Northwestern University

Home Find a College Scholarships Show Calendar Blogs News

Next on Stage Season 5 - Tune in and Vote!

Meet the Top 10

Department of Theatre

2240 Campus Drive
Evanston,Illinois 60208
847.491.7023
dear-soc@northwestern.edu

DEGREES OFFERED

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre - Acting

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre - Design and Management

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre - Music Theatre

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre - Playwritin

Our belief is that the best theatre artists—designers, actors, playwrights, dancers and directors—combine highly developed performance capabilities with a broad knowledge of the theatre literature and theory. You’ll have the opportunity to study and practice acting, voice, movement, dance, directing, design, stage production, playwriting and dramaturgy, along with theatre history, literature and criticism. You’ll develop the ability to analyze situations and complex social issues from a variety of perspectives, while developing skills in research, writing, group discussion, oral presentation, performance and production. Whether your focus is acting, directing, playwriting, production or design, you’ll have ample opportunity to practice your craft. As many as forty productions are staged each year in the multi-stage Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts, with an equal number of student productions across campus. Our faculty have a rich collective of expertise, including history of the theatre, acting and directing, dance, music theatre, creative drama, storytelling, children’s theatre, playwriting, stage management, and costume, set and light design. Many faculty members also work as professionals in productions in Chicago and nationally. Many theatre undergraduates go on to enjoy success as theatre, television, and film artists. Others find that with the combination of theatrical studies and a solid liberal arts education, they are prepared to pursue a career in a variety of fields, including law, teaching, business, performance coaching, and sales and marketing.

Notable Alumni Include:

Ann-Margret, Patricia Neal, Warren Beatty, Megan Mullally, Frank Galati, David Schwimmer, Craig Bierko, Brian d'Arcy James, Jason Moore, Shelley Long, Richard Kind, Zach Braff, George Newbern, Denis O'Hare, Jerry Orbach, Dermot Mulroney, Greg Berlanti, Seth Meyers, Cloris Leachman, Richard Lewis, Richard Block, Charles Busch, Clancy Brown, Bruno Campos, Stephen Colbert, Harry Lennix, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Gregg Edelman, Stephanie Shemin D'Abruzzo, Tony Randall, Tony Roberts, Barbara Gaines, Charlotte Rae, Tom Galantich, Jeri Ryan, Frank Galati, Ana Gasteyer, Michael Greif, Ileen Getz, Heather Headley, Charlton Heston, Marg Helgenberger, Laura Innes, Jennifer Jones, Martha Lavey, John Musial, Margaret Nagle, Paula Prentiss, Peter Strauss, Kimberley Williams, Mary Zimmerman, Jim Weitzer, Dawn Westlake

Faculty Info:

Masi Asare, Danielle Bainbridge, David H. Bell, Andrew Boyce, Michael Brown, Stan Brown, Barbara Butts, David Catlin, Vanessa Champagne, Rives Collins, Shana Cooper, Tracy C. Davis, Amanda Dehnert, Marcus Doshi, Shawn Douglass, Roger Ellis, Melissa Foster, Linda Gates, Henry Godinez, Cindy Gold, John Haas, Jeffery Hancock, Roxane Heinze-Bradshaw, Tasia A. Jones, Halena Kays, Lynn Kelso, Ana Kuzmanic, Susan A. Lee, Sandra Marquez, Kelli Nichol McHugh, Dawn A. Mora, Julie Marie Myatt, Ryan T. Nelson, Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz , Detra Payne, Dassia Posner, Tommy Rapley, Linda Roethke, Todd Rosenthal, Laura Schellhardt, Anna D. Shapiro, Gail Shapiro, Billy Siegenfeld, Elizabeth W. Son, Eric Southern, Jessica Thebus, Joel Valentín-Martínez, Ann E. Woodworth.

Patrick Finegan Releases New Novel TOYS IN BABYLON
by Blair Ingenthron - November 24, 2024

Patrick Finegan has announced the release of his new novel, Toys in Babylon: A Language App Parody and Whodunnit, a satire and murder mystery. Learn more about the novel here.

