College of Arts & Sciences
Department of Theatre
Theatre Department
At North Central College you can shine onstage or learn the ropes backstage. We nurture talents and interests in performance, dance, music, management and technical theatre. Our students act, sing and dance. Students also direct shows, design lighting and even produce plays and musicals they have written.
Major in Theatre or Musical Theatre
The centerpiece of North Central College's program is the Theatre Practicum. Theatre majors, minors and Musical Theatre majors are required to participate in multiple faculty-directed, main-stage plays. Your training in our state-of-the-art facilities will prepare you for professional and personal pursuits in performance and technical theatre.
We encourage theatre majors to specialize. You may concentrate your studies in such areas as performance, technical theatre, directing, or Playwriting through our array of course offerings or independent study options.
As a musical theatre major, you can continuously hone your craft while taking traditional performance classes. You may study voice or dance technique in upper-level courses while taking classes in contemporary acting styles, the business of theatre and acting on camera.
You don't have to be a theatre major to be a theatre student!
All students are invited to participate in North Central's theatre program. Anyone can audition for a show—first-year students are as likely to land roles as seniors; History majors are as likely to be scholarship recipients as theatre majors. Our faculty thrives on developing talent in anyone who brings a passion and our program is rich in diversity and openness.
Mission Statement
The Department of Theatre is a community of artists/scholars/citizens dedicated to provoking and sustaining interest in theatre, as a source of insight into the human condition; through both skills and inquiry-based learning in our classrooms, and public performances on our stages.
The Theatre program at North Central College is designed to engage students in a wide array of theory, technique, scholarship, and aesthetics that constitute the Theatre Arts. The programs serves: 1) majors and minors preparing for careers in theatre, and allied careers where knowledge of theatre production is required; 2) students who take academic courses to meet general education requirements or who find courses in theatre, musical theatre, and dance to be attractive components of a liberal arts education; and 3) those who participate in campus musical and non-musical productions as a way of enriching their lives.
The department offers a broad spectrum of courses in acting, dance, design, direction, music, and production. The co-curricular program, supervised by the faculty, offers students opportunities for creative expression and skills practice through both the fully mounted main stage season and several student-directed productions.
Theatre, B.A.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see
Core Requirements (18 credit hours):
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THE 100 - Script Analysis
THE 100 - Script Analysis
3.00 credit hours
This course focuses on reading a script as the basic element in theatre. Through a careful examination of a variety of plays from different periods, a pattern emerges for discerning what options exist for interpreting a script. Students read from classic and contemporary theatre, engage in class discussions and write analyses of the chosen plays. Students gain practical knowledge useful for actors, directors and designers.
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THE 270 - Directing
THE 270 - Directing
3.00 credit hours
An introduction to the art of directing plays for the theatre. It utilizes background information and experience with acting, stagecraft and dramatic literature to provide the groundwork for discussion of various approaches to, and techniques of, play production. The course culminates in the public performance of student-directed short scenes and one acts.
Prerequisite(s)
-
THE 359 - Theatre History and Literature I
THE 359 - Theatre History and Literature I
3.00 credit hours
A study of the theatre and its literature from its ancient beginnings through the English Restoration. The course explores the drama, productions, theories, personages and physical theatre in the cultural context of each period.
Prerequisite(s)
-
THE 361 - Theatre History and Literature II
THE 361 - Theatre History and Literature II
3.00 credit hours
A study of the theatre and its literature from the 19th century Age of Romanticism to the present day. The course explores the drama, productions, theories, personages and physical theatre in the cultural context of each age.
Prerequisite(s)
Additional Requirements:
Nine additional hours of theatre.
Theatrical Design and Technology, B.A.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see
Core Requirements (18 credit hours):
-
THE 100 - Script Analysis
THE 100 - Script Analysis
3.00 credit hours
This course focuses on reading a script as the basic element in theatre. Through a careful examination of a variety of plays from different periods, a pattern emerges for discerning what options exist for interpreting a script. Students read from classic and contemporary theatre, engage in class discussions and write analyses of the chosen plays. Students gain practical knowledge useful for actors, directors and designers.
-
THE 180 - Stagecraft
THE 180 - Stagecraft
3.00 credit hours
Stagecraft incorporates fundamental skills that are required to move a scenic design from inception to construction and completion. In this course, students will gain knowledge of basic construction and painting techniques for stage scenery. Tool use and stage/shop equipment will be mastered along with the safety rules that are essential and mandatory for running an effective scenic shop.
