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Northern Illinois University

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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

Browse programs

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MFA Theatre Arts

Acting

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Training

Meisner and Stanislavski-based actor training, reexamined through an anti-racist lens

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

Voice and speech: Fitzmaurice Voicework with Linklater, Rodenberg, and Knight/Thompson pedagogy

Expanded curriculum includes entrepreneurship, international theater, social justice, and content creation

Prepares actors for stage, screen, and new media

Courses in on-camera work, podcast and digital media creation, and performance across cultures

Masterclasses across various fields of expertise

Notable Alumni

Joe Minoso — series regular on NBC's Chicago Fire, 2018 NIU Alumni Achievement in the Arts Award

Kurt Sutter — creator and showrunner of FX's Sons of Anarchy, executive producer on The Shield

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 Sep 11, 6:08 PM

Program Highlights

Training

Meisner and Stanislavski-based actor training, reexamined through an anti-racist lens

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

Voice and speech: Fitzmaurice Voicework with Linklater, Rodenberg, and Knight/Thompson pedagogy

Expanded curriculum includes entrepreneurship, international theater, social justice, and content creation

Prepares actors for stage, screen, and new media

Courses in on-camera work, podcast and digital media creation, and performance across cultures

Masterclasses across various fields of expertise

Notable Alumni

Joe Minoso — series regular on NBC's Chicago Fire, 2018 NIU Alumni Achievement in the Arts Award

Kurt Sutter — creator and showrunner of FX's Sons of Anarchy, executive producer on The Shield

Program Highlights

Training

Meisner and Stanislavski-based actor training, reexamined through an anti-racist lens

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

Voice and speech: Fitzmaurice Voicework with Linklater, Rodenberg, and Knight/Thompson pedagogy

Expanded curriculum includes entrepreneurship, international theater, social justice, and content creation

Prepares actors for stage, screen, and new media

Courses in on-camera work, podcast and digital media creation, and performance across cultures

Masterclasses across various fields of expertise

Notable Alumni

Joe Minoso — series regular on NBC's Chicago Fire, 2018 NIU Alumni Achievement in the Arts Award

Kurt Sutter — creator and showrunner of FX's Sons of Anarchy, executive producer on The Shield

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

Dates

Dates TBA

Preview Program · catalog.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.

Resume (Required)

Upload a current resume/CV in PDF format indicating your work in theatre

Letters of Recommendation (Required)

Submit two recommendation letters from recommenders who can speak to your ability to succeed in a graduate-level degree program and who have a professional or academic relationship with you and your work as an actor

Statement (Required)

Submit an approximately 500-word statement outlining your preparation for graduate study in acting and your goals for graduate school and beyond

Preview Program · catalog.niu.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply to NIU Graduate School and the School of Theatre and Dance

Fall start/application deadline: August 1

Spring start/application deadline: December 1

Eligibility

Bachelor's degree with a major in theater, or equivalent advanced-level experience

What's The Process

Audition Process

MFA Acting is currently not holding auditions; check the NIU School of Theatre and Dance website for updates

The current graduate catalog requires acting applicants to participate in a live audition, in person or virtual, when auditions are open

An interview is required for MFA Theatre Arts admission if the initial application-material review supports an invitation

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

Meisner and Stanislavski-based actor training, reexamined through an anti-racist lens

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

Voice and speech: Fitzmaurice Voicework with Linklater, Rodenberg, and Knight/Thompson pedagogy

Expanded curriculum includes entrepreneurship, international theater, social justice, and content creation

Prepares actors for stage, screen, and new media

Courses in on-camera work, podcast and digital media creation, and performance across cultures

Masterclasses across various fields of expertise

Notable Alumni

Joe Minoso — series regular on NBC's Chicago Fire, 2018 NIU Alumni Achievement in the Arts Award

Kurt Sutter — creator and showrunner of FX's Sons of Anarchy, executive producer on The Shield

Updated Sep 11, 6:08 PM