Tommy Novak
Tommy Novak
Class Year
’11, MM’20
Current home
Chicago, Illinois
Major(s)
M.M. in Music Theatre Vocal Pedagogy, Directing, Acting
Current Position
Teaching artist, director, assistant director, AEA actor and AGMA actor at Lyric Opera, Mercury Theatre, First Stage Children’s Theater, Orlando Rep, Paramount School of the Arts, Carthage College
Tommy Novak (they/them/their) is a freelance teaching artist, equity actor, AGMA opera singer, director, trans and non-binary voice coach, voice teacher, and an adjunct professor of music theatre at Carthage. At Carthage, Prof. Novak directs music theater workshop productions, coaches repertoire and thesis projects, and provides special workshops on voice/acting integration and the profession of music theatre. Read Prof. Novak’s full faculty profile
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
“That I get to make art for a living, and it has taken me all over the world.”
How did Carthage prepare you?
“The fabulous adjunct faculty should be full-time because they are the lifeblood of the school. They provide the students with opportunities in the real world.”
Why did you choose Carthage?
“Carthage was a place that sort of chose me. It wasn’t on my radar, and I was auditioning for any and every school and ended up feeling at home at Carthage.”
What opportunities were made possible because of your Carthage experience?
“I got a full-time acting internship from an adjunct faculty member upon graduating. That internship continues to help me as I have moved along in my career in the arts.”
What Carthage professors played a part in your success and how?
“Professors Corinne Ness, John Macaly, and Laura Jaqumin helped shape me into the artist, director, actor, and teacher I am today.”
What's your favorite Carthage memory?
“Theatre Forum, the Stratford trip, and any and all international J-Term trips.”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“Make the most of your education and the opportunity the school provides you.”