Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to audition?

Yes; there is a $20 audition fee. It covers processing and materials fees. If you audition in more than one area (Acting/Orchestra/Technical), there is a fee for each area.

Is there an expense to participate?

Yes; there is a $650 fee. 100% of this amount goes to you - none of this fee goes towards the production itself. It covers your meals, housing (hotel costs) at Theatre Festival, show swag, and more. Your school may cover this fee (ask your director/sponsor!). If your school does not cover the fee and this number seems impossible, please contact the All-State Producers. We will help you with scholarships. Do not let this fee stop you from participating!

Are there additional fees?

Possibly, depending on your role. 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 $80 depending on the role. 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. Finally, there may be optional raffles or other fundraising opportunities available. If this possible cost is a concern, please contact the All-State Producers. Do not let these possible fees stop you from participating!

Can anyone audition?

Yes, any current freshman, sophomore, or junior may audition.  If you will be in 5th grade - 9th grade in the 2025-2026 school year, you may apply ONLY for the role of Les. 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 that submits. Additionally, principals must sign off on your participation as part of the audition and interview process.

What is All-State really like?

All-state is a fulfilling, impactful time for everyone involved! It is a chance to enhance your love for theatre by working with talented students from all over 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.

All-State is hard work, which is why you must commit to all the rehearsal dates in order to audition. We start working on the show in July, which seems like a while before 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.

All-State 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 All-State is a special honor.

Are there eligibility requirements?

Yes. 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 as part of the company.

I do not live near the rehearsal spot, where do I stay?

Rehearsals will be at Addison Trail High School. Depending on your distance to the host school, All-State Producers will help you find host families for the weekend (usually other company members or other host theatre students). Additionally, during the Festival Week, we are all housed together in a hotel for the week in Bloomington-Normal.

I'm not sure what a resume looks like.  Do you have any samples?

Here are some sample Acting, Orchestra, and Technical resumes.  This is not the ONLY way you can do a resume, but it is an effective way.

I'm having trouble following all this on the website. Can you send me the information in another format?

Feel free to take a look at the Google Doc version. It has all the same information, just in a different format.

I have other questions, who do I contact?

Email Michelle Bayer and Christina Ordonez, All-State Producers with any additional questions.  Please note that it may be a few days until you get a response.