Emma Schneider
Assistant Professor of Communications
Education
M.A., University of Chicago, Division of the Humanities, Chicago, Illinois, 2021
B.A., Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, Illinois, 2019
Associated Academic Programs
Communication Arts“I am interested in the ways in which theatrical storytelling influences the development of individual and communal identities. As a lifelong lover of literature with a bachelor’s degree in English, storytelling is central to who I am and how I view the world.”
When Professor Emma Schneider became heavily involved with theatre toward the end of high school, she discovered the power of theatre as a mode of storytelling. “The years since then have been a time of continually recognizing that power, and I strive now to help others find power and community through theatrical storytelling.”
Emphasizing community through theatre allows us to share our experiences, our hopes, and our ideas with others – according to Schneider. “Theatre is a redemptive act which can connect to any individual in any other field. This makes theatre powerful, meaningful, and deeply human.”
What drew her to Trinity:
As an alum of Trinity, Schneider has long counted the campus as home. After returning to Trinity in a staff position in 2020, she is glad to transition into her new role as a faculty member. “I love teaching at Trinity because of the school’s commitment to serving students not just academically, but also spiritually, creatively, and communally. The opportunities I have here to form meaningful relationships with my students and colleagues set Trinity apart in my mind.”
Research interests:
While theatre is largely about the performance, Schneider is more interested in the role of the audience in non-traditional performance types. “I study immersive theatre, promenade theatre, performance art installations, and other theatrical modes which highlight active audience engagement, focusing on how audiences respond to and are shaped by their active interactions with theatre.”
Schneider believes that her research is important “because it allows us to gain a better understanding of the power theatre holds and how it can be most effectively used.”
When she’s not teaching:
Schneider can be found exploring her local neighborhood with her husband, dog, and sometimes even their two rabbits. She enjoys trying new restaurants, walking through parks, and engaging with the local community through various events. “As one might expect, I also spend a lot of time watching theatre in Chicago.”
Honors & Awards
Performance Proposal Acceptance | Sound and Society, University of Chicago October 2020
Departmental Award for English | Trinity Christian College May 2019
Honors Program Notation | Trinity Christian College May 2019
Essay Acceptance | National Conference of Undergraduate Research April 2019
Dean’s List | Trinity Christian College 2015-2019
Irene Ryan Acting Nomination | American College Theater Association 2016, 2018, 2019
- + Expertise
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When Professor Emma Schneider became heavily involved with theatre toward the end of high school, she discovered the power of theatre as a mode of storytelling. “The years since then have been a time of continually recognizing that power, and I strive now to help others find power and community through theatrical storytelling.”
Emphasizing community through theatre allows us to share our experiences, our hopes, and our ideas with others – according to Schneider. “Theatre is a redemptive act which can connect to any individual in any other field. This makes theatre powerful, meaningful, and deeply human.”
What drew her to Trinity:
As an alum of Trinity, Schneider has long counted the campus as home. After returning to Trinity in a staff position in 2020, she is glad to transition into her new role as a faculty member. “I love teaching at Trinity because of the school’s commitment to serving students not just academically, but also spiritually, creatively, and communally. The opportunities I have here to form meaningful relationships with my students and colleagues set Trinity apart in my mind.”
Research interests:
While theatre is largely about the performance, Schneider is more interested in the role of the audience in non-traditional performance types. “I study immersive theatre, promenade theatre, performance art installations, and other theatrical modes which highlight active audience engagement, focusing on how audiences respond to and are shaped by their active interactions with theatre.”
Schneider believes that her research is important “because it allows us to gain a better understanding of the power theatre holds and how it can be most effectively used.”
When she’s not teaching:
Schneider can be found exploring her local neighborhood with her husband, dog, and sometimes even their two rabbits. She enjoys trying new restaurants, walking through parks, and engaging with the local community through various events. “As one might expect, I also spend a lot of time watching theatre in Chicago.”
- + Awards & Memberships
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Honors & Awards
Performance Proposal Acceptance | Sound and Society, University of Chicago October 2020
Departmental Award for English | Trinity Christian College May 2019
Honors Program Notation | Trinity Christian College May 2019
Essay Acceptance | National Conference of Undergraduate Research April 2019
Dean’s List | Trinity Christian College 2015-2019
Irene Ryan Acting Nomination | American College Theater Association 2016, 2018, 2019
Membership
Association for Theatre in Higher Education