The faculty of Ball State University's Department of Theatre and Dance believe that guest artists are essential to the training of theatre students. The numerous guest artists who have visited the campus and/or conducted workshops for students include the following:

• Sutton Foster (Tony Award-winning actress)
• Marlee Matlin (Oscar winning-actress)
• Lindsay Crouse (Oscar-nominated actress)
• Alan Arkin (actor)
• Richard Schechner (director and theorist)
• Moises Kaufman (playwright/director)
• Stephanie Klapper (casting director)
• Erica Daniels (Steppenwolf Theatre casting director)
• Marsha Norman (playwright)
• Shanga Parker (director)

Professional stage managers and theatre administrators have been guest artists as well. In recent years, the department also has presented professional development workshops with agents, casting directors, personal managers, etc., from Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York.