Lake Forest High School is planning to start a theater department.
The school is making preparations to offer three theater classes starting this fall after a revised schedule and student interest worked to make the change possible.
Joe Pulio, a teacher who has been involved with extracurricular theater at Lake Forest High School for 25 years, said there have been efforts over the years to create a theater department. A combination of factors led to it happening now.
“Community wise, there are a lot of parents who have had kids go through (extracurricular) theater and have pushed,” Pulio said. “With our new schedule, kids have an extra period, which gives them an opportunity to take an extra class. I think it’s important with (Principal) Chala Holland. We have the talent among the faculty. It’s like dominoes – everything is in place.”
Holland said that she is a lover of the arts and a theater program gives students an opportunity to express themselves.
“We want students to explore their selves, the world, the diversity of themes,” Holland said. “We want to increase awareness of different aspects of humanity. I believe having a theater department offering formalized courses will do that.”
Pulio said the courses will also help the existing extracurricular theater productions.
“When you have classes, they get skills in acting and directing,” Pulio said. “You start going after shows that are more challenging. Plays that require more analysis, more understanding. Over a period of time, kids get better at acting.”
How many sections of the theater classes depend on how many students sign up.
It has not yet been determined who will teach the specific classes and whether additional staff will be hired. However, Holland said there are current faculty members at the school who have the necessary background and endorsements.
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