Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
Scholarship Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
BROAD-BASED CURRICULUM
•Training in all aspects of theater including directing, playwriting, design and technology, theater management, and dramaturgy and criticism
•Prepares future leaders for the changing entertainment industry landscape
PROGRAM FOCUS
•Addresses social justice issues and equitable representation
•Develops creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary technology skills
•Prepares students for diverse careers in theater and entertainment, advanced academic study, and beyond
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Wood Harris — Avon Barksdale on The Wire, Above the Rim (BA Theatre)
•Steve Harris — 2x Emmy-nominated for The Practice (BA Theatre)
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
PriorityDec 1, 2025
RollingAug 1, 2026
Program AppApplication
Audition
On-Campus Scholarship InterviewFeb 16, 2026
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply to NIU for general admission — no separate program application required
•Open admission program: once accepted to NIU, declare the major and meet with a theatre studies advisor
SCHOLARSHIP INTERVIEW
•In-person interviews for scholarships held on February 16, 2026
•Contact Gibson Cima, Ph.D. (gcima@niu.edu) for more information
What's The Process
OPEN ADMISSION
•No audition or portfolio review required for admission
•Scholarship interviews available for talented students
•Contact Gibson Cima, Ph.D. (gcima@niu.edu) for more information
Scholarship Info
•Scholarships available for talented students
•In-person scholarship interviews held February 16, 2026
Program info updated Mar 27, 2:19 AM
BROAD-BASED CURRICULUM
•Training in all aspects of theater including directing, playwriting, design and technology, theater management, and dramaturgy and criticism
•Prepares future leaders for the changing entertainment industry landscape
PROGRAM FOCUS
•Addresses social justice issues and equitable representation
•Develops creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary technology skills
•Prepares students for diverse careers in theater and entertainment, advanced academic study, and beyond
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Wood Harris — Avon Barksdale on The Wire, Above the Rim (BA Theatre)
•Steve Harris — 2x Emmy-nominated for The Practice (BA Theatre)
Updated Mar 27, 2:19 AM
Academic School Information
3.40
Avg GPA
70%
Admit Rate
49%
Grad Rate
11,301
Enrollment
$57,808
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$13,248
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$13,248
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$13,391
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Family Income $0 - $30k$10,126
Family Income $30k - $48k$9,854
Family Income $48k - $75k$12,797
Family Income $75k - $110k$17,612
Family Income $110k+$21,834
