FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:  Is there a cost to audition?

• No, there is no audition fee. 

Q:  Is there an expense to participate?

• Yes, there is a $200 fee.  100% of this amount goes to you -- none of this fee goes towards the production itself.  It covers your meals,  show swag, and more.  Your school may cover this fee (we will help you ask your director/principal).  If your school does not cover the fee and this dollar amount seems impossible, please contact the Regionalproducers, regionalproducer@ihstf.org.  We will help you with scholarships.  DO NOT LET THIS FEE STOP YOU FROM PARTICIPATING!

Q:  What if I cannot afford the $200 participation fee?

• We will work with your school to see if they’ll be able to sponsor you – just as the school sponsors state-qualifying athletes.  We will also offer scholarships for students.  We DO NOT want the money to deter you from applying for the All-State production!

Q:  Are there additional fees?

• Possibly,  you may be asked to purchase specific personal items (such as makeup or undergarments) that you would keep after the show.  It will likely be between $20 and $40.  Additionally, there will be optional opportunities for purchases of items as additional mementos from the show or the Festival, beyond the show swag all participants will receive.  If this possible cost is a concern, please contact the All-State Producers. regionalproducer@ihstf.org.  DO NOT LET THESE POSSIBLE FEES STOP YOU FROM PARTICIPATING!

Q:  Can anyone audition?

• Yes, any current freshman, sophomore, or junior from High Schools located in Central and/or Southern Illinois may audition (graduating classes of 2027, 2028, and 2029). Schools can send as many students as they want to audition and interview.  Your theatre director/sponsor should coordinate that information and will be required to submit an online recommendation form for each student who submits.  Additionally, principals must sign off on your participation as part of the audition and interview process.

Q:  What is the Regional Production really like?

• It’s the first one, but we anticipate a fulfilling, impactful time for everyone involved! It is a chance to enhance your love for theatre by working with talented students from your region of the state who are brought together to make magic happen! It is a group of like-minded people who believe in the power of theatre.

• This production will be hard work, which is why you must commit to all the rehearsal dates to audition. We start working on the show in July, which seems like a while before the Theatre Festival; however, we only work for 2-3 days at a time, so we must be as productive as possible throughout those weekends. Being chosen for the All-State means that you have the capacity for that work.

• This Regional Production is AN ADDITIONAL opportunity for the students involved. You are expected to still be an active leader and (we stress) model student with your home drama program. Being selected for the Premiere Regional Production is a special honor.

Q:  Are there eligibility requirements?

• es. We expect you to maintain good grades. We will do a grade check-in during the October rehearsal weekend. We have the same standards as IHSA, which means you must be passing 5 credited classes to remain part of the company. 

Q:  Can I be selected for the company even though I haven’t played lead roles at my school nor have a lot of leadership experiences (i.e., a Stage Manager)?

• YES!  We want everyone to audition and apply for this production, no matter your past experiences.  This unique production is meant to provide educational opportunities for you to learn and take those skills with you and back to your school.  Remember: you still gained skills with your involvement in other extra-curricular activities (i.e., sports, student council, Drama Club, GSA, etc.), and those skills make you valuable company members for Come From Away.

Q:  Can I audition and apply for more than one area?  For example, can I audition for the cast and apply for the crew?

• Yes, if you'd like!  We encourage you to audition and apply for multiple areas.

Q:  Are auditions in person or via video submission?

• The initial auditions/presentations are virtual However, in-person auditions/interviews for callbacks on June 20, 2026 will be held. 

Q:  How big will the company be?

• Currently, our goal is to have approximately 50-60 students involved between the cast, crew, pit, and student leadership positions!

Q:  How will transportation work?

• Students will be required to provide their own transportation to and from rehearsals. 

Q:  How will housing work?

• Rehearsals will be at Edwardville High School.  Depending on your distance to the host school, Regional Producers will help you find host families for the weekend (usually other company members or other host theatre students).  Additionally, during the Festival, you will be housed with your school.

Q:  When you say, “All roles and positions are open to any student regardless of their ethnicity or gender,” do you mean it?

• 100%.  We will cast the show and select our company based on what YOU bring to your audition/interview.  Our casting seeks to be as inclusive as possible.