By: Carmel DeStefano, IHSTF Regional Production & ITA Member At-Large
Over the past few years, the Illinois High School Theatre Festival has initiated new events such as Tech Olympics, Thespys, and Virtual Speech Competitions in an attempt to showcase more of our talented theatre students. This year, the ITA is commissioning a “Regional Production” focusing on staff and students from the central and southern areas of the state. The Illinois High School Regional Production stems from a long standing dream of the Festival makers to spotlight the student talent from different areas of the state. The 2027 IHSTF Regional Production is COME FROM AWAY - Book, Music & Lyrics byIrene Sankoff and David Hein.
The Regional show is not a mini All-State, a performance utilizing actors, technicians and musicians from across the state. Although COME FROM AWAY will rehearse and build one weekend a month during the summer and fall, this show is under the guidance of the Play Selection Committee and their rules for mounting a performance. This means that the students will not arrive at Festival early or have extended time to put the show together.
With the 25th Anniversary of 9/11, COME FROM AWAY is a perfect educational choice of a production. As explained on The Music Theatre International website, “COME FROM AWAY is based on the true story of the time when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, played host to the world. What started as an average day in a small town turned into an international sleepover, when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to Gander’s airstrip on September 11, 2001. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar and the recognition that we’re all part of a global family.”
Just as with the student artists, 90% of the Regional Production Staff teach in the Southern half of the state, and Edwardsville HS will be the location for rehearsing and building the set. This production will showcase 33 students from 16 different high schools. (Click here to see the Company and Staff lists.) The staff is thrilled to be given the opportunity to spread the show’s message of kindness, unity, and resilience.
Rehearsal Recording: IMG_1725.MOV
On July 31st, the company and staff converged on Edwardsville High School for three days of building, painting the set and learning the show’s music. These sessions were broken up with bonding exercises, dramaturgy presentations, and acting technique lessons. It was a wonderful weekend of learning and laughting.
If all goes well, this Regional Production will set the stage for a new Theatre Fest tradition!
2027 IHSTF Regional Company.pdf
