Disney’s Newsies headlines the 2026 Illinois High School Theatre Festival at Illinois State University this January. Over 518 students auditioned for roles in this year's production.
Photo: Eduardo Pastor/Unsplash
IHSTF remains the largest and oldest non-competitive high school theatre festival in the country. This year's festival will be held on the Illinois State University campus.
CHICAGO - The 2026 Illinois High School Theatre Festival (IHSTF) is set to showcase its All-State production with Disney's Newsies, a spirited tribute to the power of youth and the fight against injustice. Held at Braden Auditorium, Illinois State University, from January 8-10, 2026, this closed event celebrates talented high school actors, technicians, and musicians from across Illinois. Inspired by the historic Newsboy Strike of 1899, Disney’s Newsies captivates with a blend of new melodies by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman, alongside beloved classics like “Seize the Day” and “King of New York.” Directed by Anna McSweeney of Addison Trail High School, the production connects to this year’s Festival theme: *Honoring our Past; Celebrating our Future.* Over 518 students auditioned for Newsies, with 123 ultimately selected for the final production company. Rehearsals will span multiple weekends throughout fall 2025, with final preparations taking place just days before the January debut. While the performance itself is closed to the public, the All-State show remains one of the most anticipated highlights of the Festival for participants. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, IHSTF remains the largest and oldest non-competitive high school theatre festival in the country. Each year, the Festival brings together over 4,000 high school students, teachers, university reps, volunteers, and professionals for three packed days of workshops, productions, auditions, and collaboration. The event rotates annually between the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Illinois State University, and this year’s host is Illinois State. Led by IHSTF Executive Director Allan Kimball (Southeastern Illinois College, retired), the Festival opens with a high-profile Opening Performance. In past years, Broadway artists like Seth Rudetsky and Wilson Heredia, as well as Chicago’s Second City and The Neo-Futurists, have taken part. Throughout the Festival, attendees can choose from over 120 workshops covering acting, directing, musical theatre, tech theatre, stage management, lighting, special effects, costuming, and more. Alongside the workshops, more than 20 high school showcase productions—both full-length and one-act—will be staged across campus venues. For juniors and seniors pursuing theatre in college, the Festival also offers invaluable audition and interview opportunities with more than 35 college and university theatre programs. The IHSTF is produced by the Illinois Theatre Association and is supported in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council and additional donations from corporate sponsors. “The Festival and this production of Newsies honor the legacy of student voices,” said McSweeney. “I hope every student walks away knowing their courage can lead to change.” For more information about the Illinois Theatre Association or how to support the Festival, visit www.illinoistheatre.org.
