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Southern Illinois University - Carbondale


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Department of Theater

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1100 Lincoln Drive
Carbondale,Illinois 62901
618.453.5741
varns@siu.edu

DEGREES OFFERED

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre

Master of Fine Arts in Directing

Master of Fine Arts in Playwriting

Master of Fine Arts in Costume Design

Master of Fine Arts in Lighting Design

Master of Fine Arts in Scenic Design

Master of Fine Arts in Technical Direction

Doctor of Philosophy in Theatre - Dramaturgy

Doctor of Philosophy in Theatre - Playwriting

Doctor of Philosophy in Theatre - Performance Studies

Doctor of Philosophy in Theatre - Theatre History and Criticism


For students passionate about the performing arts, SIU's theater program offers development and guidance in the talents and disciplines involved in the study of theater. Experienced, dedicated faculty members and a low student-to-teacher ratio encourage success in each student’s unique career path. The theater program blends the theoretical and practical sides of theater studies to ensure job placement in the competitive world of performance, production and backstage craft. Theater students receive intense technical training by taking part in multiple productions throughout both the undergraduate and graduate programs. Professional production opportunities abound through internships and the McLeod Summer Playhouse theater program, as well. Cooperative relationships are nurtured for students interested in combining theater studies with music and cinema for increased career opportunities after graduation.

Notable Alumni Include:

George Pinney, Michael Rose




Faculty Info:

Andrew Abrams, Susan Patrick Benson, Mary Bogumil, Darryl Kent Clark, Thomas Fagerholm, Anne Fletcher, Jacob Juntunen, James Thomas Kidd, Gennie Neuman Lambert, Lori Merrill-Fink, OluSegun Ojewuyi, Jane Pivovarnik, Mark Varns, Wendi Zea.



Related Articles

UCSB Department of Theater/Dance's LAUNCH PAD Kicks Off 20th Year With STRANGE BIRDS
by A.A. Cristi - February 10, 2025


The UCSB Department of Theater/Dance's new-play development program, LAUNCH PAD, will present a preview production of a new play, Strange Birds, written by E. M. Lewis and directed by Artistic Director Risa Brainin.

Spend Your Summer Training at UCLA
by Team BWW - February 06, 2025


Join the UCLA Department of Theater Summer Institutes for a transformative experience that will allow students to expand their creative horizons in every way. Artists will train with world-renowned faculty and build a foundation in their chosen area of study while learning the art of networking.

OPERA America Selects Four Teams for the 2025 Robert L.B. Tobin Director-Designer Prize
by A.A. Cristi - January 22, 2025


OPERA America will award the Robert L.B. Tobin Director-Designer Prize to four teams of creative artists. The prize connects these rising artists with producers who can advance their careers.

Northern Stage Will Host 2024/25 New Works Now Festival
by Stephi Wild - December 04, 2024


Northern Stage has announced a fresh and bold line-up of new works for the 2024/25 season. Learn more about the upcoming season lineup and get tickets here!

UCLA Theater Department Chair Michelle Liu Carriger Wins The Barnard Hewitt Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - November 19, 2024


Michelle Liu Carriger of UCLA's Department of Theater received the Barnard Hewitt Award for her book on theater history, recognized for its innovative approach and meticulous scholarship. Learn more!

Temple Theater to Present THE TEMPEST in December
by Blair Ingenthron - November 11, 2024


Directed by Douglas C. Wager, William Shakespeare's The Tempest will debut at the Tomilson theater this December. Learn more about the production and how to get tickets here!

Spend Summer 2025 Training at UCLA
by Team BWW - November 07, 2024


Join the UCLA Department of Theater Summer Institutes and Summer Workshops for a transformative experience. Artists will expand their creative horizons through training with world-renowned faculty and build a foundation in their chosen area of study while learning the art of networking.

UCSB Department of Theater/Dance Will Perform THE THREEPENNY OPERA
by Stephi Wild - October 30, 2024


 The Department of Theater and Dance at the University of California, Santa Barbara will present Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill’s groundbreaking musical, The Threepenny Opera.

UCSB Department Of Theater/Dance to Present Santa Barbara Dance Theater's 2024 Fall Season A PLACE FOR US
by Blair Ingenthron - October 25, 2024


Explore Santa Barbara Dance Theater's 2024 Fall Season, 'A Place for Us,' presented by UCSB's Department of Theater/Dance. Discover the innovative performances and creative vision behind this season.

Brown/Trinity Rep Presents FUGITIVE SONGS
by A.A. Cristi - October 24, 2024


Brown/Trinity Rep has announced the presentation of FUGITIVE SONGS, a musical exploring themes of escape and self-discovery.

University of California, Santa Barbara To Present THE THREEPENNY OPERA
by A.A. Cristi - October 23, 2024


The Department of Theater and Dance at the University of California, Santa Barbara will present Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill’s groundbreaking musical, The Threepenny Opera.

UCSB's Faculty Dance Concert Set for November
by Blair Ingenthron - October 20, 2024


The UCSB Department of Theater/Dance's faculty will present Faculty Dance Concert 2024, co-directed by Christina McCarthy and Monique Meunier.

UC Berkeley Presents EVERYBODY By Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
by A.A. Cristi - October 14, 2024


UC Berkeley's TDPS will opens its 2024/25 season with EVERYBODY by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, performances run November 7–10 at Zellerbach Playhouse.

Registration for Inaugural Wisconsin Directors Lab Now Open
by A.A. Cristi - September 05, 2024


Forward Theater Company has announced the opening of registration for the inaugural Wisconsin Directors Lab, set for January 4-5, 2025.

Odyssey Theatre Ensemble to Present Marek Probosz in NORWID'S RETURN
by Chloe Rabinowitz - August 28, 2024


Odyssey Theatre Ensemble will bring back Polish American actor and director Marek Probosz for a limited, two-performance engagement of Norwid’s Return (Powrót Norwida). Learn how to purchase tickets.



Past Student Productions

SHOW THEATER
Glory Days (A Musical Audio Drama) in Broadway Glory Days (A Musical Audio Drama)
(5/15/20 - 5/18/20)
PHOTOS
CAST
Southern Illinois University - Carbondale
Bare
(4/18/19 - 4/20/19)
Southern Illinois University - Carbondale

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