Robert Mendel

Meow Show and NU Student Theater

My History of Arts Alliance Story from the Spring of 1980 for Quaecumque Quarterly - published by the NU Chaplain’s Office out of Alice Millar Chapel 

A History of Arts Alliance - Quaecumque Spring, 1980 - Pg 1                                                      -mendel.locations.org/artsalliance:files/179099

A History of Arts Alliance - Quaecumque Spring, 1980 - Pg 2                                                      - mendel.locations.org/artsalliance:files/179098

A History of Arts Alliance - Quaecumque Spring, 1980 - Pg 3                                                      - mendel.locations.org/artsalliance:files/179100

Facebook:   The Very Popular NU Theater Alumni Facebook Group (1.1k members), with a Facebook “timeline” and abundant “Albums” of pictures and ephemera. Limited to Alums who graduated before 1995. (Administrator approval required to join)

NU Student Theater, Mee-Ow, etc: 

* My personal website page about Student Theater, Mee-Ow, etc.

*My personal website album with pictures of the NU Theater Facebook Group’s “Album” contents.

*This document in the “DEEP DIVE” folder and other Student Theater Arts Alliance Ephemera

*”Renovate Shanley Hall?” - My personal website folder with my original letters of inquiry and a history of Theater, Facilities, & Performing Organizations at NU.

* ‘If Northwestern were to capitulate to the Trump administration, its independent student theater and comedy tradition could be affected?’ - My personal website folder with press articles and AI generated screen grabs about this pressing issue and related subjects.

* My Facebook pages for shows I Produced at Arts Alliance - 1976-1980:

HAiR - October 6-9, 1977 - Rehearsed in Shanley Hall. Performed in The Louis Room, Norris Center

Of Mice & Men May 18, 19, 20 & 21, 1978 Mc Cormick Auditorium Norris Center Arts Alliance

The Runner Stumbles Feb. 22,23, 24 & 25, 1979 The Louis Room Arts Alliance

Threepenny Opera - NU Arts Alliance 5-15-thru 18-1980 - Photography by Anne Fishbein Listen to the complete recording done at the pick Staiger concert hall June 6 1980 on Soundcloud! https://on.soundcloud.com/KIOgfsRpRzU2lWgKcV

Arts Alliance Miscellaneous ephemera - 1975-1980

 * My appreciation pages:                                       -Roy Hine - Set Designer Dolphin Show 1978 & others -https://www.facebook.com/groups/141089182723959                                                                           - Dwight Conquergood -Associate Professor, Ethnographer -  Department of Interpretation- https://www.facebook.com/groups/10041705301

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BOOK ABOUT THE HISTORY OF MEE-OW:            - The Mee-Ow Show at 50: From Cultural Rebellion to Comedy Institution - The fifty-year history of the Mee-Ow Show at Northwestern University and its influence on contemporary comedy.                                            -The fifty-year history of the Mee-Ow Show at Northwestern University and its influence on contemporary comedy.                   --  In the fall of 1973, two students at Northwestern University resolved to create something on stage that was wholly their own. Soon, they would be joined by a cohort of performers, musicians, and staff, and the resulting production would go on to launch the careers of scores of entertainment professionals, including some of the most well-known and awarded names in comedy today. This book is not only an account of the rebellious fifty-year history of the Mee-Ow Show, now the longest-running student sketch comedy and improv show in the country, but also its far-reaching influence. The storied group’s alumni include such household names as Craig Bierko, Ana Gasteyer, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, John Cameron Mitchell, Dermot Mulroney, Seth Meyers, and Kristen Schaal.  Based on more than a hundred new interviews with group members, presenting their words alongside never-before-published photographs and ephemera, The Mee-Ow Show at 50 provides a chronicle of the last half-century of the American undergraduate experience—and reveals how, from New York to Los Angeles, contemporary comedy can trace its roots to an upstart student production in Evanston, Illinois. - Joseph B. Redding (author) - Book Promo

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Meow Show Youtube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheMee-OwShow

youtu.be/MA2dnvjARrg?si=Z0d8xhm4Y5G_kGAT

MeeOw Show 50th Panel discussion https://mee-owshow.com/past-shows/

Mee-Show Fest: "The History of The Mee-Ow Show" - https://youtu.be/ey2oDecHnS8?si=or4DufJ7GYkEOUgd