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THE 185 - Fundamentals of Theatrical Design
THE 185 - Fundamentals of Theatrical Design
3.00 credit hours
This course covers the fundamentals of the process of designing for the theatre. Students will work on developing a fully realized design from the initial textual analysis through the collaborative process of working with the director and other designers. Students will explore basic theories and design principles including script analysis, research methodology, conceptual development, color theory, balance and proportion, visual composition and other elements of design. Students will also learn practical skills including drawing techniques, figure drawing, drafting and modeling.
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THE 359 - Theatre History and Literature I
THE 359 - Theatre History and Literature I
3.00 credit hours
A study of the theatre and its literature from its ancient beginnings through the English Restoration. The course explores the drama, productions, theories, personages and physical theatre in the cultural context of each period.
Prerequisite(s)
-
THE 361 - Theatre History and Literature II
THE 361 - Theatre History and Literature II
3.00 credit hours
A study of the theatre and its literature from the 19th century Age of Romanticism to the present day. The course explores the drama, productions, theories, personages and physical theatre in the cultural context of each age.
Prerequisite(s)
Two Design Courses chosen from:
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THE 255 - Theatrical Makeup
THE 255 - Theatrical Makeup
3.00 credit hours
An introduction to the principles and techniques of theatrical makeup design and application.
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THE 280 - Stage Lighting
THE 280 - Stage Lighting
3.00 credit hours
A study of theatrical lighting, design and operation in department productions.
Prerequisite(s)
-
THE 285 - Costume Design
THE 285 - Costume Design
3.00 credit hours
The design and construction of costumes is an essential part of the creation of any theatrical production. It is critical that a costume designer be capable of understanding the needs and tone of a production and the characters that exist within that production. In addition, a designer must be able to clearly communicate his or her ideas in order to create a strong working relationship with the other members of a production team including the director and performers. This course aims to introduce students to the role of the costume designer in a production, as well as providing them with the basics knowledge and skills to be able to successful perform the tasks associated with that role.
Prerequisite(s)
-
THE 290 - Scenic Design
THE 290 - Scenic Design
3.00 credit hours
The scenic designer is the person charged with the responsibility of finding the form of the physical world of the play. In order to accomplish this task, the designer must develop and call upon a number of skills. In this course students work with some of the problems scenic designers encounter in their attempts to find and develop form, and learn the process of developing design solutions.
Prerequisite(s)
Nine additional credit hours chosen from:
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THE 190 - Stage Management
THE 190 - Stage Management
3.00 credit hours
This course serves as an introduction to the administrative work of the stage manager, while exploring the relationship between the artistry and execution of producing plays and musicals. Students study production protocols, create a prompt book and learn the forms and formats needed to maintain professional standards while working with directors, actors and the technical crew.
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THE 270 - Directing
THE 270 - Directing
3.00 credit hours
An introduction to the art of directing plays for the theatre. It utilizes background information and experience with acting, stagecraft and dramatic literature to provide the groundwork for discussion of various approaches to, and techniques of, play production. The course culminates in the public performance of student-directed short scenes and one acts.
Prerequisite(s)
-
THE 365 - Design Skills - Drafting, Model Making and Rendering
THE 365 - Design Skills - Drafting, Model Making and Rendering
3.00 credit hours
This course aims to develop the skills required for the communication of designs for a theatrical environment. One third of the class will be spent on hand drafting, focusing on the creation of 2D drawings that give detailed information regarding the layout and look of a scenic design. The second third will be spent on model making techniques, providing 3D information on the design. The final third will focus on rendering techniques such as linear perspective, shade and shadow and watercolor rendering.
Prerequisite(s)
-
THE 460 - Collaboration
THE 460 - Collaboration
3.00 credit hours
Designed to give students a clearer, more mature understanding of the way in which members of a production team can work together to create a theatrical production. Designers, directors, performers and writers will have the opportunity to work together while developing processes for utilizing each other's strengths to create imaginative and powerful works of theater. While students will present and critique these final performances, the focus of this course is the process by which those performances came to be. The aim is that students will leave this course with developed leadership skills, cooperative working relationships and more sophisticated creative processes.
