University of Illinois Chicago
HSITest-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
Interview Required
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING
•Foundation in core theatre courses with specialization in design, production, and technology
•Coursework covers scenic design, lighting design, costume design, sound, projection, stage management, and technical direction
FACULTY
•Learn from professional design and production faculty
•Faculty includes members of four Tony Award-winning Chicago theatre companies
PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS
•Internships at Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Lookingglass Theatre Company
•Real-world experience at major Chicago theatres
FACILITIES
•Flexible mainstage black box theatre, studio theatre, and experimental performance spaces
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 3, 2025
Regular DecisionFeb 2, 2026
Domestic Fee
$70Waiver
International Fee
$70
Program AppApplication
Auditions
On-Campus InterviewNov 10, 2025
On-Campus InterviewJan 17, 2026
On-Campus InterviewJan 26, 2026
On-Campus InterviewFeb 2, 2026
Interview Requirements
PORTFOLIO
•Present examples of your work to theatre design faculty during the interview
•May include scenic, lighting, costume, sound, projection, or other design work
•Contact the department at 312-996-3991 with questions about what to include
RESUME
•Submit a digital copy of your resume
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply via Common App
•No separate audition portal — scheduling instructions sent by email after application submission
What's The Process
INTERVIEW FORMAT
•In-person interview and portfolio presentation on campus is strongly encouraged
•Recorded portfolio review option available if unable to attend in person
•Discuss your educational and professional artistic development plans with design faculty
SCHEDULING
•After submitting your UIC application, you will receive an email with instructions to schedule your interview
CONTACT
•Neal McCollam: nealmac@uic.edu, 312-996-3991
Program info updated 2h ago
TRAINING
•Foundation in core theatre courses with specialization in design, production, and technology
•Coursework covers scenic design, lighting design, costume design, sound, projection, stage management, and technical direction
FACULTY
•Learn from professional design and production faculty
•Faculty includes members of four Tony Award-winning Chicago theatre companies
PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS
•Internships at Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Lookingglass Theatre Company
•Real-world experience at major Chicago theatres
FACILITIES
•Flexible mainstage black box theatre, studio theatre, and experimental performance spaces
Updated 2h ago
Academic School Information
3.55
Avg GPA (W)
77%
Admit Rate
61%
Grad Rate
22,170
Enrollment
$68,740
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$14,338
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$29,884
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$10,974
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$7,529
Family Income $30k - $48k$8,119
Family Income $48k - $75k$10,921
Family Income $75k - $110k$16,185
Family Income $110k+$25,047