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mee-Ow_Show

The Mee-Ow Show Alumni Group on Facebook 

Mee-Ow celebrates 40 years of improv, sketch comedy

Mee-Ow, The Funniest Show You’ve Never Heard Of

Movie - (In fundraising stage) - Celebrate 50 years of Northwestern University’s improv/comedy show, giving rise to performers like Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Seth Meyers, and Ana Gasteyer! -  www.atomic-focus.com/mee-ow-documentary

Broadway World: Northwestern University to Celebrate THE MEE-OW SHOW 50th Anniversary - The event will take place on Saturday, April 6 at McCormick Auditorium on the university's Evanston campus.   Northwestern Alumni on Instagram announcing Mee-Ow 50th Celebration

--------------------------------                                       AFTER MEEOW IN THE '70s:                              Paul Barrosse - Mee-Ow Castmember 1977-1980 and writer on SNL - & -  Dana Olsen - Mee-Ow Show cast member and director.         - Studio5 film series hosted by Northwestern alum                                                                              - The Vic & Paul & Dana Show                               - Visit “Mr. Olsen’s Neighborhood”!                     - The legendary Practical Theatre gang — most of it — is back on a comedy stage in Evanston - By RICK KOGAN |  | Chicago Tribune - UPDATED: December 27, 2022 at 5:51 PM CST                                                                          - Its Weird and It’s Going To Get Weirder A Q&A With The Practical Theatre Company/.     

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NOTABLE ALUMNI  WHO DID STUDENT THEATER AND COMEDY:

IMDB List: Northwestern University Arts/Entertainment (Theatre, TV & Film)

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Stephen Colbert 

Seth Meyers 

Robin Thede 

Craig Bierko

Ana Gasteyer

John Cameron Mitchell

Dermot Mulroney

Gregg Edelman

Brian D’Arcy James

Kate Shindle (S99)

Russell Arden Koplin (S99)

Kate Baldwin (S97),

Heather Headley

Kim Varhola (S98)

Mark Hoebee (S82)

Richard Kind

Mark Ledbetter

Randy Meyer (S97)

Willis White

Kristen Schaal

David Schwimmer

Michael Schneider 

Laura Innes

Clancy Brown

Richard Kind

Robert Knepper

Megan Mullaly

Paul Barrosse

Brad Hall

Northwestern Magazine - Fall 2023 - The ’Cats’ Mee-Ow

The Mee-Ow Show, which began in the mid-1970s as a rebellion, celebrates a half-century as a campus institution and launching pad for comedic stars.

Lifelong Links to Northwestern:

#1 - From left, Rush Pearson ’80, Gary Kroeger ’81, Brad Hall ’80, Julia Louis-Dreyfus ’83, ’07 H and Paul Barrosse ’80, ’13 P at CrossCurrents in Chicago, a nightclub and coffeehouse where the group rehearsed for the Golden 50th Anniversary Jubilee, with Pearson as a special guest.

#2 - Julia Louis-Dreyfus and friends Diane Singer ’83, middle, and Paula Kaplan ’83

#3 - Julia Louis-Dreyfus with, from left, Paul Barrosse, Rush Pearson and Rod McLachlan ’82, cast members in the 1980 Mee-Ow Show, Ten Against the Empire

#4 - From left, Gary Kroeger, Brad Hall, Paul Barrosse (on Hall’s shoulders) and Julia Louis-Dreyfus outside of Piper’s Alley in Chicago.

#5 - After being hired for Saturday Night Live, the Practical Theatre Company performed five encore shows of its Golden 50th Anniversary Jubilee in December 1982 and January 1983 at Piper’s Alley theater in Chicago - 

Northwestern Magazine - Fall 2012 - WILLARD RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE - “Some famous “Woo-shack” residents include comedian Stephen Colbert (C86), actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus (C83, H07) and Saturday Night Live writer Seth Meyers (C96).”

City of Stars: Producer Jordan Horowitz rises to new heights with ‘La La Land’ fame - 

dailynorthwestern.com/2017/02/23/ae/city-of-stars-producer-jordan-horowitz-rises-to-new-heights-with-la-la-land-fame

‘Late Night’ host reflects on Northwestern experiences, writing satire in current political climate  - Seth Meyers

Seth Meyers on Instagram on Mee-Ow Reunion

Seth Meyers on Auditioning (Repeatedly) for his College Improv Troupe (Oct. 21, 2015) | Charlie Rose

Before he was an SNL writer or Late Night Host, Seth Meyers was a student at Northwestern who just wanted to get into "Meow."