Prerequisite(s)
One of
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ART 100 - Introduction to Visual Literacy
ART 100 - Introduction to Visual Literacy
3.00 credit hours
An art survey of the theories and practice of visual forms, especially as applied in interactive media. Theoretical instruction may include narratology, ut pictura poesis (relationships between word and image) and/or postmodernism; students engage these and other theories in constructing imagery.
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ART 107 - 2-Dimensional Design
ART 107 - 2-Dimensional Design
3.00 credit hours
Exploration, study and application of the basic elements of art and the principles of design. Course objectives include acquisition of technical skills and introduction to a variety of materials.
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ART 110 - 3-Dimensional Design
ART 110 - 3-Dimensional Design
3.00 credit hours
The study of design elements and principles through the form and structure of three-dimensional space. The acquisition of technical skills and the introduction to a variety of materials.
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ART 120 - Drawing I
ART 120 - Drawing I
3.00 credit hours
A course designed to develop the ability to draw with ease and flexibility. Instruction in the use of a variety of materials combined with the elements of art to provide the fundamentals in visual perception. An exploration of ideas in imagery and self-expression.
Core
Humanities. -
ART 142 - Digital Arts and Design
ART 142 - Digital Arts and Design
3.00 credit hours
An introduction to digital imaging, computer graphics and graphic design to communicate messages using digital visuals. Emphasizes hands-on computer experience with digital image manipulation techniques, drawing and editing tools that allow students to create computer based graphic arts, design and page layout. Students may not receive credit for both ART 142 and ART 141 or
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ART 225 - Figure Drawing I
ART 225 - Figure Drawing I
3.00 credit hours
The human figure studied through direct drawing exercises in gesture, contour and volume with work done in charcoal, pencil, crayon, ink, pastel and watercolor. Live model.
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ART 325 - Figure Drawing II
ART 325 - Figure Drawing II
3.00 credit hours
A creative approach to the figure, both in materials and in composition. Exploration of the historical use of the figure through study and innovative application. Work from the model.
Prerequisite(s)
Musical Theatre, B.A.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see
Core Requirements (21 credit hours):
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THE 182 - Fundamentals of Acting
THE 182 - Fundamentals of Acting
3.00 credit hours
Designed for students with previous acting experience, including high school and/or community theatre, this course consists of exercises in voice, movement, improvisation and text study. The course seeks to give the student an awareness of what acting is in both theory and performance. Presentation of scenes and attendance at productions are required.
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THE 250 - Acting for the Musical Stage
THE 250 - Acting for the Musical Stage
3.00 credit hours
A practical application of the actor's craft to musical theatre performance, with emphasis on transitioning from scene to song. Students will explore the acting methods used specifically for the musical stage. Students combine script analysis, character analysis, choreography and acting through the song itself for the purposes of both auditions and performances.
Prerequisite(s)
-
THE 265 - American Musical Theatre
THE 265 - American Musical Theatre
3.00 credit hours
A study of the American musical theatre from the 19th century to present. Composers and librettists covered include George M. Cohan, Victor Herbert, Jerome Kerr, Rodgers and Hammerstein and Stephen Sondheim.
Core
Humanities. -
THE 270 - Directing
THE 270 - Directing
3.00 credit hours
An introduction to the art of directing plays for the theatre. It utilizes background information and experience with acting, stagecraft and dramatic literature to provide the groundwork for discussion of various approaches to, and techniques of, play production. The course culminates in the public performance of student-directed short scenes and one acts.
Prerequisite(s)
-
THE 450 - Senior Musical
THE 450 - Senior Musical
3.00 credit hours
This is the capstone course for Musical Theatre majors. Graduating seniors work with the instructor to select the show, divide responsibilities for production and present a fully mounted production on the stage.
Prerequisite(s)
Musical Theatre major and Senior standing.
Theatre/Dance Courses:
Music Courses:
Note:
Students with a strong music background are strongly encouraged to either minor or double major in music.
NOTE: This page contains all of the regular course descriptions for this discipline or program. Academic credit for each course is noted in parenthesis after the course title. Prerequisites (if any) and the general education requirements, both Core and All-College Requirements (ACRs), which each course fulfills (if any) are noted following each course description. Not all courses are offered every year. Check Merlin, our searchable course schedule, to see which courses are being offered in upcoming terms.
Theatre Faculty
Student Opportunities
Chicago's Professional Theatre
Take advantage of our proximity to one of the greatest theatre cities, and join classmates and faculty in attending theatrical performances in Chicago. See work ranging from Equity companies, professional touring shows, and the imaginative "storefront" theatre productions for which Chicago is well known.
