Overview

The Theatrical Design and Technology B.A. at North Central College provides students with a rigorous foundation in the artistic and technical aspects of modern stage production. This programme is specifically designed to bridge the gap between academic study and the professional industry, particularly within the vibrant Chicago theatre scene. Students engage in a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with intensive practical application in various design disciplines.

Why Theatrical Design and Technology at North Central College?

Students benefit from a unique location near Chicago, allowing for direct engagement with world-class venues and guest artists. The programme offers extensive hands-on experience, with opportunities to assist and design for a six-show theatre season. Facilities like Pfeiffer Hall serve as creative hubs where students work alongside faculty professionals to build high-quality portfolios. The college’s strong alumni network provides a vital link to prestigious organisations such as the Goodman Theatre and Paramount Theatre.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 46810 per year
National fee: USD 46810 per year
Local fee: USD 46810 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of technical theatre skills, from initial script analysis to final portfolio development. Modules may include:

Script Analysis
Acting
Theatre History and Literature
Theatrical Design
Voice and Movement
Directing
Design Skills: Drafting, Rendering, Model Making
Scenic Design
Lighting Design

Careers with Theatrical Design and Technology

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of professional roles within the global entertainment industry. The programme equips students with the technical proficiency required for positions such as scenic designers, lighting programmers, stage managers, and sound engineers. Alumni have successfully secured roles and internships at renowned institutions, including:

Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Steppenwolf Theatre
Royal Caribbean Productions
Theatre Royal Haymarket
Goodman Theatre
Drury Lane

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Design Practicum
Design Skills – drafting, model making and rendering
Figure Drawing
Processing
Script Analysis
Stagecraft
Theatre History and Literature
Theatrical Makeup
Stage Lighting

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-15 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-08-15 00:00:00 , Local
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-01-02 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2027-01-02 00:00:00 , Local
Starting 2027-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Home students: You may apply for admission throughout the year, although it is encouraged you do so in the fall of your senior year.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

128 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Naperville, United States

Disciplines

Design View 840 other Bachelors in Design 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

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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

Because we look at each application on an individual basis, we encourage you to contact your admission counselor to discuss your individual circumstances. While not required, you may wish to submit additional information such as:

Test Scores

Test-optional FAQ
SAT, North Central College code: 1555
ACT, North Central College code: 1096
Classic Learning Test, accepted in lieu of the SAT and ACT for students applying to Shimer Great Books School

Optional information we will consider:Supplemental Documents

Writing samples
Letters of recommendation
Documentation of extenuating circumstances

Apply as an international student if...

you are not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or U.S. national
you are in F-1 status or will need an F-1 student visa to study in the U.S.
the last institution you attended is located outside of the U.S.

Writing samples
Letters of recommendation
Documentation of extenuating circumstances

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

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year
Out-of-State

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year

Additional Details

Academic year fee: $47,340
Fall/Spring / Semester: $23,670

Living costs

Naperville

United States

1120 - 1880 USD / month

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

Funding

At North Central, we offer a variety of competitive merit-based scholarships that are awarded based off G.P.A. Scholarships range from $28,000- $34,000 and are renewable for 4 years. Your achievements and special talents in other academic and activity areas, like education and the fine arts, could result in additional scholarship opportunities as well.

You're eligible for one of the international first-year or transfer scholarships if you are not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or U.S. national. Learn more at the link: https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/admission/international-scholarships

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Theatrical Design and Technology.

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

Naperville

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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