Updated, Feb. 6
Picture this: the weekend is fast approaching and you’re looking for the ever-elusive “something to do.” You’ve seen everything at Century 12 Evanston (even the CineArts stuff) and it’s just too cold to brave the commute to Chicago. Before you complain that there’s nothing to do, consider these two words: student theater.
Northwestern has one of the most vibrant theatrical communities in the state of Illinois, nay, the country, nay, the world. Northwestern puts on more theatrical productions annually than there are states in the U.S.A., with more than 40 in the Theatre and Interpretation Center (the academic hub of Northwestern’s theater and dance classes) alone, not to mention the numerous productions performed by various student groups on campus. That’s more than at some of the most well-known theater conservatories at colleges such as Carnegie Mellon (16 theatrical events in its season according to the 2008-09 season posted on its Web site) and the University of Michigan (five main stage shows and five student shows annually according to their drama major Web site). Clearly, Northwestern dominates student theater.
So stop complaining, because with all of the fun productions going on this quarter, you won’t even need to leave Evanston (which is nice when it’s so cold you don’t even want to shower for fear of feeling that slight breeze in the hallway). This winter quarter, there are 23 opportunities to feed your creative side and see a really great piece of theater, and there is a show to go to almost every week. So here it is, your “Idiot’s Guide” to all of the theatrical events occurring this winter at Northwestern. Go forth and be theater-y.
Due to an editing error, a draft version of this was published which contained errors, which have since been corrected. North By Northwestern regrets the error.
Update, Feb. 6: This piece has been updated to include three more shows: The Normal Heart, The Vagina Monologues and Twelfth Night.
Correction, Feb. 8: An earlier version of this piece incorrectly identified the grade of Cephalopod’s director, Emily Anderson. She is a sophomore, not a junior.
Correction, March 3: An earlier version of this piece incorrectly identified the grade of The Pinball’s director, Kelby Siddons. She is a junior, not a senior.
Dear North by Northwestern Editorial Staff.
I absolutely loved this article. The writer is not only talented, but entertaining to read and enlightening. I thought the content was so thoroughly researched and easy to access. I just loved it and I look forward to seeing many, many more of this writer’s byline in the future.
Thanks so much,
Mindy Greene
(Mother of the aforementioned byline author).
Mindy Greene
January 21, 2009 at 4:09 pm
to the theater going community at NU,
i’ve been hearing lots of great things about the all freshman production of SubUrbia. the play itself is perfectly suited for 18-22 year olds, and apparently there are lots of dramatic fireworks to accompany the explosive acting. i’m definitely going to check it out, and as an upperclassman, i’m very much looking forward to seeing what the freshman class can pull together.
Anonymous Thespian
January 21, 2009 at 7:08 pm
The play “Bent,” by Martin Sherman, is actually being produced by the Jewish Theatre Ensemble and will be held in Shanley Pavilion. Come and see it! Same dates and times, but it’s actually 5$ instead of 10. And if you come Thursday with your DM Dance Partner, it’ll be 5$ for the two of you!
Douglas Hosking
January 21, 2009 at 8:06 pm
Can you please add “The Vagina Monologues” to this list? It’s going up February 27 at 8:00 and February 28 at 8:00 and 10:00 in Ryan Auditorium (Tech). It’s going to be AWESOME!
Jenna Troum
January 21, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Danceworks is being performed in the Louis Theatre in the Theatre and Interpretation Center. The shows are Friday, February 27 and March 6 at 8pm, Saturday, February 28 and March 7 at 8pm, Sunday, March 1 and 8 at 2pm, and Thursday, March 5 at 8pm.
Kate
January 21, 2009 at 9:53 pm
What a great resource! Could you make this a regular section of NBN, updated every quarter?
Ben
January 22, 2009 at 1:30 am
Word, this is a wildly useful resource. Way to rep the theatre, and create something to combat my poor organizational skills and dwindling social life. Bookmark’d!
Ned
January 22, 2009 at 2:14 am
Thanks for the great resource, Hannah!
Please add Twelfth Night at Chapin to the list — contact us at TwelfthNightatChapin@gmail.com for the relevant information.
Rachel
January 22, 2009 at 2:21 am
The show The Normal Heart, produced by Spectrum Theatre Company, will also be going up Feb. 19-21.
Thanks.
Max
January 22, 2009 at 11:26 am
This is an AMAZING resource! Even as a theatre major, I’ve found it hard to keep track of which shows go up each weekend. Please keep this feature around.
Tori Bryan
January 25, 2009 at 10:59 am
I second what Ben wrote. Please^1000, do this every quarter!
Please do this every quarter
January 25, 2009 at 11:38 am
Do this every quarter for sure!! I love it! =]=]
Emma
January 30, 2009 at 5:45 pm
This is a great resource. I saw the Yellow Boat today and happened on this site doing some research on the play. I’ve got this bookmarked now so i can follow what’s coming up and go see more theatre at NW. Thanks. Any plans to reprise The Yellow Boat.
Andrew Nebel
February 1, 2009 at 2:44 am
It is good to see posts that give truly quality information. Great post.
Hemophilia
February 19, 2009 at 2:46 am
We need this for Spring Quarter! Come on, NBN, do it to it!
Ned
April 15, 2009 at 1:06 am