Project Proposal
Each year the CHS Drama Department takes students to the ITS (International Thespian Society) Nebraska Thespian Festival. In this two-and-a-half-day immersive theater experience, students see shows, participate in workshops, learn from keynote speakers/performers/technicians, compete in improv acting and technical challenges, and meet and make friends with theater students from across the state of Nebraska. Funding from the Central High School Foundation allows CHS thespians to attend regardless of their families’ ability to pay.
Amount Funded
$12,000
“The Central High School Foundation helps provide the opportunity for students to attend the ITS NE Thespian Festival which is an awesome experience for them. They are involved in the pre-festival planning and rehearsing. While at the festival, they attend workshops and shows, perform and meet other theater students from across the state. Several of our students earn top honors in the competitive events each year. They also gain confidence, build self-esteem and performance/presentation skills that will help them in all they do in life.”
Mr. Scott Mead, CHS Drama Teacher
Students Impacted
~30 Students Each Year
Commitment to Closing the Opportunity Gap
While attending this festival students are exposed to a variety of quality theatrical productions and workshops. Prior to the event, they will be engaged with and learning from guest artists from the local community. These experiences are costly and thus not readily available and accessible to students without the extra support that the Central High School Foundation offers.
Translation to College and Career Readiness
Students have opportunities to audition for Nebraska Thespian Scholarships as well as interview/audition for university theater departments while attending the event. In addition, the skills and connections they make with other students and theater artists assist them in networking and preparing for a future in the theater/performing arts/entertainment industry.
“Going to the ITS festival brings me a sense of community though the theater space. I love watching other schools perform; it has given me a chance to learn and gain new theatre experience. But my favorite thing about ITS is the competitions. These give us a chance to share what my peers and I have learned and what it means to be an Eagle.”
Jacob Abele, Class of 2023