NIU School of Theatre and Dance

Hey there, fellow Illinois residents! Are you searching for a vibrant hub of artistic expression, where talent flourishes and captivating performances come to life? Look no further than the **NIU School of Theatre and Dance** right here in DeKalb. As an integral part of Northern Illinois University, this acclaimed school is a cornerstone of the performing arts community, offering exceptional educational programs and delivering a diverse array of professional-quality theatrical and dance productions to the public. Whether you're a prospective student with a passion for the stage, a theatregoer seeking engaging entertainment, or a parent looking to expose your family to the arts, the NIU School of Theatre and Dance promises an enriching experience. This article will provide you with a comprehensive overview of what makes this institution a true gem in our Illinois landscape.

The **NIU School of Theatre and Dance** stands as a beacon of artistic excellence, known for nurturing raw talent and shaping it into polished performances. Reviews consistently praise the "fantastic performances" put on by the school, highlighting the high caliber of its students and faculty. As one attendee enthusiastically noted, the Fall 2018 Dance Concert was "energetic, enjoyable and full of talent. Great job!" This commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of their work, from rigorous academic training to stunning stage productions. The school is not only a place of learning but also a significant cultural contributor to the DeKalb area, inviting the community to "fill the house" and experience the magic of live performance. Their dedication to the performing arts ensures a continuous stream of innovative and captivating shows that enrich the cultural fabric of Illinois.

The **NIU School of Theatre and Dance** is strategically located within the Northern Illinois University campus in DeKalb, Illinois. Its primary facilities, including the **Stevens Building**, **Black Box Theatre**, **O'Connell Theatre**, and **Corner Theatre**, are all situated at **200 University Cir, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA**. The mention of "Sally Stevens" likely refers to an area or facility within the larger Stevens Building complex. This central campus location provides several advantages for accessibility.

For residents of DeKalb and surrounding communities in Northern Illinois, the university campus is a well-known and generally easy-to-navigate destination. Ample parking is typically available on university campuses, though visitors might need to check specific event parking instructions. The proximity to major roads and highways connecting DeKalb to other parts of Illinois makes it a convenient drive for those coming from farther afield. Public transportation options within DeKalb, including Huskie Bus Line routes, also serve the university campus, providing an alternative for those without personal vehicles.

The concentration of performance venues within a dedicated building or complex (like the Stevens Building) simplifies the experience for attendees. This means patrons can often enjoy multiple types of productions in close proximity, enhancing their overall cultural outing. The accessibility of the **NIU School of Theatre and Dance** ensures that its high-quality performances and educational opportunities are readily available to a wide audience across Illinois, making it a key cultural destination for our local communities.

The **NIU School of Theatre and Dance** offers a comprehensive range of services and programs, reflecting its dual role as an academic institution and a public-facing performance hub. While specific details of every course aren't available, based on its nature as a university school of theatre and dance, its offerings typically include:

• Undergraduate Programs: Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in various specializations, such as acting, dance performance, technical theatre, design, stage management, and theatre studies.
• Graduate Programs: Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees for advanced study in areas like acting, design, and directing, often requiring rigorous training and thesis productions.
• Dance Instruction: Classes in a wide array of dance styles including ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and possibly contemporary and world dance forms, focusing on technique, choreography, and performance.
• Acting Training: Courses covering diverse acting methodologies, voice and speech, movement for actors, improvisation, scene study, and classical and contemporary repertoire.
• Technical Theatre and Design: Hands-on instruction and practical experience in areas like scenic design, costume design, lighting design, sound design, stagecraft, carpentry, properties, and stage management.
• Performance Seasons: Regular public performances of plays, musicals, and dance concerts, showcasing student and faculty talent. These range from mainstage productions in larger venues to experimental works in black box spaces.
• Workshops and Masterclasses: Opportunities for students to learn from visiting artists and industry professionals, enhancing their skills and expanding their networks.
• Audition and Portfolio Preparation: Guidance and support for students preparing for auditions for professional roles or graduate programs, as well as developing professional portfolios.
• Outreach Programs: Potential involvement in community outreach, offering classes or performances to local schools or groups, fostering arts appreciation in the wider DeKalb area.

