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February, 2022 Edition
IN THIS EDITION:

•Theatre People Are the Best-An Acknowledgement

•10 Rising Black Women to Watch in Theatre

•February in Higher Education

•How and Why to Host an Original 10 Minute Play Festival at Your School

•5th Annual Theatre Festival by Mandi Theatre

•No Lights? No Problem! Online Lighting Design for Students

•Someone You Should Know: Jennfer Heim

•ITA's Corporate Sponsors
Theatre People Are the Best - An Acknowledgement

Over the last few years, we have all struggled through hardships. As the 2022 Executive Director of the Illinois High School Theatre Festival and the President of the Illinois Theatre Association, we have witnessed that these difficulties have often brought out the worst in people. Yet, even though we were heartbroken by the cancellation of our beloved Festival for a second time, we continue to be uplifted by the outpouring of generosity that is coming from everyone. We want to thank the following groups of people for their contributions.

First and foremost, we are grateful for the dedication and unwavering efforts of the IHSTF Planning Committee, a team of volunteers who went above and beyond for two solid years. Each Associate Director found a way to keep aspects of the Festival alive. They produced a series of online productions, held virtual college auditions/interviews, responded to plays, and sold Festgear items. With the support of Bolingbrook High School’s administration and theatre personnel, the All-State Staff and Company mounted three outstanding performances of Cabaret without sacrificing the excellent quality that we have all come to expect.

Many of the Committee’s ideas weren’t able to come to fruition, but much of the initial work is still in place for future Festivals. Plans to become more inclusive and diversified with both student and sponsor participation are well underway. Strategies are also in the works for establishing a personal, one-on-one mentorship for teachers throughout the state who are new to the Festival.

With heartfelt appreciation, we thank the ITA members, corporate sponsors, exhibitors, parents and friends who stood by us emotionally and financially when we had to cancel the 2022 Festival at the last minute. We are especially grateful to Illinois State University for their support and generosity. We would like to acknowledge all those who were able to donate their fees or make personal financial contributions that greatly helped to cover the losses the ITA incurred.

Acknowledgements

Monetary or Service Donations

ISU Conferencing Services,Bolingbrook High School /District, Grand Stage Lighting, Judy K., Jennifer N. & Thomas B., Thomas & Carolyn W., Toni L. Justin A., April & Stacy W. Jillian W., Sally H. Teslan S., Hector H. Lisa R. Susan R. Lisa S., Stefi A. Joseph K. Mark W. Megan H., Carolyn L. David W., Deborah B. Robert & Susan A., Mark B. Salesforce.com

IHSTF Participant Fee Donations

Bartlett HS, Chicago Christian HS, Glenbard South HS Hampshire HS, Keith Country Day School, Lake Zurich HS, Libertyville HS, Mattoon HS Mt. Vernon Township HS, Mundelein HS, Naperville North HS, Niles North HS, North, Boone HS, Palatine HS, Reavis HS, Ridgewood Community HS, Rolling Meadows HS, Saint Bede Academy, St. Francis High School, West Chicago Community HS, Wolcott College Prep

IHSTF Exhibitors Fee Donation

AMDA Ball State University, Blackburn College Bradley University, Carthage College, The Theatre School-DePaul Univ., Eastern Illinois University, Elmhurst University, Hussian College Los Angeles, ILC, Lewis University, Lincoln College, Miami University, Millikin University, New York Film Academy, North Central College, North Park University, Rockford University, Saint Mary's University of MN, Southeast Missouri State University, Southern Illinois Univ. Carbondale, Southern Illinois Univ. Edwardsville, Stephens College, Timothy Mooney Repertory Theatre, University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Iowa, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Waldorf University, Western Illinois University, Western Michigan


IHSTF All-State Company Fee Donations

Adeline B., Amanda B.,Joseph B., Ciara C., Declan C., Gabrielle D., Melea H., Nadia J., Devon K., Laura L., Ruth L., Salma M., Jisselle M., Nicholas R., Elizabeth R., Jason S.,
Parker V., Peter W., Roya Z.

IHSTF All-State Production/Company Donations

Broadway Costumes & Robert Schramm, Jennifer Heim Photography, Midwest Event Solutions, Wego Drama,
All-State Company of Aida, Annaliisa A., Bob and Sue A., The Bayer Family, Mark B., The Begovich Family, Amy C., J. Noe,
John S.

… and to all those who contributed to the donation buckets at the All-State performance of Cabaret at Bolingbrook High School, thank you.

Although hardship can bring out the worst in some people, it’s clear that adversity brings out the best in most people, especially those who are part of the ITA family.

Sincerely,

Judy Klingner, 2022 IHSTF Executive Director
Carmel De Stefano, ITA President
10 Rising Black Women to Watch in Theatre
by Nataki Garrett of American Theatre Magazine
Submitted by Nathan King
ITA Director of Communication

Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s artistic director offers a timely list of colleagues to keep an eye on.

This Black History Month, as we celebrate our heroes and sheroes and pay tribute to some of the great Black artists from the past who have helped shape our current artistic landscape, it is also an ideal time to have an eye toward the future and uplift the next generation of young artists who are blazing trails today. 
February in Higher Education
by Richard Arnold, ITA College Theatre Division Representative

February is between the two benefits of belonging to the ITA for colleges and universities. Of course I am speaking of the Illinois High School Theatre Festival and the Professional Auditions. It has been a tough couple of years in regards to these two events. 
How and Why to Host an Original 10 Minute Play Festival at Your School
by Elisabeth Westphal
ITA Theatre for Young Audiences/Creative Drama Division Representative

This is an invitation and description of how to host a ten minute original play festival.
5th Annual Theatre Festival by Mandi Theatre
by Meha Mishra of Mandi Theatre
Submitted by Alka Sharma
ITA Community Theatre Division Representative

As India marked its 75th independence day anniversary, Mandi Theater, in collaboration with Consulate General of India, Chicago hosted its 5th annual theater festival.
No Lights? No Problem!
Online Lighting Design for Students
by Matt Kizer, Independent Lighting Designer
Submitted by Nathaniel Haywood
ITA Secondary School Theatre Division Representative

Whether you have students quarantined at home or you don't have the resources to use physical lighting instruments in class, teaching lighting design in theatre classes can be challenging. Students learn best when they can apply what they're learning, which is often why lighting is omitted as an area of study in class. If you're itching to include that area in your drama, theatre, or stagecraft class, then this is a fantastic resource for you! Matt Kizer has made available several interactive modules including a Color Lab, a Light Lab, and a Gobo Lab that can allow students to see the practical application of lighting choices. In addition, there are multiple articles and resources to help build a mini-lighting unit.
Someone You Should Know: Jennifer Heim
by Mark Begovich, Illinois Theatre Association Director of Membership

This month’s “Someone You Should Know” is Ms. Jennifer Heim of Jennifer Heim Photography. I met Jennifer in 2020 and immediately knew that she was fantastic. A bundle of energy and experience, Jennifer truly cares about the theatrical arts and has a wealth of knowledge to share with everyone. Jennifer Heim Photography is a Corporate Sponsor of the ITA.
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