Northern Illinois University
School of Theatre and Dance
College of Visual and Performing Arts

Contact the School of Theatre and Dance to make an appointment to attend an audition, interview and/or portfolio review.

Sign up for a tour of the NIU School of Theatre and Dance

Jazzie Eleazar-Schaefer
Admissions Counselor, School of Theatre and Dance
jeleazar@niu.edu | 815-753-0956
Download Jazzie's virtual card and contact info directly to your phone. 

BFA Acting Audition Information

ON-CAMPUS BFA ACTING AUDITIONS

• • • Friday, January 23, 2026: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
    • Monday, February 16, 2026: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 
    • Friday, February 27, 2026: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
    • Friday, March 27, 2026: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
    • Friday, April 17, 2026: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Don't see an on-campus date that works for you? Contact Bethany Mangum-Oles at bmangum1@niu.edu to set up an audition appointment. 

NATIONAL UNIFIED AUDITIONS

$20 NUA audition fee, payable by cash or check on the day of your audition

• • • New York City: Pearl Studios, Saturday, January 24, 2026
    • Chicago: Palmer House Hilton, Monday February 2 - Wednesday, February 4, 2026
    • Los Angeles: Westin LAX, Saturday, February 7, 2026

Not attending NUA? Please contact Bethany Mangum-Oles at bmangum1@niu.edu to set up an audition appointment. 

PRIVATE BFA ACTING AUDITIONS (in-person on on Zoom)

If you are unable to make any of the above dates, please contact Bethany Mangum-Oles at bmangum1@niu.edu to set up an audition appointment, either in-person or virtually. 

WHAT YOU SHOULD PREPARE

• • • Please allow 20 minutes of time for this audition and interview. 
    • Please prepare one monologue from a published play.  Consider choosing a piece you  feel comfortable in and that represents you and your personality best. This monologue should not exceed two minutes total and should be fully memorized.
    • Please also provide us with an 8x10 photo of yourself on the day of your audition. (emailed or hard copy)
    • If you have a Theatrical Resume, we'd love to have one of those, too.

Do not hesitate to reach out to Bethany Mangum-Oles at bmangum1@niu.edu for any audition questions you may have!

BA in Theatre Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies program does not require an audition or portfolio review for admission. The program does offer scholarships for talented students.

Please contact Dr. Gibson Cima (gcima@niu.edu) for more information.

Reserve your time to join us for an on-campus interview, Monday, February 17 (Presidents Day.) 

MFA in Acting

M.F.A. Acting is currently not holding auditions.

Dance Talent Scholarship Application Information

• • • On campus auditions will be held Monday, February 17, 2025 
      • Register
      • Schedule for on campus auditions, February 17
        • 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. - Registration in Stevens Building lobby
        • 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. - Welcome and orientation in O'Connell Theatre
        • 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Dance Scholarship Audition in Gabel Hall 113
        • 2:20 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Tour of School of Theatre and Dance facilities
          
          
          
    • Deadline for virtual applications: Monday, February 17, 2025

Our 2024 NIU Dance Scholarship Requirements video outlines the requirements for your submission

• Fill out and submit your

• If you haven't done so, be sure to

More NIU Scholarships
The Huskie Pledge
NIU Financial Aid

Area Contact Information

BFA in Acting 
Professor Alexander Gelman
815-753-8253
agelman@niu.edu 

BFA in Design and Technology 
Professor Tracy Nunnally
815-753-9342  
tnunnally@niu.edu

BA in Theatre Studies
Assistant Professor Gibson Cima
815-753-1334
gcima@niu.edu

BFA in Dance Performance
Assistant Professor Marc Macaranas, Head of Dance
815-753-1334
marcmacaranas@niu.edu 

MFA in Acting  
Professor Alexander Gelman
815-753-8253
agelman@niu.edu

MFA in Design and Techology
Professor Tracy Nunnally
815-753-9342
tnunnally@niu.edu

MFA in Costume Design
Associate Professor Jeremy W. Floyd
815-753-1339
jeremywfloyd@niu.edu

MFA in Lighting Design
Associate Professor Brandon Wardell
815-753-8260
bwardell@niu.edu

MFA in Scenic Design
Professor Sahin Sahinoglu
815-753-8259
ssahinoglu@niu.edu

MFA in Theatre Techology
Professor Tracy Nunnally
815-753-9342
tnunnally@niu.edu