Dr. Elaine Adams Novak is professor emeritus of theatre in the Theatre/Dance Department at Marshall University. Raised in Huntington, she graduated summa cum laude from both Huntington High School and Marshall College and then joined the WAVES to serve during World War II. Later, she received advanced degrees from Columbia University and Ohio State University.
Novak taught acting, voice and dialects, history of theatre, playwriting and many other courses in 37 years at Marshall University. She also served as director of M.U. theatre and directed more than 100 plays and musicals for Marshall and for community organizations such as the Musical Arts Guild, Community Players, Junior League, Woman's Club of Huntington and several churches.
She is the author of three books: “Styles of Acting,” “Performing in Musicals” and “Staging Musical Theatre.” Among the awards presented to Dr. Novak are the Outstanding Contribution to Theatre Award from the West Virginia Theatre Conference in 1987, the Distinguished Service Award from Marshall University in 1993 and the Distinguished Arts Educator Award from Marshall's College of Fine Arts in 1996.
She inspired countless students, many of whom have had professional theatrical careers. Her inspiration and tireless devotion to theatre has carried the name of Marshall University and Huntington, West Virginia, throughout the nation.