Late Nights, Day Drinking, and Closer Looks with SETH MEYERS | ATX TV Festival - Seth talks about seeing Mee-Ow the first time. 

Northwestern Magazine Spring 2008 - The Good Humor Man - Head writer and 'Weekend Update' anchor Seth Meyers brings funny back to Saturday Night Live.

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THEATER LINKS:

mendel.locations.org/artsalliance

mendel.locations.org/artsalliance/browse/history-of-theater-facilities-performing-organizations-etc-at-nu

StuCo - All Things Student Theatre at Northwestern - This website was created as the one-stop-shop for all things student theatre at Northwestern! You can find information about what’s going on during the week, auditions, resources, and past productions. The goal is to provide current students with support while also serving as a place where former students can see their work.

STUCO - on Instagram - Northwestern Student Theater Coalition

THE NU GUIDE TO STUDENT THEATER - The Daily Northwestern - The official nyou guide to student theater

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theatre_%26_Interpretation_Center - Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts

wirtz.northwestern.edu

wirtz.northwestern.edu/2025-2026-season

https://www.instagram.com/wirtzcenter/

wirtz.northwestern.edu/flexpass

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northwestern.edu/magazine/fall2012/feature/whats-in-a-name-sidebar/shanley-hall.html - How Shanley Hall was named

sceneandheardnu.com/content/2023/1/25/solving-shanley-the-hub-of-northwesterns-student-theatre-needs-some-tlc - Solving Shanley: The Hub of Northwestern’s Student Theatre Needs Some TLC - January 2023

Some Recent Plays In Shanley Hall: Into The Woods - 2022 - October 6-8 (the “Golden Dates” we used to call the 1st Weekend of October!)

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facebook.com/groups/515300498868591/media/albums -- NU Theater Facebook Page Photo Albums - Private Facebook Group - Administrators’ approval required to join this group and view this link.

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The StuCo (Student Theater Collective) - Eleven campus theatre boards — plus two dance groups — belong to an umbrella organization called the Student Theatre Coalition, or StuCo. Each board puts on a few shows per year — typically one per quarter. Any student interested in acting can audition for these shows, and students interested in arts administration and production logistics can petition to join an executive board. Many students do both. 

Each member group adheres to a theme or specific mission, from Lovers and Madmen’s classical theme to Vertigo Productions’ focus on new works to Lipstick Theatre’s feminism. 

StuCo also includes theatre boards Arts Alliance, Jewish Theatre Ensemble, Vibrant Colors Collective (VC2) , Purple Crayon Players, Sit & Spin Productions, Spectrum Theatre Company and WAVE Productions, as well as dance groups Boomshaka and Tonik Tap.

The Dolphin Show 

The largest student-produced musical in the country, the Dolphin Show puts on a full-length, often well-known musical each winter. The group’s name comes from its 1939 origins in the pool as a fundraiser for the men’s swim team.

Griffin’s Tale brings children’s imaginations to life on stage. The group accepts story submissions from local schools and chooses a few to adapt and perform on an elementary school tour. They also host on-campus shows in the fall and spring. 

Seesaw Theatre  - Seesaw Theatre creates highly interactive productions for the disabled community and autistic individuals. The group focuses on sensory-based theatre experiences and recently partnered with Chicago Public Schools to expand public theatre. 

TBD  - This neo-Futurist group produces quarterly shows of short, nonfiction — or non-illusory — plays meant to create emotional whiplash and promise the audience total honesty.

The Panini Players  - 18th-century Italian theatre form “Commedia dell’Arte” influences each Panini Players production. They perform in bubonic plague-like masks as a cast of archetypal characters and serve paninis on the side at each performance. 

Vibrant Colors Collective  - Founded in April, VC2 is NU’s only multicultural theatre board. As they begin to create productions this academic year, its founders and board members will aim to give a voice to the historically silenced. 

