A Main Stage Production at ITF 2025
The International Thespian Festival (ITF) is where the future of theatre starts. Each year, talented Thespians, directors, and programs from around the country bring a diverse selection of productions to the stage, often becoming the highlight for festival attendees. Joining that tradition this year is Thespian Troupe 6209 from Martin Luther King High School and their performance of The Drowsy Chaperone JR.
As a socially awkward narrator drops a needle on his favorite 1928 cast recording, a musical springs to life and transports us to the Jazz Age in this whimsical tribute to old-school musical comedy. Audiences will meet Broadway star Janet Van De Graff, pastry-chef mobsters, a delightfully tipsy chaperone, and many others as this show-in-a-show unfolds on the stage. The Drowsy Chaperone JR. is a toe-tapping good time packed with heartfelt nostalgia that shows how theatre can bring about boundless joy, even on the dreariest of days.
EdTA chatted with troupe director Katie Williams to get a peek behind the curtain.
This show is a tip of the hat to vintage musical comedies. How do you capture the whimsical 1920s Jazz Age vibe while still making the show feel fresh and relatable for today’s students?
I saw this show on Broadway in 2006 and LOVED it! I remember thinking it was so brilliant and funny, and I enjoyed every moment of watching it. The idea that Man in Chair is imagining what this entire production looks like – since he’s never seen the show – adds to the comedy of making it come to life in his apartment.
We captured a lot of the 1920s Jazz Age in our costume concepts and hairstyles – but again, wanted there to be that sense of reality going in and out of scenes with the narration set in the present day, which kept it relatable and fresh – like when he’s talking about cell phones being distractors.
This will be the first time your school has performed on the ITF Main Stage. What does it mean for your program and the arts in your school?
This is such an incredible opportunity, and we feel so honored to be selected. This is my third year teaching theatre at this school, and I came in really wanting to build this program and offer as many opportunities as possible to these amazing young artists. I’ve watched so many of these kids grow, and when this show started coming together, it really felt special, so I am so glad they get to share that with a wider audience.
Was your vision of the show influenced by your decision to have it adjudicated for the ITF Main Stage?
I did not go into this show planning to adjudicate it for the ITF Main Stage, but everything about this show just fit. From casting to the rehearsal process to performances, I really enjoyed every step of this entire show. The cast and crew got along so well, and I genuinely enjoyed the performances. I thought if I was going to submit a show for feedback and consideration, this would be it. Even at the closing show, I wasn’t ready for it to end.
Can you share one behind-the-scenes secret or fun fact about your rehearsal process, set design, or costumes that people wouldn’t otherwise know?
The costumes were actually the last component of the show to go in place. It was cast and fully put together – including choreography, vocal work, and building of the set – before costumes were fully decided on. We focused a lot on storytelling and character development and that was what ended up leading to many of the costume decisions.
Also, of every show we’ve ever done at our school site, this show had the smallest number of ticket sales. Everyone who came loved the show – but the title was not as familiar to our community and therefore was harder to sell. We also only performed it one single weekend due to scheduling conflicts at our school. Once people heard the buzz, they were sad to miss it, so it’s nice that we also get to end our year working on this project again. We’ll rehearse and hope to perform the show again for our community and sponsors before packing up to go to ITF.
Looking back from auditions to now, how have your students grown not just as performers, but as individuals and young adults?
Beyond the usual fundraising and organizational tips, what’s one piece of creative or artistic advice you’d give to groups hoping to reach the ITF Main Stage next year?
I was surprised and delighted by the opportunity, but I honestly, also just wanted the kids to have opportunities to hear from adjudicators about their work. I can tell them how great I think they are, but sometimes seeing and hearing it from others helps to continue to build their confidence.
What do you hope the audience takes away from your show, and why is this important to you?
This show at its core is about finding the positive, good things in life; even and especially when you’re feeling sad. The message is about pushing forward and doing the best you can even if you “stumble along… on life’s funny journey,” and to consciously make choices of finding things in life to look forward to – even if it’s as simple as listening to your favorite record.
