UIS Theatre

Great article by friend/colleague, Julia Moriarty.

“…a degree in theatre prepares students to be educated citizens, as they learn about the history of humanity through a performance studies lens, read dramatic works from many ages and cultures, study the religious and political influence on performance practices across cultures, study poetry and lyricism, and more.

Theatre students gain expansive skills and perspective in their studies that speak directly to life and success in the corporate world, and the level of sustained focus and hard work that becomes standard in the theatre system makes these individuals highly desirable outside of the theatre profession.

Long ago, an off-Broadway puppet musically quipped, “What do you do with a BA in English?” before Avenue Q becoming a musical-theatre juggernaut. (Interestingly, all three of its creators earned BAs, not BFAs.)

Perhaps the question should be, ‘What CAN’T you do with a BA in theatre?’ “

In Defense of the BA in Theatre — OnStage Blog A BFA in theatre can be a wonderful path, but it is not the only path. In this guest editorial, Julia Moriarty makes the case for the BA in Theatre, a degree that gives students room to explore the full scope of the art form.

👏👏 to UIS Theatre alum, David Hecht, for the wonderful shout-out for his lighting design in this local production! And 👏👏 to the JCS company for a great opening!

“The pillared, industrial-infused set and surreal lighting, masterfully designed by David Hecht, illuminates a world both futuristic and eerily familiar — like a fallen dystopian society from another realm.”-Courtney Wick, IT

https://www.illinoistimes.com/arts-culture/an-immaculate-conception/?fbclid=IwdGRleARs1AdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe1HTUneQT88R5Lo8iKPsLX3w6UnUGEZqx8HpL2AttMwELasWVcOL0QnMCpZ4_aem_-AfcqzMZYivpDnClC-5_8A

An immaculate conception - Illinois Times, the capital city's weekly source of news, politics, arts, entertainment, culture Jesus Christ Superstar is the 1971 Andrew Lloyd Webber Biblical rock-musical that narrates the last seven days of Jesus’s life in a flashy, pop-filled 90-minute package. There is no intermission, so audiences make it back home for their bedtime prayers, hallelujah! A talent-studded odyssey of love...

UIS Theatre at today’s UIS Commencement! UIS Theatre Program Marshal, Erin Brennan, along with UIS Theatre faculty members. And we’re so proud of UIS Theatre Associate Professor, Dathan Powell, who was elected by the faculty as Commencement Grand Marshal!

Thanks to all of our students, faculty, staff, & community members who work so hard to create wonderful theatre with us!

UIS Theatre is excited to announce our 2026-2027 Season & our return to the Studio Theatre!

Join us Thursday, April 30th (5pm-6:30pm) for our annual end-of-year celebration! All are welcome! (in VPA 170).

Happy Birthday, Mr. Shakespeare!

EXPAND YOUR CREATIVITY! Enroll in PRINCIPLES OF ACTING (THE 273) for Fall ‘26! NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!! ALL ARE WELCOME!

Fall ‘26 Registration is OPEN!!

Enroll in a UIS THEATRE class, now!! Expand your creativity, learn about the process of creating theatre, acting, & stagecraft!! ALL are welcome!

Circle Mirror Transformation has now gone full circle, all the way from first rehearsal to closing night.

Please keep an eye out on our website and social media pages for our '26-'27 UIS Theatre season announcement!