Commencement Profile: Antonio Horn, BFA Acting
Congratulations to all of the talented students who graduated this past weekend. One of them, BFA Actor Antonio Horn, was profiled in a video that ran during the ceremony.
Meet Antonio.
Theatre and Dance presents Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors”
One of Shakespeare’s earliest and most loved works, The Comedy of Errors, opens Friday, March 27 in the Black Box Theatre in NIU’s Stevens Building at 7:30 p.m.
The final play, and second to last production, of the School of Theatre and Dance’s 2025-2026 production season, The Comedy of Errors is directed by Bethany Mangum-Oles.
“I have loved this play for as long as I can remember,” she said. “It is often celebrated as one of Shakespeare’s most joyful comedies with a myriad of mistaken identities, misplaced affection, and hilarious confusion. Yet, beneath the funny, lies a deeply human question: Who are we when the world refuses to recognize us in the way that we need?”
Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. March 27, 28, April 1, 2 and 3, with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Sunday, March 29. Tickets are on sale now. NIU students are admitted free of charge with a reserved ticket.
A talkback featuring the cast and crew will be moderated by Kay Martinovich, Ph.D., assistant professor of theatre, following the March 28 performance.
The season will conclude with the annual Spring Dance Concert, April 23-26 in the O’Connell Theatre.
Theatre students spend an evening with Ian McKellan
Twenty-six NIU School of Theatre and Dance students were among those who had the opportunity to attend a special event featuring acting legend Ian McKellan.
Titled, “One Knight Only,” Sir Ian shared insights on his career, this love of theater and discussed his love of performing Shakespeare through monologues and memories.
BFA actor Ky Muhammad participating with Ian McKellan during the Q and A.
The event was held January 28 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
Sophomore B.F.A. acting major Ky Muhammad, a current recipient of the Sarah Siddons Scholarship, was able to ask a question during the Q and A at the end of the evening.
The students were joined by Roxanna Conner, director of the School of Theatre and Dance, and Kay Martinovich, associate professor and head of B.F.A. acting.
Theatre and Dance BFA Acting presents Nostalgia Prom Night fundraiser
The 2026 B.F.A. in acting class is excited to announce the School of Theatre and Dance Nostalgia Prom Night! An open-to-all celebration for people and NIU students to come together, dress up, and enjoy a night of music, food, and community. The prom will take place on February 7 at 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Stevens Building’s Blackbox Theatre. The evening will feature a DJ, free photo opportunities, and promotions from other NIU students. The event is designed to be a fun and welcoming space to celebrate the new year and semester while connecting with others outside the classroom.
Funds raised from this event will directly contribute to the B.F.A. Acting Showcase of the senior B.F.A. students. Donations are accepted as well if you will not be able to attend! Details regarding ticket information, parking, and guest policies are provided with this Eventbrite link https://shorturl.at/wwU7w .
Sarah Siddons Society announces NIU as first public university to receive scholarship funding
The Sarah Siddons Society’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce it has approved Northern Illinois University (NIU) as its fifth Chicago-area university to receive scholarship funding for students studying theatre arts. NIU is the first public university to receive funds from the Society, joining Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, Northwestern School of Communications, The Theater Department, Columbia College and The Theatre School at DePaul University. Additionally, a representative from NIU’s School of Theatre and Dance will join the society’s board.
Roxanna Conner, director of the NIU School of Theatre and Dance
NIU’s Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts Paul Kassel said, “Northern Illinois University is proud the Sarah Siddons Society has invited us to join the four-year colleges and universities to which they provide scholarships. For more than 40 years, the society has supported outstanding theater students’ efforts to study at Chicago-area institutions. We are the first public university to be so honored, and our mission clearly aligns with theirs. In addition, their decision to add our Director of the School of Theatre and Dance, Roxanna Conner, to their board provides both NIU and the society opportunities to grow our partnership. Roxanna’s accomplished history in Chicago theater and in education makes her uniquely qualified for the role.”
Sarah Siddons Society President Martin Balogh adds, “It has long been a goal of the society to fund scholarships at a public university. We could not be more pleased to add the School of Theatre and Dance at Northern Illinois University and we look forward to welcoming Roxanna Conner to our board.”
About Sarah Siddons Society
Since its inception, the mission of the Society has been to fund scholarships to promising theater arts students at top Chicago area universities including; The Theater Department, Columbia College; The Theatre School at DePaul University; Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, Northwestern University School of Communications and the School of Theatre and Dance at Northern Illinois University. For additional information, visit sarahsiddonssociety.org.
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