Northern Today Spring 2020

NORTHERN TODAY 13 SPRING 2020 HOWEVER , some classes have proven more challenging to adapt to an online format than others. In particular, many professors who teach courses based in the arts have had to get especially creative. At Northern State University, theatre professor Dr. Kane Anderson has had to make many special accommodations for all of his classes, but specifically for his THEA 351 Directing class. This class focuses on the students directing each other in live theatre. With the implementation of online classes, it is impossible for his students to perform together. “When I first heard classes were being moved online officially, I was not surprised, but I was a little disappointed,” said Anderson. “I teach live performance and I am naturally an extrovert, so not seeing my students is really hard for me. There were multiple readings and workshops I had planned for this semester that are now much more difficult to make happen.” In order to still give his students directing experience, however, Anderson asked those enrolled in his class to present monologues to partners via Zoom video meetings. In these meetings, students present their monologues and their partners give them directorial feedback. Anderson sits in on these calls and teaches his directors how to get what they want from their actors. “Directing is inherently collaborative,” said Anderson. “Through Zoom meetings, I am able to maintain a level of collaboration. I am in these calls to direct the directors. These monologues don’t have to be memorized and they don’t have to be brand new for the actor. I am paying attention to the feedback that the actor’s partner is able to offer. I am lucky in the sense the majority of my students in the directing class already consider themselves to be actors, so I use that to my advantage.” NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY | News NSU theatre professor gets creative with online directing classes With COVID-19 and social distancing, professors all over the nation have been teaching their previously in-person classes exclusively online. Message from the NSU Foundation Board Chair I am honored to have the privilege to serve as the chair of the NSU Foundation Board. On behalf of the Executive Committee and the NSU Foundation Board of Directors, we can’t thank you enough for the unprecedented support we have seen over the past several years. Through your generosity, NSU has upgraded existing facilities; added new student housing, a state-of-the art science center and recreational fields; and is currently adding a new premier sports complex. The investments you have made have transformed the campus in many ways. The NSU Foundation has an aggressive agenda coming up over the next several years. We are currently working to identify funding needs of the university along with ways to enhance and improve our number one goal: student scholarships. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for your support and continued interest in NSU. We look forward to working with you for the advancement and many opportunities that lie ahead for Northern State University! Respectfully, Chad Bergan NSU Foundation Board Chair NSU Class of 1993