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College of Arts & Sciences

Theatre: Acting

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Why pursue an acting degree at North Central College?

North Central College is a production-focused department. Our broad-based training is rigorous but supportive. Students gain competencies to succeed and respond to changing markets of the entertainment industries. 

Unlike a conservatory environment, North Central promotes exploration across theatre, dance and music. The cornerstone of the Theatre program is the production Practicum, with an ambitious season of six full theatrical productions, including two musicals, every year. Students at North Central are consistently in production. The Acting and Musical Theatre programs are designed to prepare performers to succeed in any theatrical environment but are especially equipped toprofessionally enter into the Chicago industry. 

Our graduates book national tours, perform in regional theaters, and advance in Chicago’s vibrant storefront theater scene with companies like Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Steppenwolf, Goodman Theatre, Court Theatre, Kokandy Productions, Porchlight Music Theatre, and more.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • Acting on stage and in film, television, and commercial work professionally
  • Honing your voice, movement, and character study skills
  • Performing in multiple shows a year
  • Extending performance skills to a variety of professional aims

then a degree in ACTING might be for you.

Why study acting at North Central College?

In the Classroom

Coursework topics:

  • Acting on Camera
  • Acting Realism
  • Business of Theatre
  • Directing
  • Fundamentals of Acting 
  • Introduction to Voice and Movement 
  • Makeup
  • Period Styles
  • Script Analysis
  • Stagecraft
  • Theatre History and Literature 
  • Voice Lessons

Pfeiffer Hall
Take a virtual tour of Pfeiffer Hall, home to the theatre program classes and faculty offices.

Virtual Tour 

Beyond the Classroom

As an acting major, you can:

  • Audition for well-known agents and casting directors in downtown Chicago as part of the Senior Showcase.
  • Participate in multiple performanace opportunities throughout the year.
  • Work with guest artists and professional faculty in workshops, productions, and traditional classroom environments.
  • Tap into our faculty and alumni industry network, which extends throughout Chicago’s vibrant theatre community (and beyond).
  • Additional opportunities to perform with student organizations such as The Company, Untitled, Sonata Problem, Tonacity A Cappella, or create your own organization.

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 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:

  • Fine Arts Building, Chicago
  • Gray Talent
  • About Face Theatre
  • Lookingglass Theatre Company
  • Goodman Theatre
  • TimeLine Theatre
  • Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier

Careers

Recent graduates in theatre are working at:

  • Children’s Theater of Madison
  • Come from Away National Tour
  • Talent X Alexander Agency
  • Skokie Theatre
  • Beverly Hills Film Festival (Best Actress Winner)
  • Paramount Theatre
  • Marriott Theatre
  • The Imposters Theatre Company
  • Chicago Children’s Theatre
  • Porchlight Music Theatre
  • Teatro Vista Productions
  • Blank Theatre Company
  • Fine Arts Building, Chicago
  • Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier
  • Steppenwolf Theatre Company
  • Goodman Theatre

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.