Nils Riess

Title Producer

Phone 419-772-2051

Email n-riess@onu.edu

Classes Taught

Oral Interpretation of Literature
Reader’s Theatre
Theatre Appreciation

Education

BA from Valparaise
MA from Northern Illinois

Recently Directed at ONU

Darlene and the Guest Lecturer

Description

Nils Riess is a native of New York City. He is the chair of the Department of Communication Arts, is head of the University's fine arts division and was instrumental in planning the design and construction of the Freed Center for the Performing Arts. Riess has experience as a professional actor, director, stage manager and consultant in arts education, and is an associate member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. He has served on theatre and dance advisory panels and as an on-site theatre and dance evaluator. During his tenure at ONU, Riess has expanded the theatre program to include a dance minor, a BFA in musical theatre, a guest artist program and an international studies program. As a director he has staged over 100 plays and produced over 350 performance events. Professor Riess considers international collaborations an integral part of the theatre program. In addition to founding the International Play Festival, he has hosted numerous international artists and facilitated student study programs and internships throughout the world. Professor Riess initiated the program, which enables ONU students to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival every three to four years.

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