Northwestern University

Northwestern University’s theatre program, housed within the School of Communication, is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive undergraduate theatre programs in the United States. It offers a rigorous, conservatory-level education within a top-tier research university, allowing students to combine intense artistic training with a broad liberal arts foundation. The program emphasizes versatility, intellectual curiosity, and professional readiness, preparing students to become leaders in performance, directing, design, playwriting, and related fields.

Students majoring in Theatre at Northwestern pursue a Bachelor of Science in Communication with a concentration in theatre. The curriculum is highly customizable, enabling students to explore areas such as acting, musical theatre, stage management, playwriting, dramaturgy, theatre for young audiences, and design/technical theatre. Many students also pursue double majors or minors across Northwestern’s schools, blending artistic pursuits with disciplines like psychology, political science, or journalism.

A hallmark of the program is its prolific production schedule, with over 30 shows staged annually across multiple campus venues, including the Ethel M. Barber Theater and the Josephine Louis Theater. These productions range from classical plays and musicals to experimental and student-devised work. Undergraduate students are central to all aspects of production—performing, directing, designing, and producing—offering a wealth of hands-on experience and creative collaboration.

Faculty at Northwestern include experienced professionals, scholars, and artists who mentor students closely while encouraging exploration and experimentation. The university’s location near Chicago, one of the most vibrant theatre cities in the world, provides students with access to internships, workshops, and professional networking opportunities. Guest artists and alumni frequently return to campus to teach master classes or collaborate on productions.

Overall, Northwestern University’s theatre program is known for cultivating adaptable, intellectually engaged, and artistically ambitious graduates. Whether students aspire to work on Broadway, create original work, pursue graduate studies, or impact the world through storytelling, the program provides a deeply enriching environment that blends artistic rigor with academic excellence.