Theatre & Performing Arts
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).
Theatre, Acting Track, B.A.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Theatre.
Core Courses
-
THEA 100 - Script Analysis
THEA 100 - Script Analysis
4.00 credit hours
Introduces analytical methods for examining scripts of all forms and genres. Students learn to identify, describe and interpret various components of a script and to apply a critical vocabulary to evaluate how meaning is produced in dramatic texts.
-
THEA 141 - Stagecraft
THEA 141 - Stagecraft
2.00 credit hours
Fundamentals of scenic construction and scenic painting. Students gain knowledge of basic construction and painting techniques for stage scenery. Tool use and shop equipment are introduced along with the safety regulations that are essential and mandatory for running an effective scenic shop.
-
THEA 144 - Makeup
THEA 144 - Makeup
2.00 credit hours
Introduces the principles and techniques of theatrical makeup, design and application. Equally appropriate for beginning design students and actors who have no prior design experience.
-
THEA 150 - Acting Fundamentals
THEA 150 - Acting Fundamentals
4.00 credit hours
Designed for dedicated theatre students with previous acting experience, this course consists of exercises in voice, movement, improvisation and character study. Provides students with necessary theory and performance skills required to pursue further specialized acting training.
-
THEA 250 - Acting Realism
THEA 250 - Acting Realism
4.00 credit hours
Advanced and intensive scene work focusing on contemporary trends in realism. Approaches to building character are integrated with voice, movement and textual improvisation. Builds on the foundational work of
-
THEA 304 - Theatre History and Literature I
THEA 304 - Theatre History and Literature I
4.00 credit hours
A study of the theatre and its literature from its ancient beginnings through the English Restoration. Students examine theatrical events, figures and dramatic works in their aesthetic, cultural and historical contexts and synthesize analytical writing and research skills with appropriate knowledge of course material.
-
THEA 305 - Theatre History and Literature II
THEA 305 - Theatre History and Literature II
4.00 credit hours
Investigates influential texts, performances and theatrical movements following the English Restoration through to the present day, with critical attention to how accounts of history are created and remembered. Students examine theatrical events, figures and dramatic works in their aesthetic, cultural and historical contexts and synthesize analytical writing and research skills with appropriate knowledge of course material.
-
THEA 459 - Business of Theatre
THEA 459 - Business of Theatre
4.00 credit hours
Exploration of the requirements for the business portion of theatre; from building a theatrical resume, to selecting a head shot, to registering with an agent. Students learn to manage their creative work according to the professional expectations of the collective entertainment industries.
Acting Courses
Two of the following:
-
THEA 251 - Introduction to Voice and Movement
THEA 251 - Introduction to Voice and Movement
4.00 credit hours
Focuses on voice and movement techniques and the actor's use of body and mind to create character and achieve a higher level of expressiveness in the art of theatre. Centers on training the actor to strengthen and free the voice and body, enliven the imagination and enable the actor to create a character's vocal and physical life. Students expand their comprehension of space and rhythm as it relates to body and character.
-
THEA 350 - Acting Shakespeare
THEA 350 - Acting Shakespeare
4.00 credit hours
An intensive study of Shakespeare for the actor. Building on foundational acting skills, students integrate text analysis, scene and character study, style and metric form for interpreting and staging Shakespearian characters.
-
THEA 365 - Acting on Camera
THEA 365 - Acting on Camera
4.00 credit hours
This course explores the acting methods used for film and television. Students are trained in camera techniques used for commercial, industrial, film and television auditions. Students work in front of the camera each week utilizing actual copy from popular shows, commercials and movies. Students leave this course audition ready. The course includes extensive scene memorization, class discussions, performance critique writing and journal self-assessment writing.
-
THEA 450 - Period Styles
THEA 450 - Period Styles
4.00 credit hours
An integration of body, mind and voice techniques for the purpose of developing a way to conventionalized period acting. For the intermediate and advanced student actor, this course places primary emphasis on the development of characterization techniques, participation in physical and vocal acting exercises and practical performance application through stylistic scene and monologue work. Period/Styles covered in this course may include Ancient Greek, Commedia, Restoration Comedy and Absurdism.
Theatre Practicum
Six semesters of the following:
-
THEA 115 - Practicum
THEA 115 - Practicum
0.00-1.00 credit hours
The staging, mounting, and production of a fully realized theatre production. This course—designed for actors and crew members working on a theatre production—is repeatable up to a maximum of six credit hours earned. Students are expected to take practicum for credit unless exceeding 18 credit hours in a semester.
-
THEA 116 - Practicum
THEA 116 - Practicum
0.00-2.00 credit hours
The staging, mounting, and production of a fully realized theatre production. This course—designed for stage managers, designers, and those with larger production responsibilities—is repeatable up to a maximum of six credit hours earned. Students are expected to take practicum for credit unless exceeding 18 credit hours in a semester.