These services collectively provide a robust environment for both aspiring artists and the general public interested in the performing arts.

The **NIU School of Theatre and Dance** boasts several compelling features and highlights that make it a standout institution for both education and entertainment within the Illinois performing arts scene.

• High-Quality Performances: As confirmed by audience reviews, the school consistently delivers "fantastic performances" that are "energetic, enjoyable and full of talent." This commitment to production quality is a significant draw for the local community.
• Diverse Repertoire: The school presents a wide array of productions, including plays, musicals, and dance concerts, ensuring there is something to appeal to varied tastes throughout their academic year. The mention of a "Fall 2018 Dance Concert" suggests a regular schedule of diverse performances.
• Talented Student Body: The praise for performances being "full of talent" directly reflects the quality of the students being trained at NIU, showcasing the effectiveness of their rigorous programs.
• Professional-Grade Venues: The school operates multiple performance spaces, including the **Black Box Theatre**, **O'Connell Theatre**, and **Corner Theatre**, providing students with experience in diverse theatrical environments and offering varied viewing experiences for audiences. The Black Box Theatre, in particular, is known for its intimate and experimental productions.
• Comprehensive Arts Education: As a university-level school, it offers extensive degree programs (BA, BFA, MFA) in various facets of theatre and dance, from performance and choreography to technical production and design. This provides a deep and well-rounded education for aspiring professionals.
• Support for the Arts Community: By consistently providing high-caliber performances, the school serves as a crucial cultural anchor for DeKalb and surrounding areas, encouraging community engagement with the arts. The sentiment "I look forward to the theatres return in the fall and hope people fill house" underscores its importance to local patrons.
• Dedicated Faculty: While not explicitly stated in reviews, the consistent quality of productions implies a strong, dedicated faculty committed to student success and artistic excellence.
• Impact on Regional Arts Scene: As a major university program, NIU's School of Theatre and Dance significantly contributes to the broader performing arts landscape of Northern Illinois, often serving as a training ground for future professionals in the field.

These highlights collectively solidify the **NIU School of Theatre and Dance** as a premier destination for both experiencing and pursuing the performing arts in Illinois.

For those interested in attending a performance, inquiring about academic programs, or simply learning more about the **NIU School of Theatre and Dance**, here is the essential contact information:

Address: Stevens Building, Black Box Theatre, O'Connell Theatre, Sally Stevens, Corner Theatre, 200 University Cir Players Theatre, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA

Phone: (815) 753-1600

Mobile Phone: +1 815-753-1600

It's always recommended to visit the official Northern Illinois University website for the School of Theatre and Dance for the most current information on performance schedules, ticket purchasing, academic program details, faculty listings, and campus maps. Calling the provided phone number is also an excellent way to get direct answers to specific questions about admissions, upcoming shows, or general inquiries.

In conclusion, the **NIU School of Theatre and Dance** is an indispensable asset to the DeKalb, Illinois community and a significant contributor to the state's performing arts landscape. For locals, it offers an exceptional opportunity to engage with high-quality theatre and dance productions right in their backyard, often at accessible prices. The consistent praise for "fantastic performances" and the sheer "talent" on display underscores the school's commitment to artistic excellence, driven by dedicated students and faculty.

Beyond entertainment, the school provides rigorous academic programs for aspiring artists, making it a suitable choice for Illinois high school students considering a career in theatre or dance. Its multiple on-campus venues, including the **Black Box Theatre** and **O'Connell Theatre**, ensure diverse viewing experiences and robust training opportunities. For anyone in Northern Illinois seeking cultural enrichment, artistic inspiration, or a pathway into the performing arts, the **NIU School of Theatre and Dance** stands as a welcoming and impactful institution. We encourage our fellow Illinoisans to "fill the house" and support this invaluable local gem, ensuring the continued vibrancy of arts in our community.

NIU School of Theatre and Dance

Stevens Building, Black Box Theatre, O'Connell Theatre, Sally Stevens, Corner Theatre, 200 University Cir Players Theatre, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA