High School Summer Theatre Program

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2023 Season Auditions

Thank you to everyone who came out to audition. The Cast List for High School Musical has now been posted; those who have been cast in the show should check their email for what happens next.

Callbacks for Once on This Island are tentatively slated for June 19-21, with that callback list to be posted by the end of April.

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.

To take part in one or both productions, please fill out the Sign Up Form a little further down the page.

2023 Performance Schedule 

Show Date  Time
Disney's High School Musical Thursday, June 15 7 p.m.
Disney's High School Musical Friday, June 16
 7 p.m.
Disney's High School Musical Saturday, June 17
 7 p.m.
Disney's High School Musical Sunday, June 18
 7 p.m.
Disney's High School Musical Thursday, June 22
 7 p.m.
Disney's High School Musical Friday, June 23
 7 p.m.
Disney's High School Musical Saturday, June 24
 7 p.m.
Disney's High School Musical Sunday, June 25
 7 p.m.
Once on This Island Thursday, August 10 7 p.m.
Once on This Island Friday, August 11 7 p.m.
Once on This Island Saturday, August 12 7 p.m.
Once on This Island Sunday, August 13 7 p.m.
Once on This Island Thursday, August 17 7 p.m.
Once on This Island Friday, August 18 7 p.m.
Once on This Island Saturday, August 19 7 p.m.
Once on This Island Sunday, August 20 7 p.m.

Tickets

Ticket Type Cost 
Adults  $10
Students/Seniors $5
Season Pass - Available for purchase at any performance! 
$40 
5 and Under  FREE

Participation Information

Audition Flyer Side by Side Digital Graphic _webpage crop

High School Summer Theatre Sign Up Form

  2. If you're currently in Grade 8-12 and would like to be a part of the High School Summer Theatre Program, this form is how to schedule an audition, join the crew, or become part of the pit band for DISNEY'S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL and/or ONCE ON THIS ISLAND (presented in partnership with Coalescence Theatre Project).

  11. (Note: only students in grades 8-12 when signing up are eligible to participate.)

  14. Parent / Guardian Information
  25. INTEREST & AVAILABILITY
  27. I am interested in...*

    (Check all that apply.)

  29. Please list any Unavoidable Conflicts from April 17-June 25 for DISNEY'S HIGH SCHOOL MUISCAL and June 26-August 20 for ONCE ON THIS ISLAND (e.g. vacations, work schedules, summer school, etc.)

  33. AUDITION INFORMATION

    TIME AND LOCATION

    Auditions will take place from 6-9 p.m. April 13 and 14 at the Community Activity Center, 1110 Douglas St in Normal. There will also be time from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, April 15 prior to callbacks for anyone unable to make it on Thursday or Friday due to production conflicts. Performers can audition for both DISNEY'S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL and ONCE ON THIS ISLAND (high school roles only) at this time.

    HOW TO PREPARE 

    Auditioners are asked to prepare 32 bars (or approximately one minute) of music to sing. You may bring sheet music for the accompanist or a recorded track to play via a provided bluetooth speaker. You may also choose to sing a capella.

    There is no need to prepare a monologue; sides (i.e. small sections of script will be provided for auditioners to read at Callbacks but not at General Auditions.

    Auditioners will also be taught and asked to perform a brief dance combination.

    CALLBACKS

    DISNEY'S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL callbacks will take place from noon-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 15. (Callbacks for ONCE ON THIS ISLAND will be set for a later date.) The callback list will be posted on the High School Summer Theatre webpage as well as emailed to the auditioners and/or their parent/guardian via the email address(es) provided in this form.

  37. I would like to audition for...

    (Check all that apply.)

  39. (Note: Please plan to be present for the full hour of the audition timeslot.)

  43. (If yes, please describe .)

  45. (If yes, please describe.)

  47. (e.g. juggling, gymnastics, skateboarding, breakdancing, etc.)

  51. Production Crew Information

    We're looking for folks to join us as we prepare for the show as well as during performances. Town of Normal Civic Arts Manager Adam Fox will reach out with more information on how you can take part. Please note that you are welcome to audition for the cast AND express interest in production crew positions!

  53. I'd like to learn more about crew positions in...

    (Check all that apply.)

  55. ...for the productions of:

    (Check all that apply.)

  63. Band Information

    Due to the instrumentation of DISNEY'S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, we are looking primarily for guitar players, bassists, keyboard players and percussionists. Please let us know if you'd like to learn more, and our Music Director will reach out.

  71. If you have any questions or additional information to share, you may enter it here and/or email Civic Arts Manager Adam Fox at afox@normalil.gov.

  73. You will receive an email from Adam Fox confirming your audition date & time as we get closer to audition dates.
    74. Leave This Blank:

  76. This field is not part of the form submission.