Overview

The Acting programme at Northern Illinois University offers a comprehensive and disciplined approach to performance training for aspiring artists. This Bachelor of Fine Arts degree focuses on cultivating authenticity and spontaneity to help students work truthfully across both stage and screen environments.

The curriculum is built upon a rigorous progression of exercises rooted in the techniques of Sanford Meisner and Konstantin Stanislavski. These foundational methods are reexamined through a modern, inclusive lens to ensure students develop a dramatic imagination and a capacity for full emotional expression with clarity.

Students benefit from a collaborative environment that prioritises artistic integrity and professional rigor.

Why Acting at Northern Illinois University?

The School of Theatre and Dance provides a unique training environment that integrates diverse movement and voice pedagogies. Students engage with the physical training of Loyd Williamson, Michael Chekhov, and Alexander Technique, alongside voice work based on the teachings of Fitzmaurice, Linklater, and Rodenberg.

The institution is deeply committed to creating an equitable and inclusive academic community. This is reflected in a production season and curriculum that highlights global playwrights and guest artists, ensuring students are exposed to culturally competent perspectives and identity-conscious practices in casting.

Beyond performance skills, the university emphasises the development of essential professional attributes. Graduates gain high-level expertise in communication, collaboration, and critical thinking, which are vital for navigating the complexities of the modern professional theatre and film landscapes.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 10742 per semester
National fee: USD 5371 per semester
Local fee: USD 5371 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Acting Techniques
Voice and Speech
Movement
Text Analysis
Period Styles
On-camera Work
Auditioning
Professional Development
Laban Efforts
Alexander Technique
Yoga
Fitzmaurice Voicework

Careers with Acting

The programme prepares students for diverse roles within the performing arts industry. By focusing on both talent development and professional sustainability, graduates are equipped to find employment in theatre, film, and television, as well as other creative sectors requiring high-level performance skills.

In addition to traditional acting roles, the skills gained in communication and interpersonal relations allow graduates to pursue various paths in the arts. The training encourages students to become versatile professionals capable of contributing to the global cultural landscape through innovation and social awareness.

Programme Structure

Courses

Communication

Collaboration

Interpersonal Skills

Social Responsibility

Awareness

Emotional Acumen

Critical Thinking

Creativity

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

DeKalb, United States

Disciplines

Music Drama View 1333 other Bachelors in Drama in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

High school diploma: You must have graduated by the time you start at NIU in order to be admitted.

Grades: You must have passing grades equivalent to a U.S. C+ average on all transcripts and/or exam scores

A completed NIU application
Official transcripts from all high schools attended

ACT/SAT score (if applicable)
Proof of English ability

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

21484 USD / year

≈ 21484 USD / year
Out-of-State

10742 USD / year

≈ 10742 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10742 USD / year

≈ 10742 USD / year

Additional Details

Local: $5,115.34 per semester
National and International: $10,230.68 per semester

Living costs

DeKalb

United States

1100 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Acting.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

DeKalb

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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