Charles Wein
BA in Theater, Point Park University/Conservatory of Performing Arts
Experience: I fully produced and directed a production called Toyer in Pittsburgh, Very experimental kitchen sink theater. We ran to incredible reviews, sold out shows, and were offered to opportunity to remount several months later. And we did! Traveling is what I would consider my most significant experiences. The time I’ve spent in London and traveling through Europe has impacted my life more than almost anything else.
Areas of Interest: Music, TV/film, Visual arts, Fine arts, Performing arts, Theatre, Photography, Arts/music festivals, Shoe Lacing
Ideal Job in 10 Years: Artistic Director of a theater company that specializes in experimental work. My goal as a director/artist is to encourage critical thinking and discussion. To force them to see things from a perspective they might not have considered otherwise (and perhaps hoped they never would)
What led you to enroll in the MSLCE program at Northwestern? The program truly offers what I believe will lead me to my dream job. I’ve spent many years in theater as an actor and a director, and I’ve seen the effect theater can have on a mind. But there are ways for me to produce even more impactful work, and to a larger audience. This program will put me in a position to do so.
Favorite (song/movie/show/festival/exhibition … )? Glosoli by Sigur Ros/Sunshine directed by Danny Boyle/The Americans/Pitchfork/Tie between the Chihuly Glass exhibit and the Grant Museum of Zoology in London
What are you most looking forward to in the MSLCE program? I’m quite excited for Laws and Ethics of the creative sector. My parents always thought I’d be a great ethicist.
What is your favorite Chicago landmark/attraction, or what are you most excited to visit? Headquarters Beercade. Fantastic drinks, surrounded by nerd culture and more than 50 or so COMPLETELY FREE pinball machines and arcade games.
If you could have lunch with one person (living or dead), who would it be? Mel Brooks. Hands down
If you had to describe yourself in three words, they would be… Nerd, Excitable, Analytical
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? London/Chicago
If someone made a movie about your life, what would it be called and who would play you? Laces: The Story of an American Nerd. Cilian Murphy
How do you plan on spending/did you spend your summer before starting MSLCE? Working, Directing a play, meeting my new niece, and movie club!
Where is your dream internship for next summer? The Royal Court Theatre in London
If you could donate one million dollars, which cause/organization would you choose to support? I’d probably prefer to split the million up between several different charities that support the performing arts.
What award would you most like to win? Whichever one comes with a cash prize. OR Shoe Lacing Champion
Charlie, how many ways are there to lace your shoes? 7? 8? 10!?!? Well Charles, there are in fact 2 ZILLION ways to lace your shoes!!!!!
Where are you from? Pittsburgh, PA