Northern Illinois University (NIU)

<p>NIU has come up several times in theater discussions as a place to consider. Has anyone has any experience with this program set in the corn fields of DeKalb, IL?</p>

<p>I could be wrong but I think I heard they were strong in tech theatre.</p>

<p>The head of their department often did masterclasses at my performing arts boarding high school. She was fantastic, one of the most amazing teachers I have ever met.
Alot of kids from my high school went there- kids who also got into some of the more "well known" schools, and quite a few who got to the finally callbacks for Juilliard in NYC.
From what I've heard, firsthand, they say the training is really great, a train ride from Chicago, and truly a hidden gem.</p>

<p>i went to theatre summer camp for three years there. it was a cool place, their facilities were ok. their junior class studies at moscow school of theatre for a semester im pretty sure. nice people, seemed nice but would not be my first choice.</p>

<p>Hey word of caution from a former student. Visit first and actually talk the students especially the upperclassmen. Ask a lot of questions. The program can be great if you know what your getting into. It really depends on your program of study and what you want to do. If you want to act, be prepared to only study the Meisner technique, its all they do as a BFA student. The best thing i can say is talk to people. But the best part about the program is for the most part, all of the students really get along with each and try their hardest & will put the time at everything (well anything theatre related anyway, dont ask about their gen eds, we dont go, too much to do).</p>