All Southern High School Theater Project (ASHSTP) presents Four Performances of Footloose at McLeod Summer Playhouse
Date/Time
Date(s) - 08/03/2023 - 08/06/2023
12:00 am
Location
McCleod Theater
Categories
All Southern High School Theater Project (ASHSTP) presents
Four Performances of Footloose at McLeod Summer Playhouse
In just a few days, the curtain will rise on the 27th annual production of the All Southern High
School Theater Project (ASHSTP). In 1997, Carbondale Community Arts (CCA, now Artspace 304) was
approached by two young actors who had a dream of bringing together high school students from
around the region to create professional-level, live musical theater. CCA inquired whether McLeod
Summer Playhouse would provide a venue and production support for ASHSTP, and a partnership was
born. This year, 24 students from nine of the region’s high schools will perform Footloose, August 3-6 as
part of the McLeod Summer Playhouse season.
Marsha Ryan, Board President of Artspace 304 observes, “Artspace is very happy to be
producing ASHSTP again this year, providing a professional-grade summer stock theater experience to
the region’s high school students. What a wonderful way for these young people to spend the last days
of summer, fully immersed in the world of music theater. The produc�on will be a treat for them, for
their families, and for all of us in the audience.”
A major feature of the program is the opportunity for gifted young performers to learn from
McLeod’s theater professionals through a combination of workshops, rehearsals, and hands-on
internships. This year’s talented cast is guided by Matt Williams, who reprises his role as Director while
sharing choreography duties with Samantha Bursich. Music direction is provided by Jackson Love.
ASHTSP interns gain experience in costuming, stage production, and design as part of the
Summer Youth Employment in the Arts Program, underwritten by the Illinois Arts Council Agency, the
City of Carbondale, and the Neil and Mary Ellen Dillard Scholarship Fund.
This is a true community effort, funded with donations from long-time corporate and individual
sponsors including the Friends of MSP. Chuck Benya, CEO & Executive Director is especially grateful to
those who donated to the new 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
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.”
This year’s play, Footloose, pairs high energy music and dance numbers with a thoughtful
coming of age story. Between the music, characters, and choreography, there is something to appeal to
every audience member. Performances are at the McLeod Theater at SIU, August 3-5 at 7:30pm and
August 6 at 2:00pm. Tickets are selling fast but are still available for all performances. Tickets can be
purchased by phone (618-453-6000), in person at the McLeod Theater or Banterra Center box offices,
or online at https://playhouse.siu.edu/tickets/