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College of Arts & Sciences

Theatre & Performing Arts

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Why pursue a theatre degree at North Central College?

Theatre majors are actors, dramaturgs, costumers, educators, writers, talent agents and directors. With so many post-grad opportunities, if you enjoy any one aspect of theatre or even every part of theatre, this program is for you. This program is designed to prepare you to succeed in any theatrical environment but is especially equipped to help you take on the nearby Chicago theatre scene in companies like Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Steppenwolf, The Other Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, Greenhouse Theatre and more.

At North Central, you’ll study with faculty who are accomplished actors and dramaturgs working in the Chicago theatre scene. You will have ample opportunity to act, sing and dance, direct plays and even write and produce your own productions. Whether you want to shape what happens backstage with a Directing and Dramaturgy emphasis or shine onstage with an Acting emphasis, a theatre major with North Central is sure to provide a strong start to your career.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • Performing on stage and giving characters personality
  • Designing and building stage sets, creating costumes and doing makeup
  • Spending time in and around theatrical spaces

then a degree in THEATRE might be for you.

Why study theatre at North Central College?

In the Classroom

Coursework topics:

  • Acting Fundamentals
  • Acting Realism
  • Acting Shakespeare
  • Acting for The Musical Stage
  • Acting on Camera
  • American Musical Theatre
  • Business of Theatre
  • Collaboration
  • Contemporary Acting Styles
  • Devised, Radical, and Community-Based Theatre
  • Directing
  • Dramaturgy
  • Introduction to Voice and Movement
  • Makeup
  • Musical Theatre Dance
  • Period Styles
  • Script Analysis
  • Stagecraft
  • Theatre History and Literature

Beyond the Classroom

As a theatre major, you can:

  • Attend workshops and master classes with luminaries like Will Allan, Leah Karpel, Matt Miller, Caroline Neff, Sheri Sanders and Larry Yando.
  • Audition for well-known agents and casting directors (including Paskal Rudnicke Casting, Claire Simon Casting and Stewart Talent) as part of the Senior Showcase.
  • Direct a show of your choice in our state-of-the-art facilities as part of our student directed series.• Tap into our faculty’s professional network, which extends throughout Chicago’s vibrant theatre community (and beyond).

More Department information

Theatre, Acting Track, B.A.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Theatre.

Core Courses

Acting Courses

Two of the following:

Theatre Practicum

Six semesters of the following:

Note:

*Theatre Practicum may be taken for zero credit hours, or for credit in partial satisfaction of elective credits, up to College limits. These hours are in addition to, not part of, the hours required for the major.

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Theatre, Directing and Dramaturgy Track, B.A.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Theatre.

Core Courses

One of the following:

Advanced Electives

Four credit hours from the following:

Theatre Practicum

Six semesters of the following:

Note:

*Theatre Practicum may be taken for zero credit hours, or for credit in partial satisfaction of elective credits, up to College limits. These hours are in addition to, not part of, the hours required for the major.

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Theatre Minor

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Theatre.

A minimum of 24 credit hours, including:

Core Requirements

One of the following:

One of the following:

Electives

Eight additional credit hours from any Theatre courses. With prior advisor approval this requirement may be satisfied by non-departmental drama courses.  A maximum of three credit hours of Dance may be completed in partial satisfaction of this requirement.

Theatre Practicum Requirement

Three semesters of the following:

Note:

Theatre Practicum may be taken for zero credit hours, or for credit in partial satisfaction of Cellege electives credits, up to College limits. Practicum credit is given to students participating in any of our departmental productions. Students may get credit for: 1) Being in a show 2) Working on a show in a production assignment or crew position 3) Taking on a managerial role within the production (producer, assistant director, stage manager. These hours are in addition to, not part of, the hours required for the minor.)

Theatre Internships and Jobs

A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.

Internships

Recent graduates in theatre interned at:

  • Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier
  • The Other Theatre Company
  • Goodman Theater, Chicago
  • American Theatre Company
  • Greenhouse Theater, Chicago

Careers

Recent graduates in theatre are working at:

  • Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier
  • Steppenwolf, Chicago
  • Goodman Theatre, Chicago
  • Peninsula Players Theatre, Door County, Wis.
  • Montana Shakespeare, Jefferson City, Mont.
  • Timber Lake Playhouse, Mt. Carroll, Ill.
  • First Folio Shakespeare, Clarendon Hills, Ill.
  • Drury Lane, Oak Brook, Ill.
  • American Theatre Company, Chicago
  • Polarity Ensemble Theatre, Chicago
  • Royal Caribbean Productions
  • Theatre Royal Haymarket, London
  • Theatre At The Center, Munster, Ind.
  • Norwegian Cruise Lines
  • Metropolis Theatre, Arlington Heights, Ill.
  • Greenhouse Theater, Chicago

Invest in your future

Choosing the right college is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team is here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family.

Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.

Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College

Apply to North Central College

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.

Riley Wodka '24

North Central College’s department of theatre provides students ample opportunities to gain a diverse range of experiences and express their creativity, and the first production of the 2023 – 2024 season, “pool (no water),” is no exception.  

Riley Wodka ‘24 is majoring in theatre: acting and theatrical design and technology at North Central. As part of several productions, she has already built a long list of acting and designing credentials. In “pool (no water)” Wodka had the rare opportunity to be both an ensemble lead and the sound designer.

Read more about Riley.

Riley Wodka

Riley Wodka (left) rehearsing a theatre production.