This month, Drama Club visited the Illinois High School Theatre Festival at Illinois State University where they had the opportunity to watch advanced performances, participate in expert-led master classes and learn from professionals. The event, which was held on Jan. 8 through 10, has provided Illinois high school students with the chance to connect with and learn from professionals since 1976. Run by the Illinois Theatre Association, it has long provided a theatrical education for everyone involved, including our very own Hinsdale Central Drama Club. The Drama Club has been attending the event for many years now with the trip receiving frequent praise from students.

Drama Club sponsor and English teacher Susan Jaffe spoke on the benefits of attending the festival. 

“It’s a historic event that I think schools all across the state really look forward to,” Jaffe said. “It’s a chance for theatre people all across the state to get together and enjoy the work that they’ve done.” 

Illinois high schools have the opportunity to bring their own shows, social activities, and masterclasses, demonstrating the collaborative and engaging nature of IHSTF. These workshops are not only for performers, but also for other aspects of theatre, such as directing and stage management. Jaffe noted these as especially important. “There are workshops for adults about developing theatre programs and putting on theatre festivals themselves, which is really cool.” 

The students also had a fantastic time exploring everything that the festival had to offer. Sophomore Charlie Pilat, a member of the Stage Crew, took particular interest in the more technical workshops. 

“I did a bunch of lighting [workshops] and a scenic design class, and it was a lot of fun,” Pilat said. “I took some notes during the lighting [class which] really helped [me with] lighting the Variety Show.” 

Junior Kevin Kang described the shows and performances the group saw, such as Next To Normal, Ride the Cyclone and the All-State show Newsies, the latter of which involved a combination of students from all over Illinois. High school students and music industry professionals performed at the event.

 “I loved each show so much,” Kang said. “[They were] so special in [their] own way.” 

The performances also helped to bring people together, according to Kang. He spoke positively about the atmosphere at the event.

“While watching shows, the energy within the audience was electric and euphoric,” Kang said.