The Krause Studio Performance Hours are public performances originated or curated by
undergraduate or graduate students. The Department of Performance Studies believes in a dynamic, expansive definition of performance. A Performance Hour can take on a wide range of forms, including but not limited to:
- Theatrical Performance
- Devised/Experimental Performance
- Immersive Performance
- Installation
- Performance Art
- Curated Exhibition of Artwork
- Film Screening
- In-process workshop with moderated
feedback sessions - Community-based Ritual


Below is a list of considerations (in-depth project guidelines and policies will be made available):
- All Northwestern students – undergraduate and graduate – are encouraged to apply.
Performance Studies Majors and Minors will be given priority in the application process. - 1 week (Sunday-Saturday) of tech/rehearsal time in the Krause Studio.
- Load-in/tech begins on Sunday afternoon, and Strike should be completed by the
following Sunday morning. - Tech time in Krause is from 6pm-11pm each weeknight, and performance times
must be approved by the Production Coordinator. - The Krause Studio must be reset each night and all show materials struck into the production closet, as it serves as a classroom space each weekday. As such, large or elaborate scenic elements should not be used. All designs must be approved and pass inspection by the Production Coordinator.
- Load-in/tech begins on Sunday afternoon, and Strike should be completed by the
- Access to the 40-instrument repertory light plot, including 5 focusable specials, as well as the multi-directional sound system. 1 projector may be made available on request. Performance Hour directors are responsible for finding designers capable of using this equipment, although the Production Coordinator can train students on the basics, pending schedule.
- Each Performance Hour is granted a $500 production supply budget.
- The department can purchase production supplies directly from Amazon. Please send the Production Coordinator a direct link to the items you would like to purchase.
- If other supplies are needed, please use a Tax Exemption letter wherever possible.
- Please save all itemized receipts and submit them for Reimbursement on our online portal
- Please note, funds cannot be used to pay any additional performers.
Proposal Process
- Undergraduate and graduate students interested in directing a Performance Hour should submit the Proposal Form by the deadline.
- Proposals are reviewed by the Department Chair and the Production Coordinator.
- Performance Hour slots are awarded to as many projects as can be realistically committed to in a given quarter. Decisions will be announced as soon as possible.
Please reach out to the Production Coordinator, Gianna Carter at gianna.carter@northwestern.edu
with any questions!
The deadline for Fall Performance Hours has passed, but keep an eye out for the call for proposals for Winter 2026!
Previous Performances
Spring Quarter 2025
-Week 3: [April 14-20] Trimmings by Shai Bardin- Performance Studies
-Week 8: [May 19-25] The Asian American Foodscape by Melanie Ahn- Theatre
-Week 10: [June 2-8] Sex-Tech-No by Felix Gaddie- Dance/Theatre
Winter Quarter 2025
-Week 10: [March 10-16] PYTHIA by Mya Vandergrift- Performance Studies
Fall Quarter 2024
-Week 7: [Nov. 4-10] RED by Serena Song- Communication Studies
-Week 9: [Nov. 18-24] Camp Goes On! by Brenden Dahl- Theatre
Spring Quarter 2024
-Week 7: [May 6-12] Something You Left Me by Mya Vandergrift- Performance Studies
-Week 9: [May 20-26] Beat the Champ by Emerson Steady- Theatre
-Week 10: [May 27-June 2] Brunch is Gay by Craig Carrol- Performance Studies
-Week 10: [June 4] Weaving the Pieces Together by Joshua Coverdale (Abbott Hall)-
MFA Doc Media
Winter Quarter 2024
-Week 5: [Jan.29-Feb 4] Gentlemen Prefer Burlesque by Natalie McGowan- Theatre
-Week 8: [Feb. 19-25] The Home Project by Ethan Karas- Theatre
-Week 9: [Feb 26-March 3] Hometown by Sarah Talbert- Theatre
-Week 10: [March 4-10] Gertle, Come Back by Isadora Gonzalez- Theatre
Fall Quarter 2023
Week 11: [November 27-30] In Search of Our Black Mothers by Toni Kunst- PhD
Performance Studies
Spring Quarter 2023
-Week 1: [March. 31-April 2] New Spring by Xinuian Pu- Theatre
-Week 3: [April 14-16] The Sound of Wind by Jonyca Jiao- Theatre
-Week 6: [May 5-7] Proof by Zach Forbes (Harris Hall)- Theatre & Legal Studies
-Week 6: [May 5-7] Loud Like Change by Nini Bagundo- Cognitive Science & Theatre
-Week 7: [May 12-14] Audience Contract Project II by Kevin Aoussou- MFA Acting
-Week 8: [May 19-21] Theseus by Ethan Karas- Theatre
-Week 9: [May 26-28] Grasping for Straws by Lucy London- Performance Studies
-Week 10: [June 2-4] Hart by Hart by Samantha Miheve- Theatre