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Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts

One Act One Voice

One Act One Voice is a theatre festival designed to bring together middle and high school students from across McLean County and neighboring counties. Students who may not have performance opportunities in their own schools are invited to audition, rehearse, and perform in a fully staged one-act play directed by Illinois State University theatre education majors under faculty supervision.

Illinois State University's Role

  • Illinois State University theatre teacher education students serve as directors, designers, and facilitators.
  • Illinois State University faculty provide mentorship, oversight, and space to ensure a safe, educational, and fun theatre experience.
  • The festival creates a unique partnership between the University and the community, celebrating youth voices through theatre.
  • Safety and training: All staff involved in One Act One Voice — including University supervisor Dr. Jimmy Chrismon and the student directors—have successfully completed national criminal background checks, mandated reporter training, and employee/volunteer crime reporting training in accordance with the Illinois State University Protection of Minors program.

Who Can Participate?

Eligibility: Open to all students grades 6–12 residing in McLean County and neighboring counties. No prior theatre experience is necessary—just a willingness to learn and participate.

Timeline and Locations

Auditions:
Tuesday, September 9 and Wednesday, September 10.
Centennial East

Rehearsals:
Each play will have its own specific rehearsal calendar. Expect two rehearsals per week from 7- 8:30 p.m. for 11 weeks.
Centennial East

Performances:
December 4-6, 2025 at 7 p.m. and December 6, 2025 at 2 p.m.
Westhoff Theatre in Centennial East

Casting and Participation Policies

  • Participation

    We would love to include every student who auditions; however, casting is not guaranteed. Significant scheduling conflicts or other factors may prevent us from being able to place every student in a production.

  • Play Assignments

    Students may indicate play preferences or request not to be part of a particular production. However, casting decisions are based on the overall needs of each ensemble as well as factors such as scheduling conflicts. Students may be placed in a different play than requested. If a student requests not to participate in a particular production but we are unable to cast them in another due to conflicts or other factors, we may ask whether this is a firm decision or if they would reconsider joining that production in order to participate in the festival.

  • Conflicts

    Please list all known conflicts on your audition form. Excessive conflicts may affect casting.

  • Commitment

    Students are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances for their assigned production.

  • Removal from Festival

    Illinois State University reserves the right to remove a participant for cause (including repeated absences, disruptive behavior, or violation of policies).

Costs and Materials

Participation Fee: None. Participation is free.

Costumes/Props: Illinois State University provides most costumes/props. Students may be asked to supply basic items from home (e.g., shoes, plain clothing).

Stage Makeup: For hygiene and safety, students will be asked to provide their own basic stage makeup kit. We will share recommendations for specific kits and where they can be purchased.

Scripts and Materials: Scripts will be provided for all students. Parents/guardians are asked to help ensure students bring their script and a pencil to every rehearsal.

Meals: Meals are not provided. Students should bring snacks/water for rehearsals.

Tickets: Tickets for the One Act One Voice festival performance will be available for purchase through the College of Fine Arts Box Office.

Additional FAQs

What if my child only wants to audition for one play but is offered another?
Students may request a specific play, but placement is based on the festival’s needs. To ensure every student can participate, students must be willing to accept any role offered.

What if my child has too many conflicts?
Please list conflicts clearly on the audition form. If conflicts prevent reliable attendance, participation may not be possible this year.

What if my child changes their mind after being cast?
By completing this form, you agree to honor the full commitment. Dropping out impacts the entire ensemble.

Will students receive feedback or training?
Yes! One Act One Voice emphasizes learning. Illinois State University directors focus on process, growth, and collaboration as much as performance.

Will there be big sets and costumes?
No. Our plays use simple sets and costumes—just enough to support the story.

Why keep things simple?
We want the focus on acting, storytelling, and teamwork. This way, every student shines and every play has the same resources.

Does "minimal" mean it will look cheap?
Not at all. Choices are made with care by Illinois State University directors and faculty. The simple approach makes the stories and performances stronger.

Will families need to buy anything?
Illinois State University provides what is needed. Students may be asked to bring basic items from home (like shoes or plain clothing), but nothing elaborate.

What is the benefit for students?
They learn theatre in its purest form—actor, story, audience. It builds confidence, creativity, and collaboration.