Artspace 304 and John A Logan College are joining forces to offer a unique opportunity for high school students to engage in a professional-level musical theater experience this summer. Auditions, which will be submitted online, are due May 24, with in-person call-backs scheduled for May 31. The application can be accessed via this link: https://ecuqumdk.paperform.co/ or from the Artspace 304 website.

Marsha Ryan, Board President of Artspace 304, is excited to partner with the College.

"Artspace is very happy to partner with John A Logan College this year to produce Schoolhouse Rock Live!, Jr,” said Ryan. “This association also provided an opening for the addition of a two-week drama camp that will be free to all participants. We couldn’t be more delighted.”

This year’s ASHSTP Director, Kesiena Obue, stated that participants would have a comprehensive learning experience.

“Students will gain dance, voice, acting, and improvisation skills. They will also get hands-on experience in costume making, set building, and performing the show,” said Obue.

Obue directed last year’s sold-out production of Corduroy and will lead a talented team of drama, music, dance, and technical experts from both SIU and JALC.

High school students can apply for all or just one of this summer’s theater experiences, including two weeks of Drama Camp and the traditional rehearsal and performance schedule for the ever-popular Schoolhouse Rock Live, Jr! There will also be a Traveling Troupe that will perform sampling of the play within Southern Illinois.

John A. Logan College President Dr. Kirk Overstreet is pleased to partner with Artspace 304.

“This is a great opportunity to have talented kids from throughout southern Illinois on our campus,” said Overstreet. “This group puts on an outstanding program that the participants and their families will enjoy. We are extremely grateful to Artspace 304 for the opportunity to partner.”

This community effort is funded by donations from foundations, corporations, and individual sponsors. Chuck Benya, CEO, and Executive Director, is especially grateful to those who donate to the Rising Star fund.

“These donations expand access to the theater, providing tickets to children who have never experienced the magic of live theater and supplying travel stipends to cast members who require financial support to participate.”

The program is partially underwritten through the Rising Star Campaign, the Illinois Arts Council Agency, the City of Carbondale, and the Neil and Mary Ellen Dillard Scholarship Fund.

About Artspace 304 and ASHSTP

All Southern High School Theater ProgramTM brings high school students from across the region for a summer of theater workshops, rehearsals, and hands-on internships. It allows students to work with theater professionals and learn all aspects of performance and stage. Interns gain experience in stage production and design as part of the Summer Youth Employment in the Arts Program.

Southern Illinois Drama Camp complements the signature production, providing professional training to aspiring drama students ages 13 – 19.

ASHSTP Players Traveling Troupe, launching in 2024, takes the show to regional sites. Student actors will visit community and senior centers.

Artspace 304’s Commitment to Investing in Rural Arts Economy

The arts are kindling for the economy—small investments that deliver significant returns. They get people out of their homes and spend money in the community. Every visit to an arts event generates $31.47 per person beyond the ticket cost in spending on meals, retail, parking, and lodging. This provides vital income to local merchants, energizes towns, and puts people to work.

Artspace 304 supports Southern Illinois’ diverse and vibrant cultural arts community by growing leadership, education, funding, connections, and regional economic development.

About John A Logan College

To enrich lives through learning and community engagement.

For more information, contact Artspace 304 at 618-457-5100 or by email at info@artspace304.org