Guide to Northwestern Theatre

The Waa-Mu Show  - Created entirely by students from the first brainstorm to the final bow, members of the show’s board, cast and crew write and produce an original musical each year. This past spring, “A Peculiar Inheritance” portrayed a mystery and the race to solve it. The Waa-Mu Show is the only student group that works in collaboration with the Wirtz Center.                                              - The Waa-Mu Show website: https://www.waamushow.org/                             - The Waa-Mu Show- Faculty Mentors.                 - “The Waa-Mu Show to return with four musicals among other changes to NU’s longest theatrical tradition” -February 24, 2025  - The Daily Northwestern.                      The Waa-Mu Show History: https://www.waamushow.org/history                - https://wirtz.northwestern.edu/waa-mu-show/

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The Jewish Theatre Ensemble - NORTHWESTERN STUDENTS MAKING THEATRE THAT IS SPECIFICALLY JEWISH AND UNIVERSALLY HUMAN!

The Arts Alliance  - As NU’s oldest student theatre group, this organization centers on accessible, relatable art. It brings three mainstage shows to life each year.   Distinguishing characteristic: They are the umbrella organization for acapella group 

Thunk, (THUNK a cappella is Northwestern's oldest a cappella group. THUNK is co-ed, comprised of about 18 to 20 members year to year, and entirely student directed and produced. The group has at least two concerts on campus annually, performs at special events around the Chicago area and takes a trip to Cape Town, South Africa every other winter. THUNK a cappella was initially and formally known as "Melodious Thunk," created in 1993 as a play on words from the name of American jazz pianist and composer Thelonious Monk, who is considered one of the giants of American music. Since then, the name's become the short and sweet version it is today: THUNK.)

Graffiti Dancers - Contemporary Dance Company at Northwestern University

The Dolphin Show - America’s Largest Student Produced Musical! - The Dolphin Show at Northwestern University is a non-profit student theatre organization that annually produces the largest student-produced musical in the country. It celebrates the diverse talents of the Northwestern undergraduate community by providing opportunities to learn and excel in all artistic and administrative fields. The Dolphin Show presents a professional-caliber production, while involving the community through outreach.    Each winter, The Dolphin Show puts on the largest student-produced musical in the country. Fun fact: famous actors who attended NU, including David Schwimmer (Communication ʼ88) and Warren Beatty, performed for this production during their time at the University. - All About The Dolphin Show -  NU STUDENT THEATER SITE - THE DOLPHIN SHOW - On Instagram - Wikipedia - The DS Youtube Channel - On Facebook - 

Spectrum - Spectrum Theatre Company is dedicated to empowering the greater Northwestern community by raising awareness, inspiring dialogue, and affecting change through theatrical experiences based on relevant social and political issues. Through these theatrical productions, Spectrum aims to uplift underrepresented narratives across all races, genders, abilities, sexualities, and classes. - On Instagram

Lipstick  -Lipstick Theatre is a student-run theatre organization at Northwestern University dedicated to intersectional feminism. We stand firmly in our commitment to create space for folks with marginalized gender identities to share their stories through performance on Northwestern’s campus. Further, we unequivocally believe that Black Lives Matter and work to affirm BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), trans, queer, disabled, and neurodivergent folks by amplifying stories that feature people who hold intersecting identities. We acknowledge both the physical ground we stand on as the original homeland of the Council of Three Fires (Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa) as well as the symbolic foundation created by countless who came before us and paved the way for our art to be made possible. -                        Love and lingerie: Lipstick Burlesque empowers performers through dance - Daily Northwestern Story.                                                 - Lipstick Theatre brings feminist performance to campus - Daily Northwestern Story -   On Instagram 

Purple Crayon Players - Purple Crayon Players is a student-run theatre and community service organization. Based out of Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, Purple Crayon Players produces professionally written theatre for young audiences within our mainstage season, as well as special projects and events by, with, and for youth. Read more about us, get in touch, or explore our extensive education resources on our website!  - NU STUDENT THEATER SITE -“The Purple Crayon Players is a student-run theatre company on the Northwestern University campus committed to creating high quality productions, events, and educational materials regarding all aspects of theatre for young audiences. Purple Crayon Players believes that audience of all ages can appreciate, be inspired by, and grow through exposure to this unique art form.    We produce a mainstage season of professionally written works for young audiences, while also sponsoring high quality outreach events, educational events, and special projects for audiences of all ages both on campus and in the outlying community. These events support the mainstage season, as well as explore other aspects of theatre, community service, and learning.   Purple Crayon Players feels that making theatre more accessible, in large part through our touring show as well as through events during our season, is a necessary aspect of producing theatre for young audiences. We strive to include diverse opinions, cultures, events, and voices in our season in order to adequately reflect the diverse world that our audiences and artists come from.  Furthermore, Purple Crayon Players understands the importance of training the future leaders of the TYA field, and strives to provide Northwestern University students with opportunities to direct, produce, design, perform, teach, and explore new ways of expanding the field both on campus and at large.“   -  Tyler Guinto-Brody takes his talents and dreams from Broadway to Shanley - Daily Northwestern Story

