From January 9th to the 11th, fourteen Glenbard South thespians attended Theatre Fest at the University of Illinois. Three theater state qualifying students, Aniyah Nelson, Andrew Lullo and Bee Crawford, took part in putting on the show “Prom” for the Theatre Fest goers to enjoy. Other performances students got to experience included “Legally Blonde” and “Six”. “My favorite part of Theatre Fest is seeing all the shows that different high schools around the state bring!” said Danielle Allaway, a Theater Fest attendee.
Students not only were exposed to a multitude of performances but improved their technical skills through fascinating workshops. “My favorite workshop was the one called ‘acting through song’” said Theatre Fest attendee Kate Costello, “because it wasn’t a typical workshop. People prepared songs before the festival, and then in real time would get advice on how to improve them.” Attending these workshops helps students go above and beyond with their theatre education. “Workshops offer them skills that we don’t necessarily know about,” explained Ms. Jessica Keuth-Rahtjen, the theatre department’s director. Another theatre fest attendee Amelia Buhle agreed, “I learned things about scenic design that I already do, but also got more curious about other important parts of theatre, like costuming.”
Theatre Fest is more than just a place to improve one’s skills, it’s also a place to connect with fellow theatre lovers. “The thing I loved about theater fest the most was being surrounded by people that were just as enthusiastic as I was about different parts of theatre,” said Buhle, “The atmosphere during shows was wonderful and very supportive.” Ms. Keuth-Rahtjen agreed, saying that her favorite part was, “watching theatre kids be in a community of people that love theater as much as they do.” While sometimes there is a stigma around being passionate about theatre in and outside of school Ms. Keuth-Rahtjen explained, “(Theatre Fest) is a place to be authentically you doing the thing that you love the most.” This festival is a place where students can be themselves, and learn with a community who are just as passionate about theatre as they are.
