Don Rainbow

Professor of Communication

Prior to joining the faculty at Northwestern College in 2004, Doc taught at Christian liberal arts colleges in Minnesota (Bethel University), South Dakota (University of Sioux Falls) and Indiana (Huntington University), where he established outstanding theatre programs. Doc has directed scores of theatre productions, from Broadway musicals to new scripts. Some of his favorite shows include Peter Shaffer’s Equus, Stephen Schwartz’s Godspell (directed four times), Stud’s Terkel’s Working and Northwestern College’s production of Spitfire Grill.

Doc’s original summer touring shows have presented high energy musical revues to audiences across the United States, Europe and the Middle East. Doc’s troupes have been selected for USO (Department of Defense) tours of Turkey, Greece, Italy and Spain.

In the 1990’s Doc spent a part of a sabbatical leave studying the film and television industry by working as a background actor in 65 films and television shows. He has taken several student groups to Hollywood to study the entertainment industry. Doc assisted the Consortium of Christian Colleges in establishing the Los Angeles Film Studies Program. Doc’s special interest is in the area of religion and theatre. He served for three years on the pastoral staff of a large Southern California church, using theatre in worship and Christian education.

Doc has been married for over 40 years to his lovely wife Marlys. Doc and Marlys have restored five large turn-of-the-century (1900) homes. They have two children and five grandchildren.

Specialty Areas

• Faith and the Imagination
• Drama and Ministry
• Creative Dramatics for Children
• Trouping
• Directing

Academic Credentials

Ph.D., M.A., B.A., University of Minnesota