The Illinois Theatre Festival is the largest and oldest high school theatre festival in the country. Considering how large it is, it is safe to say that there are many different experiences with it. For some, Theatre Fest is a return, whilst for others, it’s a completely brand new experience. Adrian Mills could be considered a part of the ‘newbie’ Theatre Fest group. “My favorite memory is doing things with my friends and getting to spend time with them,” said Mills. A really fun part about the festival is that on your down time between shows, you get to walk around campus, and typically with friends. This year, the Illinois Theatre Festival was based at The University of Illinois, Urbana- Champaign. And every year, it flips around with Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. Both of which are beautiful and large campuses, which makes it all the more fun to explore. “I saw five shows,” said Mills, “Clue, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Six, Hotline and The Experiment, and The Prom.” Clue was Mills’ favorite show. “It was a beautiful set and had an amazing cast,” said Mills.
Returners tend to become more excited for Theatre Fest each year. Morris Nunn and his experience are an incredible example of that. Nunn has been to Theatre Fest three times, this year being his final. Nunn also watched five shows. “Legally Blonde, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Six, The Prom, and The Deadline,” said Nunn. His favorite show was The Prom, which was the All-State show this year, meaning it was put on by the university, but had a full high school cast and crew. “Everyone in it was amazing! It was so professional, the sets were absolutely amazing, and the cast made it feel like we were watching a Broadway show.” Nunn also added, “It was hilarious, super meaningful, and overall, a great time.” The Prom is about a young teen girl who lives in Indiana who wants to take her girlfriend to prom. The town was intolerant and not accepting until two broadway stars rallied behind her to help the girl’s peers become more open minded. The show is super resonating with a lot of teenagers, and was, therefore, a brilliant choice for the All-State show.
Overall, whether it is your first time going or one of your last, Theatre Fest is an amazing, entertaining, fun, and eye-opening experience. It gives high schoolers a true chance to shine and brings a new opportunity. “10/10 experience. If you are at all interested in theatre and are able to go, I would definitely recommend it. My first year was life changing, it’s such a great experience,” said Nunn.
