Vertigo's Frequently Asked Questions
From StuCoWiki
FAQ's
How do I get my show produced by Vertigo?
Each spring, we take play submissions from freshmen, sophomores or juniors at Northwestern. We typically receive anywhere from 40-60 submissions and chose 4 to make up our season for the following academic year. We accept full scripts but ask that playwrights indicate 10 pages of their work they would most like us to read, along with a synopsis. Playwrights will sign up for a project petition time slot in the Vertigo folder at the front desk of Norris. After we have read your submission, you will petition (pitch) your play to us in person. Once we consider all submissions, we will announce our season. Look for flyers in spring quarter to learn more about the petition and submission process.
How involved would I be with the production process if I were chosen to be a Vertigo playwright?
We will choose a producer for you, and together you will sit in on director petitions. Although Vertigo has the final say on directors, you and your producer will give us input. After we match you and your producer with a director, it is up to you to discuss your working relationship. Some playwrights hand the director a finished copy of the script early on, while others work closely with the director and the actors in the rehearsal room to continue to develop the script until the show opens. Ultimately, your producer and the Vertigo Exec. Board have the final say on production details.
How do I produce a Vertigo production?
Before project petitions, we hold producer petitions. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors at Northwestern are eligible to petition. We look for 4 qualified producers to represent our new season. We are interested in finding patient, experienced, reliable problem-solvers that can build, lead and manage a production team and report back to Vertigo on the rehearsal process. Our producers mediate between the director and playwright to bring the best possible production to the stage. After our 4 producers are chosen, we work to match each with one playwright and one director. Look for flyers in spring quarter to learn more about the producer petition process.
How do I direct a Vertigo production?
After we select producers and after we select our season of plays, we hold director petitions. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors are eligible to petition. We look for 4 qualified directors to represent our new season. We are interested in finding experienced and passionate artists who are excited about directing their vision of our world premieres. Samples of the scripts for our season are available upon request. Look for flyers in spring quarter to learn more about the director petition process.
How do I perform in a Vertigo production?
Vertigo is a member of StuCo so all of our productions take part in Fall, Winter and Spring General Auditions. Performing in a Vertigo production is an exciting experience because it allows actors to originate and help create a role.
How do I work on a Vertigo production?
Email one of our project producers at any time to work on a Vertigo production team. We are always looking for designers and crew members to bring our shows to life. Positions are open for students with talent and experience as well as for students who are inexperienced but eager to learn.
How can I hold a position on the Vertigo Executive Board?
Each spring before we determine our season for the following year, we hold petitions for the Vertigo Exec. Board. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors at Northwestern are eligible to petition to the board. We look for energetic, fun, talented individuals that can bring positive change to the board while simultaneously embodying our mission and spirit. Open positions vary from year to year, but look for flyers in spring quarter that specify what skills we are in need of.
What is an FBR? How can I become one?
We bring one or two FBRs (Freshman Board Representatives) onto the board at the end of fall quarter each year. The FBR will attend board meetings, shadow board members and participate in the production process for each of our 4 shows throughout the season. Freshmen not chosen for this position are encouraged to re-petition in the spring for other positions.
How can I petition a Special Event to Vertigo?
Special Events are productions with smaller budgets and are typically untraditional or experimental in nature. Take a look at our Past Special Events page for examples. Each year we produce a Vertigo Reading Series, comprised of plays from the previous spring's project petitions that we feel could benefit from a staged reading. We also produce an Early Fall Special Event that kicks off our season and gets new students excited about Vertigo. Our most popular special event is an exciting, engaging, interactive and energetic Dillo Day production and it wraps up our season in the spring. Look for flyers in winter quarter for information on how to petition a Dillo Eve Special Event to Vertigo. Contact us if you have an idea for a Special Event of your own.
How can I help fund a Vertigo world premiere?
Email us at if you are interested in donating to one of our shows, or send your donation directly to our office, checks made payable to "Northwestern University":
Vertigo Productions
Norris University Center
1999 Campus Drive, Box 37
Evanston, IL 60208