-
THEA 117 - Practicum: Musical Theatre
THEA 117 - Practicum: Musical Theatre
0.00-1.00 credit hours
The staging, mounting, and production of a fully realized musical theatre production. This course—designed for actors and crew members working on a theatre production—is repeatable up to a maximum of six credit hours earned. Students are expected to take practicum for credit unless exceeding 18 credit hours in a semester.
-
THEA 118 - Practicum: Musical Theatre
THEA 118 - Practicum: Musical Theatre
0.00-2.00 credit hours
The staging, mounting, and production of a fully realized musical theatre production. This course—designed for stage managers, designers, and those with larger production responsibilities—is repeatable up to a maximum of six credit hours earned. Students are expected to take practicum for credit unless exceeding 18 credit hours in a semester.
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
Theatre, Directing and Dramaturgy Track, B.A.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Theatre.
Core Courses
-
THEA 100 - Script Analysis
THEA 100 - Script Analysis
4.00 credit hours
Introduces analytical methods for examining scripts of all forms and genres. Students learn to identify, describe and interpret various components of a script and to apply a critical vocabulary to evaluate how meaning is produced in dramatic texts.
-
THEA 150 - Acting Fundamentals
THEA 150 - Acting Fundamentals
4.00 credit hours
Designed for dedicated theatre students with previous acting experience, this course consists of exercises in voice, movement, improvisation and character study. Provides students with necessary theory and performance skills required to pursue further specialized acting training.
-
THEA 235 - Introduction to Dramaturgy
THEA 235 - Introduction to Dramaturgy
4.00 credit hours
Introduces students to the history and development of dramaturgy, including literary management, new play dramaturgy and production dramaturgy. Students become conversant with elements of storytelling for the stage by applying script work and critical inquiry to the creative processes involved in theatre-making.
-
THEA 304 - Theatre History and Literature I
THEA 304 - Theatre History and Literature I
4.00 credit hours
A study of the theatre and its literature from its ancient beginnings through the English Restoration. Students examine theatrical events, figures and dramatic works in their aesthetic, cultural and historical contexts and synthesize analytical writing and research skills with appropriate knowledge of course material.
-
THEA 305 - Theatre History and Literature II
THEA 305 - Theatre History and Literature II
4.00 credit hours
Investigates influential texts, performances and theatrical movements following the English Restoration through to the present day, with critical attention to how accounts of history are created and remembered. Students examine theatrical events, figures and dramatic works in their aesthetic, cultural and historical contexts and synthesize analytical writing and research skills with appropriate knowledge of course material.
-
THEA 330 - Directing
THEA 330 - Directing
4.00 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.
-
THEA 495 - Storefront Series
THEA 495 - Storefront Series
2.00-4.00 credit hours
Culmination of a competitive process in which theatre proposals are chosen for production as a part of the Department of Theatre season. With faculty supervision and support, students conceive and execute a fully staged theatrical piece, running their production from preparation and auditions through final performance. The course is open to all students pending faculty approval, and is particularly intended as a capstone experience for students pursuing the Theatre (Directing & Dramaturgy track) and the Musical Theatre degrees. May be taken twice for credit with different content.
One of the following:
-
THEA 140 - Fundamentals of Theatrical Design
THEA 140 - Fundamentals of Theatrical Design
4.00 credit hours
Through the study and practice of common theatrical design elements, students learn to analyze, collaborate, and implement theatrical designs. Students 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.
-
THEA 245 - Stage Management
THEA 245 - Stage Management
4.00 credit hours
Introduces the administrative skills sets of stage management, while exploring the relationship between the artistry and execution of producing plays and musicals. Students learn production protocols, create a prompt book and explore the forms and formats needed to maintain professional standards while working with directors, actors and the technical crew.
Advanced Electives
Four credit hours from the following:
-
THEA 405 - Advanced Topics in History, Literature and Critical Theory
THEA 405 - Advanced Topics in History, Literature and Critical Theory
2.00-4.00 credit hours
Occasional seminar topic allowing for advanced study in the history, literature or critical theory of drama and theatre. This advanced seminar investigates artists and artistic work in order to analyze how representation in theatre and drama may advance, reflect, or interact with larger historical or societal movements. Special topics may include in depth exploration of a single period or aesthetic trend in theatre history, a reading emphasis on an individual playwright or genre, or engagement with current trends in critical and cultural theory for the theatre. Students learn to define, articulate and defend a well-supported point of view in response to given performances and scripts.
-
THEA 433 - Collaboration
THEA 433 - Collaboration
4.00 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 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 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 leave this course with developed leadership skills, cooperative working relationships and more sophisticated creative processes.
-
THEA 434 - Devised, Radical and Community-Based
THEA 434 - Devised, Radical and Community-Based
4.00 credit hours
An exploration of three overlapping subfields in theatre and performance studies: devised theatre, radical theatre and community-based theatre. The course conceptually explores how community-based engagement necessitates radical theatre aesthetics that do not rely on traditionally authored plays. Students learn radical theatre aesthetics and techniques by examining case studies of groundbreaking companies and artists. Finally, students apply their theoretical comprehension of radical theatres by selecting a community and envisioning a radical theatre project to serve its needs.
