Every year, the Illinois Theatre Association hosts the Illinois High School Theatre Festival (IHSTF), lasting for one weekend in January. This festival is well known among the theater community as the largest, and oldest, high school theatre festival in the United States, with this year marking the 50th anniversary. IHSTF 2026 was located at Illinois State University, with students and teachers alike from various schools coming together to not only celebrate the art of theatre, but also the unique community and its members. Some features include workshops varying from Costumes 101 to Self On Stage: Intro to Neo-Futurism, different shows and musicals, games, and improv. Students who are not interested in any of those are also able to walk the campus and explore the various record stores and cafes nearby. With something for everyone, IHSTF provides an incredible experience for Thespians all over Illinois.
Another unique feature of IHSTF is the all-state musical, a show where the cast and crew is entirely made up of students from all different Illinois high schools. This year, these students got to shine in a spectacular performance of Newsies, a Broadway play about the life of paper delivery boys in 1899.
In regards to the all-state performance, Ricky Gomez (LP ‘27) said, “Honestly if you didn’t tell me that the cast of Newsies was all high schoolers, I would’ve thought that they were professional actors, like that was their full time job.” With a set including multiple functioning staircases and platforms, along with an incredibly talented cast, this rendition of Newsies was truly remarkable.
However, the all-state wasn’t the only attraction for IHSTF. Workshops, improv opportunities, and various shows alike are one of the reasons many high schoolers attend Theatre Fest. While signing up for workshops, students are allowed to choose any that interest them, granted they sign up before the course is full. Courses can teach skills, like dance and acting workshops, or provide an opportunity to meet new people and just have fun, like signing up for games or improv. Trevor Watson (LP ‘27) took part in the workshops.
“The workshops were so fun and I learned many new skills from the costume one I went to!” Trevor said.
Anthony Johnson (LP ‘26), a current ISU student, had the opportunity to help run workshops at IHSTF. This also allowed him to see the festival from a new perspective.
“My favorite part about the fest was getting to talk to the theatre students that were in my place just a few years ago,” Anthony said.
Even without attending workshops, students who explored the campus and met other Thespians were able to partake in this unique experience.
Overall, the Illinois High School Theatre Festival creates a distinctive, welcoming atmosphere for all students and teachers attending. As community and art are encouraged, students who went on this field trip will certainly remember their time at the 2026 IHSTF.
