Thespian Club and ITS Troupe #1798 Officers
Officer Roles and Expectations | |
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Student Leadership Opportunities
In addition to our officers, students are able to work on our productions to build their leadership abilities. Some examples of student leadership positions for each production are:
- Stage Manager
- Assistant Stage Manager
- House Manager
Other positions may be available depending on the production and student interest. Students, please talk with Amanda or Mrs. Rude for more information!
About the Directors
Amanda Vandermeer, Director
Amanda is a CHS alum and graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University who is passionate about training young theatre artists. While at IWU, Amanda earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts, focusing on directing and stage management, and an English minor, graduating with honors. She officially joined the directing team at CHS in 2015, co-directing Anne of Green Gables and Tarzan and has since tackled two seasons as solo director (with fantastic production teams at her side). She also serves as a sponsor for the Thespian Club, Co-director for the CHS International Thespian Society chapter, and Assistant Coach for the CHS Speech Team. Some of her favorite projects have included The Crucible (CHS, Director), Big Fish (CHS, Director), Gruesome Playground Injuries (Many Lights Theatre, Director), Oklahoma! (CHS, Assistant Director/Fight Choreographer), Harvey (Fulton County Playhouse, Director), and Playhouse Creatures (EMJK Lab Theatre, Stage Manager). Amanda is excited to be taking on another exciting year of theatre with the students at CHS!
Lorie Rude, Club Advisor
Lorie Rude is a CHS alumni who has directed numerous pays and musicals at Canton High School over the last sixteen years. Some of her favorite production from the past include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Grease, and Little Shop of Horrors. Lorie earned a BA in Theatre in 1996 from Missouri State University and a BA in English Education in 2010 from Western Illinois University. Lorie worked at Peoria Children's Home for many years before deciding to be a teacher. She taught a year at Galesburg High School before being hired on at Canton to teach English in the Freshman Academy. In her spare time, she involves herself in community theatre ad church activities. Lorie is currently working toward a Master's Degree in Instructional Design and Technology from WIU. She is also enjoying spending time with her family. Lorie lives in Canton with her husband Adam and two daughters, Lily and Laynah.
Tony Militello, Music Director/Technical Director
Tony Militello is a 2001 graduate of Rochester High School in Rochester, Illinois. He graduated from Millikin University in 2006 with a Bachelor's Degree in Vocal Musical Education. Tony spent 3 years as sound designer and sound engineer at the Springfield Muni where he was involved in productions of Grease, Aida, Ragtime, Miss Saigon, Godspell, Chicago, and Beauty and the Beast, to name a few. In his 9 years teaching in Canton, he has served as vocal director, music director, sound, lighting, and technical director, as well as set designer and set builder. He appreciates the opportunity to pass on his love of theatre to the students at CHS, and looks forward to doing so for many years to come. Tony lives in Canton with his wife, Megan, and their sons, Dominic and Leo.