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Moline High students recount Illinois Theater Festival experience to board
Summary
Students and advisors from Moline High School described taking Twelfth Night to the Illinois High School Theater Festival, recounting set challenges, backstage problem solving and learning opportunities at the festival.
Students from Moline High School presented their experience taking a production of Twelfth Night to the Illinois High School Theater Festival during the Moline Board of Education meeting at Bartlett Performance Arts Center on March 10, 2025. The presentation highlighted student learning, technical challenges and community support.
The students, led by their advisors, said the festival involved bringing set pieces, costumes and props to the University of Illinois Lincoln Hall and adapting quickly to a different stage and technical setup. “We prepared the set for fireproofing and rebuilding ... we loaded the U Haul with our set pieces, our costumes, our scripts, our props, construction tools,” a student described during the presentation.
The nut graf: students emphasized hands‑on learning in technical theater and performing arts careers, describing problem solving under time pressure, cooperation with university staff, and opportunities to audition for college programs. Student presenters recounted specific incidents — missing nuts and bolts that required improvisation, a lead actor who had a nosebleed and the cast’s on‑the‑fly adjustments, and challenges loading heavy set pieces in snow.
Supporting details: the students said they participated in workshops at the festival, attended Allstate productions and were aided by University of Illinois staff in loading and lighting. One student, Ari Gamble, described serving as production manager and noted that the fire department inspected the set to meet safety requirements. Several students reported college audition opportunities and technical competitions such as a Tech Challenge that tested timed costume changes and platform construction.
Board members applauded the students’ presentation and thanked them for sharing their experience. A board member praised the program’s positive student relationships and growth.
Ending: The presentation concluded with staff and board commendations; students named chaperones and thanked parents and school staff who supported the trip.
