A.J. Schwartz
B.A., Theatre, English/Shakespeare Studies Minor, Loyola University Chicago
Area(s) of Interest
Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Theatre, Photography, Nonprofit Work
What are 1-2 of your most significant academic/extracurricular/work experiences?
Artistic Producer for About Face Theatre Re/Generation Studio 2023. Director of How You Kiss Me Is Not How I’d Like To Be Kissed at Haven Chicago
What is your ideal job/role in about 10 years?
Artistic Director of a theatre company in Chicago
What led you to enroll in the MSLCE program at Northwestern?
I’ve felt uncertain about the direction my career and Chicago theatre at large are going. Contributing to the city’s producing landscape has become a calling, and the MSLCE program will give me the knowledge and skills to do that.
Favorite (song/movie/podcast/show/festival/exhibition…)
I love too many plays to pick just one, but one of them is definitely Tony Kushner’s Angels in America
What aspect of the MSLCE program are you most excited to experience? (i.e. specific class, site visit, IDEA fund, internship, etc.)
I really want to learn more about the economics of nonprofit arts organizations
If you had to describe yourself in three words, they would be…
Attentive, creative, and persistent
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I’m already here! Chicago, Illinois!
If you could donate one million dollars, which cause/organization would you choose to support?
I would provide grants to cover artists’ cost-of-living so they can create without worrying about marketability or a day job