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

ApplyFind Theatre Arts Scholarships

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

Program Highlights for NIU Theatre Arts Majors

Campus performance venues:

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

Notable Alumni:

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:

  • Acting
  • Design and technology 
Explore theatre arts courses.

How We’ll Help You Succeed

Apply for free and we’ll automatically consider you for a renewable merit scholarship.

Earn your bachelor’s degree fast with our affordable tuition and fees. Any credit hours you take over 12 are free (per semester).

Prepare to thrive after graduation with personalized support from Career Services.

With our truth-in-tuition policy, you’ll get the same fixed tuition rate for four continuous years, whether you live in Illinois or another state.

Apply to NIU

First-year Students
(Freshman)

High School GPA

3.0 or higher?

You're guaranteed general NIU admission.

ACT/SAT SCORES

Not considered.

We think your high school GPA is a better predictor of your success.

First-Year Application

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First-Year Application

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Transfer Students

ALL COLLEGES GPA

2.0 or higher?

You're guaranteed general NIU admission.

ALL COLLEGES GPA

3.0 or higher?

You're guaranteed a
renewable merit scholarship
.

See how your credits transfer

Apply to NIU as a Transfer Student

See how your credits transfer

Apply to NIU as a Transfer Student

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