Tommy Novak
Tommy Novak
Class Year
’11, M.M ’20
Current home
Chicago, Illinois
Major(s)
Theatre Performance, Directing; Master’s of Music Theater Vocal Pedagogy
Current Position
Super Captain, Third Assistant Stage Manager, Acting Coach at Lyric Opera of Chicago
Tommy Novak ’11, M.M. ’20 (they/them/their) earned a double major in theatre performance and directing, followed by a Master’s in Music Theater Vocal Pedagogy from Carthage. Since then, Mx. Novak has worked across the country with a wide range of theatre companies.
As an actor, they have performed with First Stage, Milwaukee Rep, Porchlight Music Theatre, Mercury Theater, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Arkansas Shakespeare Festival, Marriott Theatre, Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, and Lyric Opera of Chicago. Their directing credits include productions with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Music Theater Works, Mercury Theater, Porchlight Music Theatre, Kwan Kwan Theatre (Jinan, China), Uptown Theater (Chongqing, China), First Stage, Arkansas Shakespeare Festival, Milwaukee Rep, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Roosevelt University, Nanjing University, and Coastline Theatre. Most recently, they directed “Rock of Ages” in Chicago, which received rave reviews from Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune and was nominated for a Jeff Award for Best Midsize Musical.
As a teaching artist, Mx. Novak has worked with Utah Shakespeare Festival, Milwaukee Rep, First Stage, Paramount School of the Arts, Arkansas Shakespeare Festival, Orlando Family Stage, Kwan Kwan Theatre, Skylight Music Theatre, and Big Deal Broadway Bound Summer Camp.
Currently, Mx. Novak holds two roles at Lyric Opera of Chicago. As super captain, they coordinate all non-speaking, non-singing performers throughout the season — supers help bring the world of each opera to life through background roles that may require specialized skills like stage combat, sword fighting, circus acts, puppeteering, silk work, or mascot-style costuming. In addition, they serve as the third assistant stage manager, supporting the team to ensure each performance runs smoothly. They also coach acting at the Ryan Opera Center, offering workshops throughout the year for emerging opera singers.
When not working, Mx. Novak enjoys returning to the Carthage campus to see the latest musicals and theatre productions. They occasionally teach part-time or visit as a guest lecturer, and they continue to stay connected with fellow Carthage theatre alumni.
How did Carthage prepare you?
“I wouldn’t be working where I am today if it weren’t for Carthage. Professors at Carthage have taught, shaped, and mentored me into the artist I am today.”
How has your liberal arts education benefited you?
“As a theatre artist, I use my liberal arts skills all the time. Theatre itself is a liberal art — you’re drawing from a variety of disciplines, collaborating with others, and bringing all those elements together into one cohesive work.”
Why did you choose Carthage?
“I didn’t choose Carthage — Carthage chose me! I auditioned and applied for many schools all over the country. Carthage popped up as a place where I could study theatre and the arts, so I added it to the list of schools to visit and audition for. When I came to audition, I visited with the faculty and sat in on classes. I saw myself in the program, and it felt like a place where real education to the performing craft was happening. When I got home, there was a message on my phone informing me that I was accepted and received a scholarship. I knew at that time that it was the right place for me.”
What opportunities were made possible because of your Carthage experience?
“I have been able to travel and teach because of Carthage, specifically in China. I’ve seen how the world thrives through interdisciplinary studies, and my well-roundedness of study has helped me find work in my field. Because of Carthage, I have been able to attend and present work at national conferences and work with other colleagues to get my works published in a journal.”
What Carthage professors played a part in your success and how?
“I would not have been able to achieve what I have done if it weren’t for the guidance from professors Corinne Ness, Martin McClendon, John Maclay, Laura Gordan, Laura Jacqmin, Herschel Kruger, and Kim Instenes.”
What's your favorite Carthage memory?
“The Theatre Forum, a yearly gathering hosted by the Theatre Department and Musical Theatre Program, has always been a wonderful tradition — something I looked forward to every year. It’s a way to welcome newcomers and say goodbye to those who are about to leave. Community means everything to me, and once the year got going, there were so few opportunities for us to come together like that.”
“I also really enjoyed J-Term. The idea of taking four weeks or a month to study one topic, travel, or research is something I carry with me. I try to spend one month a year doing one thing — whether that is writing a new thing, learning a new skill, or working on an independent project.”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“Stay curious and learn as much as you can. The most successful people I know still see themselves as life-long learners. Your professors have great experience and knowledge. Show up, listen, and thrive.”