Streamwood High School revamps drama program, presents inaugural fall production
With Halloween right around the corner, Streamwood High School will proudly present "Arsenic and Old Lace," with performances in the campus auditorium at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26 and Friday, Oct. 28, with a community matinee at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29.
This will be the first in a series of SHS plays overseen by a brand-new technical crew. Each production will also have a different director.
"We are so excited to bring this classic play to Streamwood High School," said Lisa Baran Janco, assistant principal of Humanities, stressing the extent to which student involvement in fine arts is key to their success at SHS.
"Our arts programs give students opportunities to express their talent and individuality," Janco explained. "We are happy to come together to support them and their contribution to the Streamwood High School community."
Principal Dr. Jennifer Van Deusen is "beyond excited to see this play. Arsenic and Old Lace is a horror-comedy and, at this time of year, will add to the excitement on stage."
Fine Arts teacher and longtime speech-drama team sponsor Jessica Vaillancourt was charged with this inaugural production. Vaillancourt, who started her teaching career at Elgin High School and revamped that school's long-dormant theatre and speech programs, transferred to Streamwood several years ago.
According to Vaillancourt, "working with students on this frightfully funny play is an absolute delight."
" SHS performers and technical directors are coming into their own," Vaillancourt explained, "as individuals and as a collaborative team. I couldn't be happier watching a collective group of students grow as individuals, embrace their talents, and meet their potential as actors, actresses, and stage techs."
Eric Lezcano, Streamwood Director of Athletics and Activities, agreed.
"Theatre provides students a chance to express themselves in a setting they feel most comfortable," Lezcano said. "It shines a light on the true talent our students possess beyond the classroom."
Streamwood will continue to "reimagine and reinvigorate theatre and speech," Vaillancourt said. "To see students, parents, and community members attend our three performances will only strengthen our school's mission of building a first-class arts-focused activities program."
Tickets are $6 for general admission and $5 for Senior Citizens, with a $1 discount for any patron who brings a new, sealed pet item to be donated to Starfish Animal Rescue.