Lovers & Madmen - Lovers & Madmen is a student theatre group at Northwestern University that produces a full season of classical and classically-inspired works each year. We seek to serve the NU, Evanston, and Chicago communities with our Mainstage season, as well as other smaller-scale productions, readings, and events. We are also committed to outreach, educational programming, and keeping in touch with our alumni. -  Student body weighs impact to Black community, controversy over racial slur as Lovers & Madmen cancels final ‘Assassins’ shows. - Daily Northwestern story.            Lovers & Madmen promises a killer show with ‘Assassins’ - Daily Northwestern story                - On Instagram 

WAVE Productions - WAVE Productions (WAVE) is a self-supporting, not-for-profit student theatre company operating primarily on Northwestern University’s Evanston Campus. WAVE Productions exists to open the door to a better future. We strive to produce stories the campus needs by empowering our peer collaborators in pursuit of their passions and growth.  To fulfill its responsibility to the Northwestern University campus and surrounding communities, WAVE sets for itself the following objectives:                              –    To sustain and nourish a dynamic and progressive presence on campus in large part by fostering a diverse theatrical season.                                   –    To provide an environment in which students can educate and empower themselves and others through the art and business of theatre.    –    To create a supportive community and provide a safe environment in which creativity can flourish.     –    To encourage ongoing exploration, discovery, and reflection through theatre.       –    To engage and provoke response within our communities by striving to produce stories the campus needs to hear.                      –    To inspire new theatre artists and audiences.                                                                    - WAVE Directors’ Festival presents plays from first-time directors, lets ‘underdogs’ shine-  Daily Northwestern story                          - A different kind of show: The Supper Club brings first interactive dining experience to StuCo community - Daily Northwestern story

Vibrant Colors Collective (VC2) - At VC², we color OUTSIDE the lines: Vibrant Colors Collective—or VC2 for short—is a Northwestern theater organization that strives to approach and produce theatre rough a multicultural lens. We are devoted entirely to producing theater for the communities that have been historically silenced—not just at Northwestern, but in the theater community as a whole. We prioritize our community first, and the wellbeing of our collaborators to ensure their success when working with our team. - On Instagram - 

The Freshman Musical - On Instagram - On Facebook - The Freshman Musical is Northwestern’s annual tradition providing barrier-free opportunities for first-year students to engage with theatre. All roles, from directors to producers to designers to cast are all filled by freshmen. Regardless of a student’s major or experience level, we look to find a place for them in this process so they are able to engage with their passion for theater, and gain skills both on and offstage. The name explains it all. This all-freshman group spends the academic year planning, marketing, casting and rehearsing a musical that goes up during Spring Quarter. This past year, the show was a modern take on “Heathers: The Musical.”  - The Freshman Musical opens opportunities for first-years - Daily Northwestern story

Griffin’s Tale Children’s Theatre Repertory Company - Griffin’s Tale Children’s Theater Repertory Company has been bringing the creative stories of children to life for 35 years.  Griffin's Tale is Northwestern University's only children's repertory theatre company!

 Each year, Griffin's Tale adapts stories written by Chicagoland elementary school children into songs, sketches, and dances.  They then perform them for the authors and their peers, as well as for the Northwestern community!  Griffin's Tale was founded on Northwestern's campus in 1990.  It began as an evening of students reading children's stories.  Since then, Griffin's Tale has traveled to over 30 schools, performing stories for students from kindergarten to middle school, encouraging imagination and creativity. - On Instagram - On Facebook - 

