Visiting Artists
The School of Communication operates a flourishing visiting artists program. Each year, distinguished guests from the performing arts visit the school to share their knowledge and experience with students. Some visitors are former students who have gained national prominence as actors, directors, producers, designers, dancers, or musicians. Others are simply outstanding artists who are drawn to Northwestern because of the excellence of its reputation.
Department of Theatre visiting artists to date in 2007-2008:
Karen Aldridge played the title role in The Goodman's Theater's production of The Cook directed by Northwestern's own Henry Godinez. She also had the privilege of working with Peter Brook on his production of Le Costume which has toured at least 17 countries. She came to Northwestern to discuss her life in the theatre with Northwestern's faculty and students.
Erica Daniels from Steppenwolf lead a question and answer session regarding the school at Steppenwolf as well as a workshop on auditioning and casting. Alyson Roux, admissions director of the school at Steppenwolf was also present.
José Rivera, nominated for a 2005 Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for The Motorcycle Diaries, author of the Goodman Theatre's upcoming production of Massacre (Sing to Your Children), author of Marisol visited the campus for a Question and Answer session with Faculty and Students.
Ric Knowles, author of Reading the Material Theatre and The Theatre of Form and the Production of Meaning: Contemporary Canadian Dramaturgies, editor of Modern Drama: Defining the Field; Judith Thompson and Staging the Coyote's Dream: an Anthology of First Nations Drama in English led a workshop on Research Methodology.
Erica Lynn Schwartz, recent Northwestern graduate and New York-based Producer held a question and answer session for the Theatre Department's Professional Development Seminar Series.
Julieanne Ehre, the Artistic Director of Greasy Joan & Co., led conversation with Northwestern Students and faculty regarding Contemporary Adaptations and Productions of Classic Plays.
Claire Simon of Chicago's Claire Simon Casting led a question and answer session with faculty and students. Ms. Simon's recent projects include Mean Girls, Save the Last Dance, The Lake House, Prison Break and The OC, productions at the Guthrie Theatre and commercials for Disney World, McDonald's and MTV among many others...
Jenny Powers, star of Broadway's Little Women and the upcoming revival of Grease spoke with students about her post-Northwestern career.
Laura Linney, a leading lady of stage and screen, has been nominated for two Oscars, two Tony Awards and three Golden Globe Awards. She is the recipient of two Emmys, one for her guest starring role on Frasier and the other for the television drama Wild Iris. On Broadway, Ms. Linney played Elizabeth Proctor opposite Liam Neeson in The Crucible. Other Broadway credits include Hedda Gabbler, The Seagull, Six Degrees of Separation, Sight Unseen and Holiday. In the Fall of 2007, Ms. Linney had a conversation with Northwestern Faculty and students.
Northwestern hosted a Professional Playwriting panel discussion with Dennis Zacek of Victory Gardens Theater, Steve Scott of the Goodman Theater, Rob Koon of Chicago Dramatists, Rosie Forest of Northlight Theater and professional playwrights Mia McCullough and Ailine Lathrop.
