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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

Meet the Cast of THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - March 29, 2024


The Heart of Rock and Roll, the new musical inspired by the iconic songs written and performed by Huey Lewis and The News, officially begins previews tonight, March 29. The musical  will open at The James Earl Jones Theatre on Monday, April 22. Meet the cast of The Heart of Rock and Roll here!

Corey Cott and McKenzie Kurtz Will Lead THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL; Full Cast Revealed!
by Stephi Wild - January 16, 2024


The full cast has been revealed for the upcoming Broadway production of The Heart of Rock and Roll, the new musical inspired by the iconic songs written and performed by Huey Lewis and The News. Find out who is starring in the musical here!

Rorschach Announces Finalists For 2023 MAGIC IN ROUGH SPACES NEW PLAY LAB
by A.A. Cristi - February 27, 2023


Rorschach Theatre has announced the finalists for its annual Magic in Rough Spaces New Play Lab.

Oakland Symphony Orchestra To Present 25th Annual David Daniels Young Artists Concert
by Chloe Rabinowitz - February 07, 2023


The Oakland Symphony Orchestra will present its 25th Annual David Daniels Young Artists Concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19 at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts in Clinton Township.

SIX to Welcome New Queens to Broadway Tonight
by Chloe Rabinowitz - December 05, 2022


The Tony Award-winning hit musical SIX by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, welcomes new Queens tonight, December 5, 2022, to Broadway’s Lena Horne Theatre.

SIX Announces New Queens to Join the Cast Beginning in December
by Stephi Wild - November 07, 2022


SIX, the hit musical by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, has announced new casting for the Tony Award-winning production. Learn more about the new queens here!

Louisville Ballet Presents #ChorShow
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 19, 2021


Today, Louisville Ballet announced the release of Choreographers’ Showcase, also known as #ChorShow, streaming now through June 30th. Five innovative, new performance pieces – created by five different choreographers – are premiering virtually as the final original production of the Ballet’s Season of Illumination.

Recipients Of The Inaugural Academy Of American Poets Laureate Fellowships Announced
by Stephi Wild - April 24, 2019


The Academy of American Poets has announced that thirteen poets who serve as poets laureate of states, cities, and counties across the U.S. will receive a combined $1,050,000 in recognition of their literary merit and to support civic programs, which will take place over the next twelve months.

The Broad Stage and Red Hen Press with AT THE KITCHEN TABLE
by A.A. Cristi - June 01, 2018


The Broad Stage continues their collaboration with Red Hen Press for Red Hen Press: At the Kitchen Table with Rinde and Ellen on Sunday, July 22 at 2:00pm in the East Wing at The Broad Stage.

Milwaukee Rep's PTI Ensemble Performs LOST GIRL
by Julie Musbach - May 14, 2018


Milwaukee Repertory Theater presents the World Premiere production of Lost Girl by Kimberly Belflower performed by the 2017/18 Professional Training Institute (PTI) ensemble this July 19-22, 2018 in the Stiemke Studio.  PTI is an advanced actor-training program for students in 8th-12th grade who may have an interest in pursuing a career as a professional theater artist.   The 2017/18 PTI ensemble features sixteen students hailing from fourteen different high schools who received free training from some of the top theater professionals in the world, culminating in this capstone performance  of Lost Girl where they will be employed as paid, professional actors.



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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