Griffin’s Tale brings children’s imaginations to life - Daily Northwestern Story

The Tale Continues: Griffin’s Tale Celebrates 35 Years! - Northwestern Giving

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THE NU COMEDY SCENE:  Comedy and improv groups.  Adjacent to the theatre scene, NU has an active comedy and improv scene. Some notable groups include Mee-Ow Improv and Sketch Comedy with alumni such as Seth Meyers and Julia Louis-Dreyfus; No Fun Mud Piranhas, NU’s only audition-free improv group and Out Da Box, a multicultural comedy group which aims to bring its comedy to all students and push social and political boundaries. --- 

The Bix - On Instagram - On Facebook - On X - On Weekly - The Bix is NU’s only musical improv group. Once a quarter, The Bix ensemble takes the stage to improvise anything from music-imbued scenes to full-length, on-the-spot musicals driven by audience suggestions. Even if singing isn’t your thing, The Bix is open to aspiring performers of all musical abilities (or lack thereof).

The Blackout - The Blackout combines “Saturday Night Live”-esque sketch comedy with the late-night variety show format a la Jimmy Kimmel. With a cast and crew of more than 100 students, the group has a place for anyone from comedians and writers to lighting and camera experts. The Blackout was also honored in 2019 with a College Television Award (known as the “College Emmys”) for its short-form parody segment, the “Quarter Update.”

Mee-Ow - Mee-Ow has long held the reputation of being one of NU’s most prestigious and selective student comedy groups, boasting an impressive roster of alumni that spans from Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Communication ’83) to Seth Meyers (Communication ’96). Founded in 1974, Mee-Ow produces two shows each Winter Quarter that feature a mix of improv and sketch comedy — supported by a live band — in the storied Shanley Pavilion.   Improv troupe Mee-ow - (Founded in 1974 as an act of comedic rebellion, The Mee-Ow Show began as an alternative to traditional campus productions. Over the years, it has become the longest-running college improv comedy show in America, pushing boundaries and redefining what student comedy can be. With new casts and fresh ideas each year, The Mee-Ow Show continues to surprise and delight audiences, staying true to its roots of innovation and spontaneity)

No Fun Mud Piranhas, Northwestern’s only audition-free improv group, returns -Daily Northwestern Story-  No Fun Mud Piranhas is NU’s only audition-free improv group. While the group has faded and reappeared several times over the years (it was most recently revived last year after a pandemic lull), its alumni roster rivals those of more well-known comedy groups on campus, with names like David Schwimmer (Communication ’88) and Stephen Colbert (Communication ’86). The group meets weekly with periodic performances. - No Fun Mud Piranhas (Picture including Stephen Colbert, David Schwimmer) 

Northwestern Sketch Comedy Television (NSTV) - NSTV is the University’s premier sketch comedy group. Comprised of over sixty students, NSTV students write, direct, shoot, edit, promote, and act in their own sketches throughout the year. In addition to making content for the Internet and our annual premiere, NSTV produces two live comedy shows on campus, organizes educational comedy workshops/speaker events and produces an annual video for Dance Marathon, Northwestern’s largest philanthropic organization. -  Northwestern Sketch Television writes, directs, shoots and produces sketches throughout the year that it promotes on YouTube and social media. NSTV screens all its sketches at its annual premiere and hosts two live comedy shows each year.   - On Instagram - The NSTV Youtube Channel - On LinkedIn

Out Da Box, NU’s multicultural sketch comedy and improv group. 

Specializing in improv and sketch comedy, Out Da Box focuses specifically on creating a space for students of color and marginalized identities in the comedy community. The multicultural comedy group aims to push social and political boundaries with its content, which is featured most prominently in ODB’s popular spring show.

On Facebook: facebook.com/odbcomedy

It was born out of the African-American Theater Ensemble on campus in the ’80s.

Avery: Finding a Home at Out Da Box Comedy - Posted on July 30, 2018 by Admissions Blog

Radius Theater - (formerly called Voz) is dedicated to creating theatrical opportunities for and amplifying the voices of students of color.

The Titanic Players - The Titanic Players is one of NU’s most competitive improv groups, specializing in long-form comedy. A mainstay of the comedy scene on campus since 1994, Titanic performs monthly and regularly ventures into Chicago for shows at The Comedy Clubhouse. The group has also competed (and won) several times at the National College Improv Tournament. - On Instagram - On Facebook 

Sit & Stand-Up - Sit & Stand-Up is NU’s longest-running stand-up show. An offshoot of Sit & Spin Productions, a student group focused on unconventional theatre performances, Sit & Stand Up puts on several shows a year highlighting its student comics. - On Instagram

The Set-Up - Founded with the goal of creating a barrier-free stand-up comedy space on campus, The Set-Up does not require auditions to join, and it hosts weekly workshops to provide feedback to comedians of all experience levels. The Set-Up has shows every other week and a rehearsed showcase with more experienced performers at the end of each quarter.

