Theatre Arts at NIU
Bachelor of Fine Arts

Help craft performances that transcend time and space.

You’re drawn to the vibrance and excitement of the theater. You’ve seen how audiences can be enchanted, inspired and transformed as they watch a production unfold. Whether you want to be on stage or behind the scenes, our theatre arts major will give you the skills and experience to thrive in the performing arts and other entertainment fields.

After a wonderful experience of being involved with the performing arts throughout high school and community theater, I chose to make that my career.”
Luke Harmon of Genoa, Illinois
Theatre design and technology major

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Did You Know?

Potential theatre arts majors must attend an interview (and an audition, if interested in the acting emphasis). Learn about interviews and auditions.

What Can I Do With a Theatre Arts Degree From NIU?

Your degree will provide you with the resiliency and ability to innovate needed to succeed in the arts. Choose the acting emphasis to bring authenticity and emotional range to roles on stage and screen. Select the design and technology emphasis to focus on costuming, lighting, scenery and other areas in theater and related fields.

Other Programs to Consider

Art and design education

Dance performance

Music

Career Potential for NIU Theatre Arts Majors

Campus performance venues:

Black Box Theater
Corner Theater
O'Connell Theater
Sally Stevens Players Theater

Source: NIU School of Theatre and Dance

Notable Alumni:

Joan Allen, ’89
Dan Castellaneta, ’79
Wood Harris, ’94
Kurt Sutter, ’97
Joe Minoso, ’04

Areas of concentration:

Acting techniques
Auditioning
Movement
On-camera work
Period styles
Text analysis
Voice and speech

Source: NIU School of Theatre and Dance

What to Expect as an Theatre Arts Major at NIU

You’ll develop creative and technical skills as you explore the artistic, cultural and social importance of theater arts. You’ll benefit from access to our specialized shops and facilities, as well as our proximity to Chicago’s thriving arts scene. You can choose the emphasis that interests you most: