Two Lincoln-Way East High School students who recently performed at the Illinois High School Theater Festival had to squeeze in several 13-hour rehearsals as the dealt with the regular stresses of student life, but in the end, they were glad for the opportunity.
“It was a lot of work, but it was definitely worth it,” said Aden Richard, a senior.
Richard said preparing for a statewide musical theater production with lots of moving parts was intense. Richard plays cello and was selected to be part of the orchestra pit for the production. For this she had to learn several new musical scores well enough to perform at what she describes as a “professional level.”
This year’s theater festival featured “Aida,” by Elton John and Tim Rice, and featured students from throughout the state.
The festival is promoted as the largest, oldest, non-competitive theater festival in the country, according to organizers. It concluded in January and took place in the Braden Auditorium at Illinois State University in Normal.
Teachers, administrators, and university representatives were among the audience.
While Richard was mastering her music on the cello, fellow Lincoln-Way student Joseph Kotze was preparing for his role in the ensemble. He had to learn several new dance routines and songs in a production he characterized as “fast paced.” Kotze, a sophomore, said the experience was absolutely remarkable even given the hard work and effort that went into it.
“I definitely learned a lot about myself and how much effort it takes to give 100 percent all the time,” he said.
Both students agreed that the intensity of preparing in such a short time for a major production was really the most rewarding part.
“It may sound cheesy, but the word I would use is inspiring,” said Kotze. “I love those rehearsal weekends. Everyone was so dedicated to give out their best possible.”
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Aden recalled opening night and experiencing emotions she said she hadn’t really prepared for, including the feeling of having an audience of about 4,000 people and the applause that came when the orchestra started to play.
“The energy in that theater was amazing,” she said.
Joseph had a similar experience at the end of the show on opening night.
“It felt so good to hear all those people cheering,” he said.
Joseph said he’s looking forward to more high school productions and also is involved with a couple of local theater groups.
Aden plans to study animation for filmmaking when she heads off to college in the fall.
Barbara Dargis is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.