Family Day sets tone for celebration
From watching films to learning how to become part of one, Naperville's Independent Film Festival has an eye toward providing entertainment for all ages.
Family Day at the fest will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at the grand ballroom of the Holiday Inn Select, 1801 N. Naper Blvd.
The event is free, although advance registration is recommended for workshops because space is limited.
The entire fest opens Saturday, Sept. 19, and closes a week later on Sept. 26.
"The best thing is that it brings families to the beginning of the festival and helps everyone know what the rest of the week is going to be like," organizer Lynn Hodak said.
The event begins at 11 a.m. with a "High School Musical" pep rally outside the hotel featuring cheerleaders, the Wildcats mascot and a chance to learn some of the cheers and songs from the movie. The group, consisting of students from Naperville Central High School, will give another performance at 4:30 p.m. on the main stage as well.
Area thespians and dancers also will perform throughout the day. Main stage acts include Kidz Kabaret, Summer Place Theatre, the Naperville Park District dance program, North Central College and the School of Performing Arts.
"It's very entertaining and there will be hundreds of people performing and a nice variety," Hodak said.
For kids and teens hoping to one day become performers themselves, there will be numerous workshops to attend during Family Day. Pros will be giving talks about acting, makeup and costumes, stage combat and show business.
"They'll learn something at all the workshops and figure out if that's something they want to continue," Hodak said.
About a dozen young people submitted films of their own to the festival. Families will be able to view the movies throughout the day and awards will be handed out to the junior filmmakers at 6 p.m.
Also on the schedule for Sunday are stunt men demonstrations, film memorabilia, interactive booths, movie character appearances and a back lot show, "The Titanic ... It's Still Sinking!"
For a full schedule or to register for the Family Day workshops, visit naperfilmfest.org.