Abstract Maher Ahmad (B.A. 71, M.F.A. 74) is a highly successful production designer who has worked in theater, television, and film from Chicago to New York City to Hollywood.  The Maher Ahmad Papers consist of material relating to his early life and general education, but primarily focuses on his work as a designer for the theater.  The bulk of the collection is production design materials including set, lighting, and costume designs.  Ahmad's teaching notes for the numerous theatre-related classes...

Abstract

The Papers of Bud Beyer, NU alumnus and long-time (1972-2008) faculty member at NU's School of Communication, include biographical files, teaching materials, professional activities, and shows. The bulk of the collection consists of  notes, scripts and clippings from Beyer's work as a mime instructor and from theatrical productions he directed.

Abstract Professor Robert S. Breen joined the faculty of the Northwestern University in 1947. Professor Breen’s distinguished academic career included his originating and refining the concept of Chamber Theatre. Chamber Theatre, now widely known and used, permitted the dramatic presentation of fiction and non-fiction without the artificial elimination of the narrator which more traditional dramatizations required. Readers' Theatre, the ensemble presentation of dramatic literature, were also a...

Abstract

The records of the Children's Theatre of Evanston (Illinois) date from 1925 to 1986, with the bulk of the records falling between 1957 and 1986. The records are concerned with administration, education, fundraising, and production. They document the Theatre's changing relationships with Northwestern University and School District 65; the practice of Winifred Ward's drama education theory at public schools in Evanston; and Theatre performances between 1925 and 1986.

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James F. Coakley joined Northwestern University's theatre faculty as Assistant Professor of Theatre in 1971.  The James F. Coakley Papers, spanning the years from 1960 through 1993, comprise three boxes and are arranged in seven sub-series: biographical materials, education, scripts, publications, research, correspondence, and scrapbooks.

Abstract Lilla Heston was a professor in the Interpretation Department of the School of Speech at Northwestern University. She was a prolific author, editor, and performer, focusing on drama and the interpretation of literature. She wrote numerous articles and reviews relating to literature and performance, edited textbooks on drama, and adapted, directed, and performed in scores of stage productions throughout her career. The Lilla Heston papers are arranged into the following subseries:...

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The papers of costume designer Virgil Johnon, Northwestern University alumnus and faculty member in the School of Communication (1969-2007), include biographical and teaching files as well as costume and stage sketches and production material.

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The papers of Charlotte I. Lee (Ph.D., Northwestern University, 1945; member of the University's Department of Interpretation faculty, 1945-1974) consist of biographical materials, correspondence dating from 1960-1986, publication and lecture materials, course grades and Northwestern University alumni fundraising records. Biographical materials, correspondence, and publications and lecture materials comprise the bulk of the collection.

Abstract The Lee Mitchell Papers consist of a variety of materials which reflect his activities as an educator, stage designer, author, and director of theater productions. The collection materials related to the plays directed by Mitchell as well as biographical materials. The most comprehensive and significant component of the collection consists of a variety of materials relating to 28 plays which Mitchell directed between 1946 and 1971. The quantity and quality of the notes for each production...

Abstract

The Piven Theatre Workshop, a theatre educational center and professional theatre company in Evanston, Illinois, was founded by Joyce and Byrne Piven. The Records include the Piven Theatre Company’s production and events files, photographs, teaching materials, public relations material, Joyce Piven’s subject files, audiovisual recordings, project grant files, and posters.

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This series is comprised of the administrative records of the Theatre Department of Northwestern University's School of Speech. The series, mainly comprised of departmental correspondence and a few subject files, spans the years from 1950 through 1977.

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Teacher, critic, and parodist Walter B. Scott taught Dramatic Literature in Northwestern's School of Speech (now the School of Communication) from 1939-1976. His Papers document his life, teaching career, and writings. A highlight of the collection is Scott's engagement with a vibrant group of colleagues.

Abstract The Anne H. Thurman taught in the Evanston, Illinois public schools. She served on the faculty of New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois. Thurman took an active and varied role over many years in the promotion of drama in Evanston schools and in the Children's Theatre of Evanston. Thurman lectured part-time at Northwestern in 1968–1969 and joined the regular faculty in 1971 as an associate professor of dramatic production. She attained the rank of professor in 1975. The Anne H. Thurman...

Abstract

Louann K. Hurter attended Northwestern University where she took a bachelor of science degree in 1949 and a master of arts degree in 1951; both degrees were in Speech. The Louann Hurter Van Zelst papers fill one box and are comprised mainly of course materials relating to her studies in dramatic production at Northwestern.

Abstract Winifred Louise Ward began her studies as an undergraduate student at Northwestern University's Cumnock School of Oratory. After two years of directing plays and declamation contests, and teaching grade school she attended the University of Chicago. She received her Ph.D. in education in 1918. Soon after, Ward was asked to teach at Northwestern University's School of Oratory and that year began as an instructor and assistant professor, a career which was to last until her retirement in 1950....