Design and Technical Opportunities
Technical theatre students work closely with faculty to pursue their individual professional interests and develop the skills and portfolio necessary to work as theatre professionals. Unlike many other institutions, advanced students are given the responsibility of working as a designer on a full production with a departmental budget.
Guest Artists
North Central College is committed to bringing in Chicago professionals each year to teach, direct, or design. It is imperative to your growth as an artist to continue learning new perspectives during your college career. This also allows you to build relationships and extend your range of networking.
Independent Study
Working alongside a faculty member, you can create a specialized topic of interest that may not be offered as a course. Subjects range from commissioned playwriting and solo performance to costume design and European performance art. Independent studies place the learning in the students' hands. Hear alumnus Nick Wehrwein describe how independent study helped him achieve his dream.
Internships
Our excellent reputation and long-standing relationships within the Chicago theatre community enable several annual opportunities to apply for internships with prominent theatre companies. North Central College is one of the few institutions from which the Equity theatre companies of American Theatre Company, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and The Other Theatre Company regularly cast students as understudies, ensemble interns, or cast members. Students have also received internships at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre, First Folio Theatre, and TimeLine Theatre.
Master Classes and Workshops
You’ll be able to meet professional actors, singers, dancers, technicians, agents, and casting directors. You will learn from these seasoned professionals in weekend workshops, one-day intensives, and advanced seminars. Ask questions, trade stories, and develop an understanding of what it takes to make it in the professional world.
Regional Auditions
North Central College faculty actively support your professional development. They will assist you with one-on-one coaching of songs and monologues, provide advice on completing applications and design portfolios, and help to find summer internships and opportunites. Faculty also help prepare interested students for large annual regional auditions, such as the University/Resident Theatre Association (URTA) auditions.
Richter Grants
This program provides grants of up to $5,000 for for individual research projects and accompanying travel. Theatre students have received money to visit locations such as the following:
- Ireland - to learn the regional dialect in preparation for work as a dialect coach
- France - to study Ensemble Theatre and relate it to U.S. practice
- London and New York City - to analyze the differences of musical theatre performance styles
- U.S. Regional Theatre Festivals - to propose strategies for actor success at a "cattle call"
SEA Conference
Housed at North Central College, Self-Employment in the Arts (SEA) assists artists of all kinds in advancing their entrepreneurial skills and knowledge. Through SEA, performing artists learn key business concepts that help promote success. SEA also hosts an annual regional conference that focuses on career development for creative professionals, to which NCC students are provided a substantial discount.
Student Initiatives: The Company
The Company is a student-run organization that mounts a variety of activities annually, such as storytelling and snacks at the Pfeiffer Hall "Ghost Night," original student-produced One-Acts and Monologues, and improv nights. The Company receives college funding for student-proposed ideas. It is a wonderful opportunity to try out new work, or to experiment in a different creative capacity, within the supportive community of your peers.
Theatre Scholarships
Scholarships are available to all students, regardless of major. Scholarships are merit-based, and vary in amount depending on the quality of your audition or design/technical portfolio and interview. If you receive a full theatre scholarship, you are required to work on one show per term in some capacity (cast or crew). You also must sign up for one technical term per year. This will allow you to obtain additional production experience. When you are not on tech term, you are expected to put in ten hours of production work (shop hours) per term. (This is part of, not in addition to, the shop hours required for courses such as THE 115 - Practicum.) Limited theatre scholarships with fewer requirements are available to students who are Music or Music Education Majors; these enable you to complete your obligations to both Music and Theatre. Participating in multiple aspects of production through the scholarship program gives you broader experience and deepens your knowledge as a theatre practitioner.
Senior Showcase
North Central College hosts an annual showcase in Chicago featuring graduating Theatre Performance and Musical Theatre majors. This popular event is well attended by established local agents, casting directors, and other theatre professionals. Hear alumna Lauren Omelson describe how pivotal this opportunity was to her commercial success.
Student Directed Series
Students are selected from a competitive proposal process to direct a fully staged production that is mounted as part of North Central College's Theatre season. These students receive department support to direct their work in one of our state-of-the-art spaces, including original plays or work by emerging local playwrights.
Study Abroad
If you wish to expand your education abroad, the Office of International Programs can help match you with one of over fifty programs worldwide. For instance, you may join North Central classmates in London and participate in an international exchange program to experience the theatrical culture of England.
