About Me
Tommy Novak (they/them/their) is a non-binary, Chicago-based AEA/AGMA performer, director, teaching artist and an adjunct professor of music theatre at Carthage College in Kenosha Wisconsin. In addition to being on faculty, Tommy has earned their Master's in Music Theater Vocal Pedagogy from Carthage.
Tommy has worked as an actor for both regional and international theater companies, including The Lyric Opera Chicago, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Arkansas Shakespeare Festival, Milwaukee Rep, Marriott Theatre, The Mercury Theatre Chicago, Skylight Music Theatre, Metropolis, Orlando Rep, Shawnee Summer Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre Chicago, First Stage Milwaukee, Milwaukee Chamber Theater, Kwan Kwan Theater Jinan, iMusical Shanghai, and The Nanjing University Conservatory. Tommy is represented by Paonessa Talent.
As an actor, Tommy earned a 2016 Jeff Nomination for their performance as Max Bialystok in Night Blue’s production of “The Producers.” Tommy's production of Romeo and Juliet won the 2019 Broadway World Regional Award for Best professional production.

As a teaching artist, Tommy is a member of the Music Theater Educators Alliance and has held several artist residences with several companies throughout The United States and China. They also specialize in working with Trans and Non-Binary Artists helping people through their transition vocally. They have performed and directed in China for two performance tours, including a 2018 cabaret and 2016 performance festival.
Tommy is the directing specialist with Kwan Kwan Music Theatre School of the Arts in Jinan, and Uptown Musical theater in Chongqing, China. Tommy Novak has also led educational workshops in Shanghai, Xi’An, Beijing, Nanjing, and Huairou. A multi-talented theater artist, Tommy Novak has worked on several wardrobe, wig, make up, and costume crews for First Stage, Milwaukee Rep, Up and Coming, and Utah Shakespeare Festival. Follow Tommy on Instagram for current theatrical endeavors @tommy.j.novak
Teaching Philosophy
There was never a time in my life where I wasn’t planning to be an artist. In the 7th grade, my math teacher had us write letters to our 10-years-in-the-future selves. The letter was supposed to talk about where we were then, and where we hoped to be in 10 years. Who my friends were then, and who my friends would be in 10 years. What the world was then, and what the world would be in 10 years. It also had a line on what we hoped for our 10-year future self to be. I wrote the words “I hope you are an artist.”
I got my letter sent to me as an adult, after I had been touring the country performing and teaching workshops. I was working as an artist and teaching. My 7th grade self would have been so excited to know that fact. My artist statement is a letter to myself that I can look on and uphold as a teaching artist.


As a teaching artist, I seek to bring artistry and creativity to every context and location- near and far. I’ve worked with students all across China and across the United States. Working as a teaching artist all over the nation and world has impacted me in several ways.
I will strive to use art as an equalizer. As a teacher, I want everyone I work with to see themselves in the art they create. To not imitate what has been done but honor it and make it their own. I want to challenge students to find their truth in the reality of the art while honing and developing their craft. To give a voice to the voiceless, empathy to the needy and question the villains of the world.
Art should be for everyone. The ability to create has no limits. I feel that it is very important that every individual should have exposure to creativity and art. Being a facilitator of a creative class and giving the student a positive artistic experience is my top priority.
As a teaching artist I hope to see new things. Art keeps things fresh and reflective of the world we are in today. I am an artist that will always strive to reflect the state of the world - be it favorable or unpleasant representations. The art I shall help to create will strive to include many colors, shapes, sizes and identities.
Art finds truth in all realities. To take the long unorthodox way to the solution. What is right is right, and what is wrong is also right. The art I want to create sees the villain in the hero and the hero in the villain. I strive to collaborate with artists who come from different walks of life and are willing to explore outside of the box. To work with individuals that have a dedication to their craft with a capacity of fun, excitement, and passion.

I seek to create a safe, comfortable, open and inclusive environment for creativity. To facilitate the exploration and analysis of any idea while allowing others to work to their fullest. To bring an overall sense of heart to any project to allow it to come to life and translate what it means to be human.
As I inspire, shape and cultivate the next generation of artists I will help them examine the world as they see it. Allow for their voices to be heard and hope that their 10 year in the future selves are happy where they ended up.
Artistic Statement
I am an artist that will always strive to reflect the state of the world;
be it favorable or unpleasant representations.
The art I create will strive to include many colors, shapes, SIZES and identities.
To give a voice to the voiceless,
empathy to the needy and
question the villains of the world.
To find truth in all realities.
To
take
the long
unorthodox way
to find
a solution.
What is right is right and what is wrong is also right.
The art I want to create sees the villain in the hero and the hero in the villain.
I strive to collaborate with artists who come from different walks of life and those who are willing to explore outside of the box.
To work with individuals that have a dedication to their craft that has a capacity of fun, excitement, and passion. I seek to create a safe, comfortable, open and inclusive environment for creativity and progress. To facilitate the exploration and analysis of any idea while allowing others to work to their fullest. To bring an overall sense of heart to any project that allows it to come to life and translate what it means to be human.