30 civic and
religious leaders. When a sponsor was needed, the founders gained support from the United
Methodist Church, which is how "Wesleyan" was added to the original name, "Illinois University."
Some of Illinois Wesleyan's earliest dramatic performances took place within the speech
department under the direction of E. Melba Johnson Kirkpatrick, IWU class of 1932. The School
of Drama was renamed the School of Theatre Arts—SoTA—in 1992. A year later, the Lab
Theatre was renamed the E. Melba Johnson Kirkpatrick Laboratory Theatre after the influential
leader who started it all.
Facilities, Classrooms, and Theatres: The 229 seat Jerome Mirza Theatre contains a
proscenium stage with semi-circular thrust covering an orchestra pit. The E. Melba Johnson
Kirkpatrick Laboratory Theatre is a flexible black box accommodating up to 100 guests..
Scholarships and/or Assistantships: Acting, Design & Technology or Music Theatre majors
are considered for the Alumni Fine Arts for Theatre Scholarships or the Alumni Fine Arts for
Music Scholarships. Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts students are eligible for talent scholarships
in acting, vocal performance, directing, scholarship and creative writing.
https://youtu.be/S4k4rmvxmFM
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