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

For residents of DeKalb and the surrounding Illinois region, the NIU School of Theatre and Dance is a powerful source of culture and entertainment. As part of Northern Illinois University, this school serves as a vibrant, creative center where aspiring artists and scholars hone their craft and bring compelling stories to life. With a full season of Mainstage and Studio Series productions, the school provides the local community with consistent opportunities to experience high-quality live theatre and dance. The programs are designed to challenge both students and audiences, offering an eclectic mix of classic works and innovative new creations. The talent on display, from the energetic dance performances to the captivating theatrical productions, is a testament to the dedication of the students and the excellence of the faculty. It’s a place where you can witness the future of the performing arts unfold, right here in the heart of Illinois.

The NIU School of Theatre and Dance is located within the Stevens Building on the Northern Illinois University campus at 200 University Cir, DeKalb, IL 60115. This centralized location makes it a cultural destination for the entire community. The school is housed in a state-of-the-art facility, which includes multiple performance spaces, providing a professional and comfortable experience for audience members. The school's commitment to accessibility is evident with its wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible parking lot, ensuring that all visitors can easily attend performances. The various venues within the Stevens Building, including the Black Box Theatre, O'Connell Theatre, and Sally Stevens Corner Theatre, offer different settings for performances, from large-scale productions to intimate, experimental works. This variety enhances the experience for patrons, providing a unique atmosphere for each show.

The NIU School of Theatre and Dance is primarily an academic institution, but its public-facing services are centered around its performance season and educational opportunities. The primary services offered to the community include:

• A full season of live theatre productions, including plays and musicals.
• Annual dance concerts, featuring choreography by faculty, guest artists, and students.
• Performances in a variety of venues, including the O'Connell Theatre and the Black Box Theatre.
• Student-led performances and shows.
• Opportunities for the public to support aspiring artists and scholars.

The school also serves as a center for learning, providing a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for careers in the performing arts. While the core focus is on student education, the public benefits directly from this by being able to attend a wide range of productions throughout the academic year.

The NIU School of Theatre and Dance has several notable features that make it a standout destination for entertainment in Illinois. The productions themselves are a major highlight, with a season that includes a mix of professional-level plays, musicals, and dance concerts. As one reviewer noted, the school puts on "fantastic performances" and they look forward to the "return in the fall and hope people fill the house." Another reviewer praised a dance concert as "energetic, enjoyable and full of talent." These testimonials underscore the high quality of the student work. The school also offers a variety of venues within the Stevens Building, including the versatile Black Box Theatre and the larger O'Connell Theatre, providing a diverse experience for audiences. Furthermore, the school is recognized as being a place that is "good for kids," making it a family-friendly option for an evening out. The combination of accessibility features, professional facilities, and talented student performers makes it a comprehensive and appealing cultural asset for the community.

For information on performances, tickets, and general inquiries, you can contact the NIU School of Theatre and Dance.

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

You can also visit their official website or social media pages to stay up-to-date on their current season schedule, ticket availability, and other events happening at the school.

What makes the NIU School of Theatre and Dance a worthy choice for an evening out in Illinois is the incredible value and quality it provides. You are not just buying a ticket to a show; you are supporting the next generation of professional performers, directors, designers, and choreographers. The passion and hard work of the students are palpable in every performance, creating a unique and exciting energy that is different from what you would find in a commercial venue. The reviews from the community speak for themselves, with one patron describing a dance concert as "energetic, enjoyable and full of talent." Another eagerly anticipates the new season, showing a dedication and loyalty that comes from being truly impressed by the quality of the productions. By choosing to attend a performance at NIU, you are directly contributing to the education and professional development of these students, helping to foster a thriving arts community in Illinois. The accessible facilities, combined with the diverse and high-quality programming, make it a destination that every theatre and dance lover in the area should experience. It’s an opportunity to witness raw talent and innovative storytelling in a professional setting, all while staying close to home.

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