Why Study Theater or Media Production at Indiana State University?
At Indiana State University, creativity becomes a career. Whether you are passionate about performing on stage, telling stories through video, producing live events, creating digital content, designing experiences, or leading creative teams, the Department of Theater offers hands-on learning that prepares you to thrive in the entertainment, media, and creative industries.
Our students don't wait until their junior or senior year to gain experience. From their first semester, they are creating, producing, performing, directing, managing, filming, editing, designing, and collaborating on real projects. With small class sizes, dedicated faculty mentors, and extensive production opportunities, students develop the skills, confidence, and professional portfolios needed to launch successful careers.
Why Students Choose ISU
Learn by Doing
The best way to prepare for a creative career is to practice it. Students gain hands-on experience through theater productions, film and video projects, television broadcasts, radio programming, digital media creation, live events, and creative collaborations.
Individual Attention
Our small class sizes allow faculty to know students personally and provide one-on-one mentoring, career guidance, and professional development opportunities.
More Opportunities to Participate
As an undergraduate-focused department, students receive meaningful leadership and creative opportunities without competing with graduate students for roles, productions, projects, or positions.
Professional-Quality Facilities
Students learn in modern facilities equipped with industry-standard technology, including:
- Proscenium and thrust theaters
- Performance laboratories
- Design and production studios
- Television production studio
- Radio station
- Recording booths and audio facilities
- Digital media production spaces
Global Experiences
ISU productions have traveled internationally, providing students with opportunities to perform and collaborate abroad. Recent destinations have included Germany, China, Vietnam, and Ireland.
A Creative Community
Our students join a collaborative environment where artists, storytellers, technicians, producers, and creators work together to bring ideas to life.
Two Exciting Majors. Endless Possibilities.
Theater Major
The Theater major provides comprehensive training in performance, directing, design, technical production, management, and creative collaboration. Students gain experience both onstage and behind the scenes while developing skills that are valued across the entertainment industry and beyond.
Career Opportunities for Theater Graduates
Graduates pursue careers such as:
- Actor or Performer
- Director
- Stage Manager
- Production Manager
- Arts Administrator
- Company Manager
- Event Producer
- Scenic, Lighting, Costume or Sound Designer
- Technical Director
- Entertainment Manager
- Talent Coordinator
- Theme Park Entertainment Professional
- Teaching Artist
- Community Arts Leader
- Box Office or Patron Services Manager
- Nonprofit Arts Manager
- Venue Manager
The skills developed through theater—communication, collaboration, leadership, creativity, problem-solving, and project management—are also highly valued in business, education, nonprofit organizations, and public service careers.
Media Production Major
The Media Production major prepares students to create professional content for today's rapidly evolving media landscape. Students learn how to tell compelling stories through video, audio, digital platforms, broadcasting, streaming, and emerging media technologies.
From concept to final product, students gain experience in writing, producing, directing, filming, editing, and distributing media content while building a professional portfolio.
Career Opportunities for Media Production Graduates
Graduates pursue careers such as:
- Video Producer
- Content Creator
- Film and Television Producer
- Video Editor
- Broadcast Producer
- Television Director
- Camera Operator
- Audio Producer
- Podcast Producer
- Social Media Manager
- Digital Marketing Specialist
- Sports Media Producer
- Multimedia Journalist
- Streaming Content Producer
- Motion Graphics Artist
- Communications Specialist
- Creative Director
- Media Entrepreneur
Media Production graduates are prepared for opportunities in entertainment, broadcasting, sports media, corporate communications, nonprofit organizations, marketing agencies, production companies, and digital content studios.
Interested in joining us?
Follow these 3 Easy Steps:
- First, contact the Department (email Alicia Jay or call 812-237-3337) to coordinate your visit, so that you can explore the aspects of the department that interest you the most.
- Second, visit the ISU Admissions website OR call the ISU Office of Admissions at 1-800-GO-TO-ISU. An admissions counselor can help you set up a visit to the University, as well as help you apply to the University.
- Apply for our theater scholarships at The Branch! It is one application for hundreds of scholarships, and only takes a few minutes to apply. You must be accepted to the university before you can apply.