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Northern Illinois University

DeKalb, IL

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BFA Theatre Arts

Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Training

Actor training based on Meisner and Stanislavski methods, reexamined through an anti-racist lens

Movement training includes Loyd Williamson, Michael Chekhov, Laban, Alexander Technique, yoga, and period styles

Voice and speech training based in Fitzmaurice Voicework with Linklater, Rodenberg, and Knight/Thompson pedagogy

On-camera work, auditioning techniques, and professional development

Individualized training emphasizing authenticity and truthful performance on stage and screen

Anti-racist curriculum highlighting BIPOC playwrights, plays, and guest artists

Notable Alumni

Joan Allen — Tony winner (Burn This), 3x Academy Award nominee, Steppenwolf Theatre co-founder

Mary Holland — series regular on CBS' Ghosts, Veep, Happiest Season

Wood Harris — Avon Barksdale on The Wire, Above the Rim, Remember the Titans

Steve Harris — 2x Emmy-nominated for The Practice, Diary of a Mad Black Woman

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA

3.40

Admit rate

70%

school-wide

Grad rate

49%

Enrollment

11.3K

Earnings

$58K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$14,400

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$14,400

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$33,872

Before aid

Average net price

$13,391

After aid

Index.Shtml · niu.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 5d ago

Program Highlights

Training

Actor training based on Meisner and Stanislavski methods, reexamined through an anti-racist lens

Movement training includes Loyd Williamson, Michael Chekhov, Laban, Alexander Technique, yoga, and period styles

Voice and speech training based in Fitzmaurice Voicework with Linklater, Rodenberg, and Knight/Thompson pedagogy

On-camera work, auditioning techniques, and professional development

Individualized training emphasizing authenticity and truthful performance on stage and screen

Anti-racist curriculum highlighting BIPOC playwrights, plays, and guest artists

Notable Alumni

Joan Allen — Tony winner (Burn This), 3x Academy Award nominee, Steppenwolf Theatre co-founder

Mary Holland — series regular on CBS' Ghosts, Veep, Happiest Season

Wood Harris — Avon Barksdale on The Wire, Above the Rim, Remember the Titans

Steve Harris — 2x Emmy-nominated for The Practice, Diary of a Mad Black Woman

Program Highlights

Training

Actor training based on Meisner and Stanislavski methods, reexamined through an anti-racist lens

Movement training includes Loyd Williamson, Michael Chekhov, Laban, Alexander Technique, yoga, and period styles

Voice and speech training based in Fitzmaurice Voicework with Linklater, Rodenberg, and Knight/Thompson pedagogy

On-camera work, auditioning techniques, and professional development

Individualized training emphasizing authenticity and truthful performance on stage and screen

Anti-racist curriculum highlighting BIPOC playwrights, plays, and guest artists

Notable Alumni

Joan Allen — Tony winner (Burn This), 3x Academy Award nominee, Steppenwolf Theatre co-founder

Mary Holland — series regular on CBS' Ghosts, Veep, Happiest Season

Wood Harris — Avon Barksdale on The Wire, Above the Rim, Remember the Titans

Steve Harris — 2x Emmy-nominated for The Practice, Diary of a Mad Black Woman

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2026

These Fall 2026 enrollment dates have passed — dates for the next cycle aren't available yet.

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website Common App

Deadline

PriorityDec 1, 2025

Additional DeadlineAug 1, 2026

Index.Shtml · niu.edu

Program AppApplication

Deadline

Wait-list Audition DeadlineAug 8, 2026

Index.Shtml · niu.edu

Audition Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

Monologues

2 contrasting monologues

Must not exceed 3 minutes total

Additional Materials

Headshot (Required)

8x10 headshot/photo (emailed or hard copy)

Resume (Optional)

Theatrical resume (if available)

Preview Program · catalog.niu.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply to NIU for general admission before auditioning

Schedule directly with the School of Theatre and Dance; no separate audition portal is used

Important Notes

The fall 2026 BFA Acting class is filled

The next audition season is for fall 2027 admission consideration; dates have not yet been announced

What's The Process

Audition Process

The fall 2026 BFA Acting class is filled; the next audition season is for fall 2027 admission consideration with dates not yet announced

Contact Bethany Mangum-Oles (bmangum1@niu.edu) to schedule

Audition Expectations

Prepare two contrasting monologues, not to exceed three minutes total (2026-2027 catalog)

If you wish to sing, prepare 16 bars unaccompanied

Expect to be interviewed and possibly coached on your monologues; the process takes 15-25 minutes

Bring an 8x10 headshot and an industry-standard acting resume

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA

3.40

Admit rate

70%

school-wide

Grad rate

49%

Enrollment

11.3K

Earnings

$58K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$14,400

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$14,400

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$33,872

Before aid

Average net price

$13,391

After aid

Index.Shtml · niu.edu College Scorecard

Training

Actor training based on Meisner and Stanislavski methods, reexamined through an anti-racist lens

Movement training includes Loyd Williamson, Michael Chekhov, Laban, Alexander Technique, yoga, and period styles

Voice and speech training based in Fitzmaurice Voicework with Linklater, Rodenberg, and Knight/Thompson pedagogy

On-camera work, auditioning techniques, and professional development

Individualized training emphasizing authenticity and truthful performance on stage and screen

Anti-racist curriculum highlighting BIPOC playwrights, plays, and guest artists

Notable Alumni

Joan Allen — Tony winner (Burn This), 3x Academy Award nominee, Steppenwolf Theatre co-founder

Mary Holland — series regular on CBS' Ghosts, Veep, Happiest Season

Wood Harris — Avon Barksdale on The Wire, Above the Rim, Remember the Titans

Steve Harris — 2x Emmy-nominated for The Practice, Diary of a Mad Black Woman

Updated 5d ago