Liz Coin's LIZZY SUNSHINE Comes to Caveat in November
by Stephi Wild - October 27, 2024

Fresh off a sold-out run at The PIT (NYC) and the Center for Living Arts (IL), comedian and actor Liz Coin is bringing her solo show, Lizzy Sunshine, to Caveat on Monday, November 18th at 9:30pm.

THAT'S WEIRD, GRANDMA: A HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR! to Play The Neo-Futurist Theater in December
by Blair Ingenthron - October 02, 2024

PlayMakers Laboratory will welcome back its original sketch show That's Weird, Grandma: A Holiday Spectacular from December 12 – 15, 2024 at the Neo-Futurist Theater.

Goodman Theatre Welcomes Two New Fellows For 24/25 Season
by Stephi Wild - September 23, 2024

The Goodman Theatre has announced the addition of two outstanding artists to its fellowship programs for the 2024/2025 season: Tor Campbell and Raquel Torre. Both fellows bring exceptional talent, experience, and dedication to the arts, enriching the Goodman's artistic community.

by Blair Ingenthron - September 22, 2024

The Dolphin Show to Present 82nd Annual Production CINDERELLA
by Chloe Rabinowitz - September 20, 2024

The Dolphin Show at Northwestern University will present its 82nd production, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA. The nation's largest student-produced musical will take place this winter. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Seven Artists-in-Residence to Join Goodman Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - September 19, 2024

Goodman Theatre has welcomed seven early-career artists who will join the Theatre for its 99th season as directing fellows and playwrights-in-residence. Learn more about the artists!

The Sarah Siddons Society To Offer Ten Professional Development Grants
by Chloe Rabinowitz - July 02, 2024

The Sarah Siddons Society will offer ten professional development grants to support emerging artists in theater, providing opportunities for growth and advancement in their careers. Learn how to apply!

1619: THE JOURNEY OF A PEOPLE to Open Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre's 2024 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 07, 2024

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre's 2024 season of four productions will open with the original musical 1619: THE JOURNEY OF A PEOPLE. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

Roger Q. Mason's LAVENDER MEN To Receive Chicago Premiere With About Face Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - April 02, 2024

Experience the Chicago premiere of Roger Q. Mason's LAVENDER MEN presented by About Face Theatre. Learn when and where you can see the production, and learn how to purchase tickets.

Steven Sapp & Mildred Ruiz-Sapp Named as Speakers at the Jandon Business of the Arts Distinguished Lecture
by Chloe Rabinowitz - March 13, 2024

Performers Steven Sapp and Mildred Ruiz-Sapp will be the speakers at the Jandon Business of the Arts Distinguished Lecture, sharing their insights and experiences in the world of performing arts.

NORTH SHORE LIVE Opens in Chicago This Weekend
by Stephi Wild - March 13, 2024

North Shore Live – will run March 17- April 28, 2024. North Shore Live offers exciting offerings for all interests and ages.

Northwestern University to Celebrate THE MEE-OW SHOW 50th Anniversary
by Chloe Rabinowitz - March 11, 2024

Northwestern University will present a day-long celebration in honor of the fiftieth anniversary of The Mee-Ow Show. See when and where the show is taking place and learn

Music Theater Works Hosts Annual Producers Gala ALL THAT JAZZ in May
by Stephi Wild - March 01, 2024

Music Theater Works has announced its annual gala, the Producers Gala, All that Jazz, Saturday, May 11 at 6 p.m. Learn more about the event here!

Director Chosen for Beverly Theatre Guild's Production of GODSPELL; Plus Open Auditions Will Be Held
by Stephi Wild - February 06, 2024

The Beverly Theatre Guild has announced the selection of director to close its 61st season. Tor Campbell will bring to life a musically updated version of the 1970’s Broadway hit Godspell. Learn more about the show and find out how to audition here!

Past Student Productions

SHOW

THEATER

The Prom
(11/10/23 - 11/19/23)

Northwestern University

Marisol
(7/22/22 - 7/24/22)

Northwestern University

Men on Boats
(5/27/22 - 5/29/22)

Northwestern University

The Billboard
(6/23/22 - 5/17/22)

Abbott Hall at Northwestern University, 710 N. Lake Shore Drive in Chicago

Our New Town
(10/15/21 - 10/16/21)

Piven Theatre Workshop

Water by the Spoonful
(4/23/21 - 5/2/21)

Northwestern University