Most theatre students desire to act in plays, but some set their hearts on working behind the scenes—the New Trier High School Directing Project program caters to those students with opportunities to stage, design, and produce their own vision of a one-act play second semester. 

“Directing Projects are the culminating project for Theatre 4 students, and have been a part of the New Trier curriculum for decades,” Theatre Faculty and Performing Arts Coordinator Hilerre Kirsch says. “I witness student directors demonstrate exceptional collaboration, leadership, and organization skills, along with their creative and artistic skills.”

In preparation, students enrolled in Theatre 4 look through one-act plays over the summer and first quarter, selecting two to propose for their Directing Projects. In the second quarter, they analyze their scripts and prepare materials for auditions. They then learn about set design, costume, sound, and blocking in class whilst rehearsing with their casts outside of school. Showcases take place mid to late May in the Hayes-McCausland Theatre. 

“I am there to oversee and challenge them with assignments and questions that broaden their vision and perspective, but their greatest learning comes from their communal discoveries and feedback for each other,” Kirsch says.

Like with this year’s Freshman/Sophomore Musical, students interested in directing and managing a show get the opportunity to do so. However, while student directors collaborate for Frosh/Soph musical, Theatre Four students direct their very own play.

“85 student directors and actors are participating in the Directing Projects this year,” Kirsch says. “They show such respect for each other and their community. I see them working together and problem-solving with each other…as they all grow as artists.” 

The sense of community at New Trier goes far beyond rehearsals, students getting the chance to really collaborate and connect with their student directors.

“All the Theatre 4 directors are so kind, yet so driven to mold their show into the best it can be,” sophomore and Directing Project cast member Parker Shea says. “It’s so amazing to work with the talented upperclassmen in theatre at NT—I love my director, Olivia Harris, and I am so excited to get closer to her!” 

As most student directors prepare for their future college studies, they gain plenty of experience from this program.

“I’m going to college for filmmaking…so I think it’s great that we’re getting to experience a leadership role and we’re dissecting all of these individual parts of a play,” Student Director Miribelle Diamond says.“It’s [Directing Projects] not only teaching you how to be a good director, it’s also teaching you how to be a good actor.” 

The theatre department at New Trier does not only foster artistic development, but also personal development, granting plenty of latitude for cast members to connect with upperclassmen. Showcases take place mid to late May in the Hayes-McCausland Theatre. 

“Working with the people in your cast and a Theatre 4 director pushes you as an actor,” Shea says. “All directors have gone through years of theatre at New Trier, and you learn so much from them—which gives you tons of material and the opportunity to grow in your craft.”