Theatre News
Behind the scenes with “Sweeney Todd” choreographer Carter Sherman ’19
With dress rehearsals underway for North Central College theatre program’s senior musical “Sweeney Todd,” we managed to steal some precious time from the show’s choreographer, Carter Sherman ’19, who gave us a glimpse behind the curtain in a Q&A...
Our Hot New Faces of Chicago Theater: Here come the next names to know, Class of 2018
They’ve impressed us at TimeLine. Knocked us out at Victory Gardens. Made us chortle at Second City. Blown us away at the Lookingglass. They’re a diverse crew but they all are into truth and creativity, ensemble and commitment, theater and Chicago...
North Central’s partnership with Chicago theater recognized in 50th annual Jeff Award nominations
Twenty-four world-premiere plays and musicals are among the nominees for the 2018 Equity Joseph Jefferson Awards, which recognize exceptional theatrical productions in the Chicagoland area. Among the 178 nominations in 31 categories, North Central stands alone as the only college amid the competition...
Wyoming field research inspires commemorative performance of “The Laramie Project”
As the house lights dim, a deafening silence sweeps over the stage. The absence of sound allows stirring, dynamic character work to come to the forefront...
Students Work With Chicago Theater Company In Summer Production
Up with the curtain and on with the show! Fourteen North Central College theatre students were selected for understudy and production assistant positions in the 2017 summer production of “Machinal” by Greenhouse Theater Center, as part of the College’s recent collaboration with the organization...
Spring Awakening
By Duncan Sheik and Steven Saterathan Larson
Directed by Carin Silkaitis, Associate Professor
May 16-19 & 23-26, 2019, The Theatre at Meiley-Swallow
2019-2020 Season
Wellesley Girl
By Brendan Pelsue
Directed by Jason Gerace
September 20-22 & 27-29, 2019, The Theatre Meiley-Swallow
Songs for a New World
Written and composed by Jason Robert Brown
As part of the Student Directed Series
October 18-20 & 25-27, 2019, Madden Theatre
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Jacob Harvey
November 8-10 & 15-17, 2019, Pfeiffer Hall
The Toxic Avenger
Book and Lyrics by Joe DePietro and Music and Lyrics by David Bryan
Based on the film by Lloyd Kaufman
As part of the Senior Musical Series
February 14-16 & 21-23, 2020, The Theatre at Meiley-Swallow
Antigone
By Sophocles
March 20-22 & 27-29, 2020, Madden Theatre
Ordinary Days
Music and Lyrics by Adam Gwon
Directed by JC Clementz
April 17-19 & 24-26, 2020, The Theatre at Meiley-Swallow
Interested In Theatre Studies?
- Visit: Hear about our outstanding academic programs, student life, admission guidelines and financial aid. Take a walking campus tour with a current student. During the school year, you can meet with faculty from all of our academic areas to ask questions and learn about our programs.
- Audition for a Scholarship: Fine Arts Scholarships are available for new incoming students interested in participating in theatre. (Note: Theatre Scholarships are available for both Theatre Majors and non-Theatre Majors.)
- Apply: The first step to becoming a North Central student is reading the application instructions specific to you. Find out everything you need to know about applying by selecting the group you belong to below.
- See a Show: North Central applicants who are interested in seeing Theatre productions can email John Warrick for complimentary tickets.
Our Facilities
Madden Theater
171 East Chicago Avenue
The Madden Theatre is a versatile black box theatre located in North Central College’s impressive arts facility, the Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center.
Because of its flexible stage configuration, it features experimental work, new plays, and productions that emphasize student designs.
The Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall
31 South Ellsworth Street
Renovated and modernized in 2007, this former historical church building features our intimate 239-seat theatre with a thrust stage.
Pfeiffer Hall
310 East Benton Avenue
Pfeiffer Hall first opened in 1926 as one of the largest theatres in Illinois. It is a grand and illustrious theatre featuring large-scale musicals. Its legacy is impressive too, with renowned speakers such as Dr. Martin Luther King appearing here throughout its history.
Wentz Concert Hall
171 East Chicago Avenue
Musical Theatre students who take part in choirs and choruses often perform in the Wentz Concert Hall, also located in North Central College’s impressive arts facility.
Contact Us
Have any questions? Contact the Chair of the Theatre Department:
jawarrick@noctrl.edu
(630)-637-5624
Our Location