BIPOC comedy at NU (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) - BIPOC students and alumni spread joy and express themselves through comedy - Daily Northwestern Story

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STORIES:

Student artists of color talk stereotypes and navigating challenges in the arts, from comedy to set design - The Daily northwestern 

Refresh Dance Crew

A guide to Northwestern’s vibrant comedy scene

- the Daily Northwestern

Opening the curtains on how to join Northwestern theatre groups-Daily Northwestern Story 

The ins and outs of making it — or breaking it — in Northwestern’s comedy scene - The Daily Northwestern story

An industry of swiss army  - knives: Students reflect Northwestern’s comedy scene - The Daily Northwestern story

Northwestern Magazine - Spring 2018 - NU: CRADLE OF COMEDIANS - With the University's strengths in theater, communications, journalism and political science, plus its proximity to Chicago comedy clubs, Northwestern provides the right mix for aspiring comedians.

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Catalyzer, Northwestern’s official crowdfunding platform, has helped student organizations successfully reach their fundraising goals

Eight New Student-Led Fundraising Projects Are Live on Catalyzer

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NORRIS

Norris Tech Services (in partnership with StuCo) has recently purchased a stock of new lighting and sound equipment, with the intention of renting it to student orgs (for much cheaper than external rental companies, woohoo!!).

Find the Norris Tech Services equipment form here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/f5b1b4002faa434783ae6ff19e6172e6

 StuCo shows will get priority in reservation over other student groups (dance, comedy, etc.), but you must submit this form as soon as possible, after your 6-week PSV Pre-Production Meeting to ensure your show's needs can be met as effectively as possible

 For shows whose 6-week pre-pro has already passed, NTS will still honor your rental but please submit the form as soon as possible

All inventory and pricing is shown in the form. This form is still a work in progress, so please be in contact with Norris Tech Services (aaron.meister@northwestern.edu) about any issues that come up

For weeks with overlapping StuCo productions, it is assumed that all applicable equipment will be rented 50/50 between the two shows. Please communicate with the fellow producer(s) of any overlapping shows as early, openly and clearly as possible about your design needs to ensure all shows have fair access to this equipment

 Make sure to include the StuCo Equipment Managers and Norris Tech Services in that communication so that we can assist in negotiations and finding compromises

   NOTE: All Norris Tech rentals (not counting those for productions inside the Norris Center) must be picked up & returned in a UHaul, with ratchet straps to ensure equipment is kept safe during transportation. StuCo owns two sets of ratchet straps, please email the Equipment Managers for them.

STUCO

StuCo has a stock of lighting and sound equipment that is free to rent. All StuCo equipment is reserved through this system. It is critical that you submit this request prior to making assumptions of what equipment will be available day-of for load-in / tech.

Find the StuCo equipment form here: https://forms.gle/emK6FRX4bcaJD5oq9

 This is on a first-come, first-serve basis. We understand some shows may overlap in needs, and thus encourage every producer & team to fill these forms out as soon as possible to ensure your production receives the equipment they need for your show's success.

 In rare circumstances, Equipment Managers will reach out to teams regarding equipment overlap to negotiate and find compromises. This is truly a last-chance scenario if we are noticing a specific show really requires a piece of equipment for them to have a successful production. We encourage teams and designers to figure out their plans early-on, so requests can be submitted early, and our team can review needs thoroughly.

Please try to fill this out with the specific needs of your designers. We know there are a lot of options and our team is happy to provide consultation on what will work best for your team and show. The members of our team cover the spectrum of design and have a good working knowledge of what we have available. We understand that if you are working with newer designers, they may not be used to the StuCo process, and that's okay! Feel free to send them our way. If you are asking for us to help consult on possible rentals, please make sure to provide details about budgets and plans so we can help you to the best of our ability.

Once requests are received and have been reviewed by our team, we will follow up with an official invoice as confirmation.