Published on July 11, 2024
Artspace 304 and John A Logan College are thrilled to present the 29th season of ASHSTP. After a two-week drama camp of intensive dance, music, and acting training, high school students from Southern Illinois began rehearsals on July 1 for Schoolhouse Rock, Live! JR, a perennial favorite of all ages. Performances are July 25-28 and Aug 1-3 at the O’Neil Auditorium at John A Logan College. Tickets are available online at our.show/ashstpschoolhouserock and range from $22 – $8. There are special prices for educators.
Schoolhouse Rock, celebrating its 50th anniversary, is a Saturday morning cartoon series familiar to many for its educational jingles. The Emmy Award-winning program, known for its memorable and upbeat message, is brought to life by Tom, a young schoolteacher, who is nervous about his first day of teaching. He tries to relax by watching TV when various characters representing facets of his personality emerge from the set and show him how to win his students over with imagination and music.
Kesiena C. Obue sees Schoolhouse Rock Live! JR as more than a collection of great tunes with an upbeat message. She believes, “This story is about imagination, self-belief, and self-motivation. It is a story with a lot of heart. We are showcasing the incredible talent and hard work of our performers and production team, and we also want you to know that anything is possible; all you must do is believe.” This performance has the power to inspire and transform, showing that with belief, anything is possible.
Chuck Benya, CEO & Executive Director of Artspace 304, sees the evolving partnership with John A Logan College as a real positive for the region. “Our commitment to diversity and accessibility is made easier through our partnership with JALC. They generously provided space for our two-week Drama Camp, a long-term goal, allowing students with less experience to participate confidently. This year’s collaboration among theater professionals crosses many boundaries. The experienced Artistic and Technical staff work or study at JALC, SIU-Carbondale, or are freelance professionals. We are building networks that can only benefit our region’s students, actors and crew, educators, and audiences.”
Donations from foundations, corporations, and individual sponsors fund this community effort. Marsha Ryan, Board President of Artspace 304, is incredibly grateful to those who donate to the Rising Star fund. “These donations expand access to the theater, providing tickets to children who have never experienced the magic of live theater and travel stipends to cast members who require financial support to participate. Our arrangement with JALC also allows us to reduce the ticket prices across the board so everyone in the family can attend the show – multiple times.”
“Indeed, we will try to accommodate anyone who wants to attend. It’s our mission.” Chuck added. Between the performances, the ASHSTP Drama Troupe InsideOut will tour parts of the Schoolhouse Rock Jr. to community centers and retirement communities, aiming at areas with little to no access to the arts.
For more information, contact Artspace 304 at 618-457-5100 or by email at info@artspace304.org