Theatre Practicum
Six semesters of the following:
-
THEA 115 - Practicum
THEA 115 - Practicum
0.00-1.00 credit hours
The staging, mounting, and production of a fully realized theatre production. This course—designed for actors and crew members working on a theatre production—is repeatable up to a maximum of six credit hours earned. Students are expected to take practicum for credit unless exceeding 18 credit hours in a semester.
-
THEA 116 - Practicum
THEA 116 - Practicum
0.00-2.00 credit hours
The staging, mounting, and production of a fully realized theatre production. This course—designed for stage managers, designers, and those with larger production responsibilities—is repeatable up to a maximum of six credit hours earned. Students are expected to take practicum for credit unless exceeding 18 credit hours in a semester.
-
THEA 117 - Practicum: Musical Theatre
THEA 117 - Practicum: Musical Theatre
0.00-1.00 credit hours
The staging, mounting, and production of a fully realized musical theatre production. This course—designed for actors and crew members working on a theatre production—is repeatable up to a maximum of six credit hours earned. Students are expected to take practicum for credit unless exceeding 18 credit hours in a semester.
-
THEA 118 - Practicum: Musical Theatre
THEA 118 - Practicum: Musical Theatre
0.00-2.00 credit hours
The staging, mounting, and production of a fully realized musical theatre production. This course—designed for stage managers, designers, and those with larger production responsibilities—is repeatable up to a maximum of six credit hours earned. Students are expected to take practicum for credit unless exceeding 18 credit hours in a semester.
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
Theatre Minor
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Theatre.
A minimum of 24 credit hours, including:
Core Requirements
-
THEA 100 - Script Analysis
THEA 100 - Script Analysis
4.00 credit hours
Introduces analytical methods for examining scripts of all forms and genres. Students learn to identify, describe and interpret various components of a script and to apply a critical vocabulary to evaluate how meaning is produced in dramatic texts.
-
THEA 141 - Stagecraft
THEA 141 - Stagecraft
2.00 credit hours
Fundamentals of scenic construction and scenic painting. Students gain knowledge of basic construction and painting techniques for stage scenery. Tool use and shop equipment are introduced along with the safety regulations that are essential and mandatory for running an effective scenic shop.
-
THEA 144 - Makeup
THEA 144 - Makeup
2.00 credit hours
Introduces the principles and techniques of theatrical makeup, design and application. Equally appropriate for beginning design students and actors who have no prior design experience.
One of the following:
-
THEA 101 - Introduction to Acting
THEA 101 - Introduction to Acting
4.00 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.
-
THEA 150 - Acting Fundamentals
THEA 150 - Acting Fundamentals
4.00 credit hours
Designed for dedicated theatre students with previous acting experience, this course consists of exercises in voice, movement, improvisation and character study. Provides students with necessary theory and performance skills required to pursue further specialized acting training.
One of the following:
-
THEA 304 - Theatre History and Literature I
THEA 304 - Theatre History and Literature I
4.00 credit hours
A study of the theatre and its literature from its ancient beginnings through the English Restoration. Students examine theatrical events, figures and dramatic works in their aesthetic, cultural and historical contexts and synthesize analytical writing and research skills with appropriate knowledge of course material.
-
THEA 305 - Theatre History and Literature II
THEA 305 - Theatre History and Literature II
4.00 credit hours
Investigates influential texts, performances and theatrical movements following the English Restoration through to the present day, with critical attention to how accounts of history are created and remembered. Students examine theatrical events, figures and dramatic works in their aesthetic, cultural and historical contexts and synthesize analytical writing and research skills with appropriate knowledge of course material.
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:
-
THEA 115 - Practicum
THEA 115 - Practicum
0.00-1.00 credit hours
The staging, mounting, and production of a fully realized theatre production. This course—designed for actors and crew members working on a theatre production—is repeatable up to a maximum of six credit hours earned. Students are expected to take practicum for credit unless exceeding 18 credit hours in a semester.
-
THEA 116 - Practicum
THEA 116 - Practicum
0.00-2.00 credit hours
The staging, mounting, and production of a fully realized theatre production. This course—designed for stage managers, designers, and those with larger production responsibilities—is repeatable up to a maximum of six credit hours earned. Students are expected to take practicum for credit unless exceeding 18 credit hours in a semester.
-
THEA 117 - Practicum: Musical Theatre
THEA 117 - Practicum: Musical Theatre
0.00-1.00 credit hours
The staging, mounting, and production of a fully realized musical theatre production. This course—designed for actors and crew members working on a theatre production—is repeatable up to a maximum of six credit hours earned. Students are expected to take practicum for credit unless exceeding 18 credit hours in a semester.
-
THEA 118 - Practicum: Musical Theatre
THEA 118 - Practicum: Musical Theatre
0.00-2.00 credit hours
The staging, mounting, and production of a fully realized musical theatre production. This course—designed for stage managers, designers, and those with larger production responsibilities—is repeatable up to a maximum of six credit hours earned. Students are expected to take practicum for credit unless exceeding 18 credit hours in a semester.
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.