Overview

The Theatre Arts B.F.A. at Northern Illinois University provides students with a rigorous professional foundation in the performing arts. This programme is designed to help students craft performances that transcend time and space while exploring the artistic, cultural, and social importance of the medium. Through a combination of technical training and creative exploration, students prepare for diverse careers in theatre and related entertainment fields.

Why Theatre Arts at Northern Illinois University?

Students benefit from the university's close proximity to Chicago’s thriving arts scene, offering unique opportunities for professional networking and cultural immersion. The School of Theatre and Dance provides access to specialised shops and four distinct campus performance venues: the Black Box Theatre, Corner Theatre, O'Connell Theatre, and the Sally Stevens Players Theatre. The institution has a proven track record of success, with notable alumni including Joan Allen, Wood Harris, and Kurt Sutter.

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

The curriculum allows students to specialise in either Acting or Design and Technology. Modules may include:

Acting Techniques
Auditioning
Movement
On-camera Work
Period Styles
Text Analysis
Voice and Speech
Costuming
Lighting
Scenery

Careers with Theatre Arts

Graduates of the programme are equipped with the resiliency and innovation required to succeed in the competitive arts sector. Those focusing on the acting emphasis are prepared for authentic roles across stage and screen, while design and technology specialists find opportunities in scenery, lighting, and costume design. The university provides dedicated career support resources, including leadership courses and professional portfolio development, to assist graduates in entering the performing arts and broader entertainment industries.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Script Analysis
Directing
History of Theatre and Drama
Theatre Performance Practicum
Stage Makeup
The Business of Theatre

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

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

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

DeKalb, United States

Disciplines

Drama View 1332 other Bachelors in Drama in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

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 Theatre Arts.

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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