Communication and Theatre Division

The Division of Communication and Theatre equips Christ-centered communicators, grounded in theory, scholarship and professional skills, who give voice to stories that impact culture. The division offers five majors: Human Communication Studies, Journalism, Media Communication, Strategic Communication and Theatre. A new Shakespeare in Performance minor is also offered in an effort to provide students with theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and professional relationships necessary to influence the professional theatre culture. Each major provides students with a strong foundation in communication theory and practice; knowledge and skills in utilizing contemporary images, methods and media; opportunities to apply knowledge and skills in hands-on, professional settings; and an understanding of how their storytelling can impact contemporary culture – all within a Christian worldview.

Communication and Theatre Organizations and Opportunities

The Division of Communication and Theatre provides a variety of opportunities and organizations to supplement its academic offerings:

1. WIWU-TV: Students gain practical experience by working for this 24-hour digital television station, housed in the Division of Communication and Theatre's media facilities. Students work with staff professionals on local news magazine shows, live athletic events, community telethons, and IWU cultural and worship events.
2. The Sojourn: Students experience the satisfaction of applying their knowledge and skills, working as a team, and collecting published work by writing for The Sojourn, IWU's award-winning campus newspaper, in print and online. The student-managed Sojourn awards stipends for all editors, business and distribution managers, and photography staff.
3. WIWU-FM: Student managers operate an FCC licensed radio station with the assistance of a faculty advisor. Students serve as on-air announcers as required in various radio courses. WIWU-FM (94.3, The Fortress) broadcasts to all of Marion and Grant County with contemporary Christian music and local programming.
4. Theatre: The theatre program provides at least four productions each year – one faculty-directed and one student-directed production in both the fall and spring semesters. Recent productions include Freud's Last Session: Love, Marriage, and a Baby Carriage; The Pirates of Penzance; The 39 Steps; Macbeth; Trumbo; and Into the Woods.
5. Indiana Wesleyan Theatre Guild: Each fall, in conjunction with the theatrical productions, all IWU students are invited to interview for roles (actors, technicians, production managers) in the Guild. Guild members meet periodically to promote the theatre and aid in its advancement as well as participate in community service projects. Involvement in theatre productions does not require Guild membership.
6. PRSSA: The fully accredited IWU Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America allows students to gain valuable out-of-classroom experience and knowledge in public relations and to develop relationships with working professionals and students in chapters across the country.
7. Indiana Collegiate Press Association and Associated College Press: The division is active in both journalism organizations, and students and faculty advisors attend annual workshops and conventions. The Sojourn earns numerous awards from both annually.
8. GrantCOnnected.net is a digital news site focused on Grant County news and information. Student journalists report on stories of interest to the broader community and present their work through online platforms and in multimedia forms including photos, audio, and video.
9. Hoosier Shakes: An emerging professional theatre in Marion, Hoosier Shakes presents annual seasons of Shakespeare plays with acting and production apprenticeships available for IWU students, who work alongside seasoned professionals and alumni.
10. American Shakespeare Center Consortium: Students benefit from an extraordinary partnership with the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, Virginia, for professional, on-campus residences, productions and workshops, training and networking on-site in Staunton, and through a variety of other ASC people and resources meant to help bridge the gap between academic study and professional work.

CCCU BestSemester Program Options

Students who wish to attend a CCCU BestSemester Program must visit the Global Studies Office and their academic advisor very early in the process of their considerations. Students approved to attend must be in good standing with Student Development, may not be on disciplinary probation, must have at least a 2.75 GPA, and must have earned a minimum of 30 credits at IWU.

American Studies Program

Communication students interested in public policy issues, advocacy, government or politics may participate in this interdisciplinary internship/seminar program based in Washington, D.C. Students develop an appreciation for how biblical faith relates to thinking critically about public policy and marketplace issues. They also experience responsible Christ-centered service in their personal and public vocations, whatever their career paths or walks of life.

Los Angeles Film Studies Center

This program, based in Hollywood, California, involves a study of the film industry from a Christian perspective and provides students with hands-on experience and internships in the entertainment business. The program is an intensive one-semester immersion into film studies during which the student may earn 16 credit hours.

Contemporary Music Center

This interdisciplinary off-campus study program in Nashville, Tennessee, provides an opportunity for young musicians, engineers and aspiring music executives. Designed as an artists' community, the program seeks to develop artists, technicians and music executives with a Christ-centered vision for music content, production and delivery.