Special Topics in Management (390-0-21)

Topic

Wirtz Intensive: Season Selection Lab

Instructors

Tanya Palmer

Meeting Info

Locy Hall 213: Mon 1:00PM - 2:20PM

Overview of class

This course will offer students an opportunity to work alongside the Wirtz Center leadership as they plan the 2027-28 season, providing a behind-the-scenes look into how Wirtz Center's annual mainstage season, as well as its numerous ancillary events and projects, are identified and selected. By exploring the need to balance the Center's mission and values, artistic vision, pedagogical needs, financial capacity and community impact, students will gain insight and experience in navigating the strategic planning needed to build a cohesive, sustainable and compelling season.

Registration Requirements

To enroll, interested students must email Tanya Palmer at tanya.palmer@northwestern.edu to request a permission number and explain any previous coursework they have completed in arts management or dramaturgy. Enrollment priority will be given to students who have already completed at least one course in arts management or dramaturgy.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Identify and analyze scripts based on artistic merit, diversity of voices and alignment with a specific organization's mission and resources.
Apply strategies and tools for balancing stakeholder needs and institutional priorities and for communicating effectively across multiple groups.
Develop effective play descriptions and season narratives, differentiating approach and method across multiple audiences.
Build an integrated production budget based on production needs and projected revenue goals.
Develop an audience outreach plan tailored to specific shows and audience demographics.

Class Materials (Required)

$8 to purchase one student ticket to a Wirtz production

Class Notes

Beyond the 80 minutes of class time each week, students will be expected to spend an average of 2-3 additional hours per week on lab activities related to class content, such as attending select Wirtz meetings and planning sessions, gathering research materials and delivering reports, written materials and planning documents as required.

Associated Classes

LAB - Meets in Non-General PurposeRm: Wed 11:00AM - 12:50PM
- Meets in Non-General PurposeRm: Fri 10:00AM - 12:50PM