Many students at Northwestern choose to pursue a double major, which can be a difficult and time-consuming feat. However, very few students choose majors from entirely opposite fields of study and sides of campus. Senior Elliana Zerr will graduate with a double major in Bio Health Professions and Theatre, which is an unusual and particularly difficult combination, one that has provided many opportunities both on and off campus. Her classes span from Stagecraft to Cell Biology, and her evenings can either be spent in rehearsal or studying for anatomy exams.
Due to her commitment to studying multiple subjects, she was invited to an “Interdisciplinary Symposium” last summer with other undergraduate students that embody the idea of interdisciplinary study. She even made time for an off-campus semester in the Disney College Program, where she worked as a costume assistant for the Disney parades.
Few students represent the fine arts department as well as Zerr. Throughout her four years, she has poured time, energy and passion into every theatre production, whether she was acting or behind the scenes. “One of my favorite things about the theatre department is that we really value every single person who is involved in a production for who they are and what they do,” Zerr said. “There are no bigger parts or smaller parts – everyone works together. It is a whole system that supports itself and works together to create beautiful art.”
As a senior and manager in the costume studio, Zerr does her best to encourage underclassman students as they learn the routines and responsibilities of the theatre department. Despite her many commitments and leadership roles, she always makes time to support friends or classmates.
Zerr’s acting career at NW has spanned many shows and genres, as she has taken the stage for productions of “The Cherry Orchard,” “The Perfect Dog” and “Hamlet,” to name a few. NW’s production of “Hamlet” took place in the spring of 2024 and was a major milestone in Zerr’s life. “I remember the day I got cast as Ophelia in “Hamlet,” Zerr said. “So many people were so excited for me. I got so many hugs. I felt supported and loved, and it felt like everyone was just excited to see me in that role.” In addition to her acting roles, she has also designed costumes for “Sense and Sensibility” and is currently stage manager for “The Enemy of the People,” once again showing her versatility in ability and passion.
Zerr cannot say enough good things about the theatre department’s professors and capabilities, but one aspect that she believes sets NW apart from other schools is the element of faith integration. “We do really good work that honors Christ. We worship through our art, so whether you are just coming to watch a show or see an art gallery, you are going to be encountering Christ in a new way,” Zerr said.“Look for small details and ways that we are worshiping through our attention to detail. It helps to teach people how to be creative like Christ is creative.”
After graduation, Zerr will attend Des Moines University to obtain her doctorate of osteopathic medicine, with the goal of eventually being a women’s health doctor, as gynecology is one of her many passions within the medical field. However, even though she chose to pursue the scientific side of her studies, she hopes to work in local theatre companies in between semesters and on weekends. Though many students cannot fathom her rigorous and expansive field of study, Zerr encourages students to go outside their comfort zone. “Try things,” she said. “Do not be scared.”
