Neil Kristian Scharnick

Dr. Neil Kristian Scharnick is an Associate Professor of Theatre and Honors Program Director at Carthage College. His roles include coordinating the New Play Initiative, which commissions and premieres works by award-winning playwrights. He joined Carthage in 2003 and holds a Ph.D. in Theatre & Drama from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an M.A. from Northwestern University, and a B.A. from Carthage College in Religion and Communication & Performing Arts.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Theatre & Drama, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• M.A. in Theatre, Northwestern University
• B.A. in Religion and Communication & Performing Arts, Carthage College

His research focuses on new play dramaturgy, theatre and faith, and 17th-century theatre. Notable productions he directed include Memento Mori (Kennedy Center award-winning), Translations, and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. His work bridges experimental performance, faith-based theatre, and historical scholarship.

Awards:

• 2020 Kennedy Center’s Citizen Artist Award

Advising & Collaborations:

• Leads the New Play Initiative, collaborating with global institutions like Smock Alley (Dublin) and CrisisArt Festival (Italy).
• Member of LMDA, CITA, and SDC.

He teaches Play Reading, Theatre History, and Experimental Acting. His recent media engagements include discussions on NFL cheerleader narratives (The Handbook) and pandemic-era theatre adaptations.