Fremd students compete in Tech Olympics at Illinois Theatre Fest

When a theatre production takes place, it's easy to focus on the actors and actresses on stage without thinking about the individuals who help make the show a success.

Students at Fremd High School recently had the opportunity to compete in Tech Olympics at the Illinois High School Theatre Fest sponsored by Illinois Theater Association and The United States Institute for Theatre Technology. The weekend-long event allows students to participate in competitions, watch performances from other high schools, attend workshops to further their craft and seniors can audition for colleges.

"It gives our students confidence to know they can do something like this and it's also a great way for them to network," said Mike Karasch, applied tech chairman at Fremd High School. "All the judges are industry professionals, so students can talk to someone about a career. That is cool because these people are actually working in the industry."

A total of 18 students attended the event. Students who competed in Tech Olympics could place both individually or as a group. Top Fremd High School students scored in the following categories: First place Wiring a connector: Michael Mallon; first place Focusing an ellipsoidal (light): Michael Mallon; first place Costume Quick Change: Karlee Burns and Melissa Nakazawa. Other team members included, Konstantinos Koumoutsos, Guru Dhaliwal, Allison Kiolbassa, John Farina, Kyle Price, Emily McHugh, and Olivia Nortillo. Student Danielle Ryan was selected for the All-State Show Crew, which is a performance that students from all over the state and Indiana can audition for.

"It's such a good environment because it is a teaching environment," Karasch said. "My students learn so much from someone other than me - someone in the industry. They also get to see shows and see what other kids are doing because they don't get to see what other high schools are doing that often. They are totally immersed in the environment and that is great."

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