A Proud Community Legacy

Normal's High School Summer Theatre program began in 1972. Since its inception, thousands of local students have taken part in summer productions as cast members, crew, musicians and more. The program is open to incoming freshmen through graduating seniors at any area high school. There is no fee to participate.Performances are held each summer at Connie Link Amphitheatre.

In 2023, the High School Summer Theatre program will produce DISNEY'S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, with performances June 15-25.  The show will be Directed by Cristen Monson, with Music Director Leah Megli and Choreographer Raylene Gomez.  
It's the first day after winter break at East High. The Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians, and Skater Dudes find their cliques, recount their vacations and look forward to the new year. Basketball team captain and resident jock, Troy, discovers that the brainy Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. They cause an upheaval when they decide to audition for the high school musical that is being led by Ms. Darbus. Although many students resent the threat posed to the "status quo," Troy and Gabriella's alliance might just open the door for others to shine as well.

Also in 2023, High School Summer Theatre and  Coalescence Theatre Project will co-present ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, running August 10-20. The production will be Directed by Elaine McCoy Hill, with Music Director Deonté Mosely and Choreographer Lyndetta Loving.
Once on a golden and verdant Caribbean island, a little girl is rescued from a disastrous storm by four gods—Asaka, Mother of the Earth; Agwé, god of Water; Erzulie, goddess of Love; and Papa Ge, demon of Death. So starts the myth told in this breathtaking story of joy and sorrow, the aftermath of colonization and isolation, and the triumph of love against all forces. Winning the 2018 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. ONCE ON THIS ISLAND is written by the team that wrote the musicals ANASTASIA, RAGTIME, and SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL.