PQ Seminar

WHAT IS THE PRAGUE QUADRENNIAL SEMINAR? Sponsored by the School of Communication (SoC) and Performance Studies Professor Mary Zimmerman, this program gives students the opportunity to attend one of the greatest theatre design conferences in the world as well as engage with the unique theatrical history and culture of the Czech Republic. Students accepted into this program must register for the Prague Quadrennial Seminar class Performance of Prague (Theatre 310/Performance Studies 330) in Spring 2027. Upon completion of the seminar class, students will travel alongside SoC faculty and staff to Prague, Czech Republic.

The seminar will be co-taught, and the trip co-led, by Theatre Professor Ana Kuzmanic and Performance Studies Professor Natsu Onoda Power. Professor Zimmerman will help select participants and shape the syllabus, will travel with the group to Prague, and plans to join the class during the quarter as a guest artist and teacher. Travel dates: The group will travel to Prague between Friday, June 11 and Friday, June 18, 2027. Accepted students will work with EPICS to book travel within those dates. Graduating students: Northwestern’s Graduation Weekend takes place June 11–14, 2027, which overlaps with the start of the trip. Graduating students who plan to attend Commencement and/or the SoC Convocation can work with EPICS to arrange a later arrival within the June 11–18 travel window. Questions? Email epics@northwestern.edu.

Participating students will be responsible for their own meals, relevant visa/passport fees (as applicable) and discretionary spending money if they are selected to participate. Please use this form to indicate if you would like to be considered for additional financial assistance from the School of Communication to support your participation in this opportunity. Please note: submission of this form does not guarantee financial assistance. The School of Communication will cover:

  • Roundtrip airfare (booked with EPICS, within the June 11 – 18 travel window)
  • Hotel (shared room)
  • GeoBlue: Northwestern’s international medical assistance and insurance (mandated by NU)
  • Two Group meals
  • Entrance into the Prague Quadrennial
  • One group/tourist activity

Eligibility requirements:

Undergraduate Theatre and Performance Studies majors, MFA students in Directing and Stage Design, and graduate students in Performance Studies are eligible to apply. Students with interests in theatre and performance design, technology, and architecture are especially encouraged. Entry to the PQ Seminar is competitive, and enrollment will be capped at approximately 20 participants. Preference will be given to students who have experience in, or have demonstrated a strong interest in, theatrical design. Participating students must be in good academic standing and in good standing with the Office of Community Standards, the Dean of Students, and/or The Graduate School.

For questions or concerns, please contact:

Kate Holst Test
Associate Director | EPICS, School of Communication
E: epics@northwestern.edu

Award
Varies
Scopes
Academic , School of Communication
Deadline
11/23/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. First Name (Legal name as it appears on your government-issued photo ID):
  2. Middle Name (Legal name as it appears on your government-issued photo ID):
  3. Last Name (Legal name as it appears on your government-issued photo ID):
  4. Preferred First Name:
  5. Pronouns:
  6. Student ID Number:
  7. Northwestern Email Address:
  8. Phone Number (must be a United States number):
  9. Please indicate which areas you are requesting the School of Communication review to consider providing financial assistance. Please note that EPICS will try to fulfill your request, but funding is not guaranteed. Select all that apply:
  10. Is there any additional information you wish to share with the committee to support your request? If you do not receive financial aid at Northwestern, but still have financial need, or if you have any additional/new financial information that is not reflected on your General Application, please provide a brief description of this need.
  11. I certify that the information provided is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
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