"Complete the Box" at HPHS
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Mr. Conway was a beloved theatre arts teacher at Highland Park High School for 36 years. Sadly, he passed away in 2015. Hundreds of current and former students say he was a significant mentor who positively transformed their lives. His passion for teaching inspired all who knew him and his legacy is one of the most sophisticated high school theatre programs in the nation.
He is being honored daily and beautifully through the current work and teaching styles of Scott Shallenbarger and David Solotke.
In 2014, Tim met with professional theatre architects to ensure the creation of what he called “The best school theatre in the Midwest.” After the District 113 BOE approved an exterior theatre shell as part of the construction referendum, Tim’s dream was captured in the state-of-the-art blueprints. Approximately $900,000 is needed to create the theatre’s interior to fulfill Tim’s vision, which will provide generations of students an invigorating space to grow and learn.
Based on Tim’s meetings with architects and consultants, HPHS is looking to create one of the best equipped educational theaters in the country.
Hundreds of students and community members will experience the beauty of this venue each year.
Funds are needed to fully outfit the theatre, including seating, a control booth for production crew, electricity for lighting and sound equipment, curtains, lighting instruments, and sound equipment.
Words from the Community.....
HP theatre is a program I am proud to have been a part of. Having gone through that program, I feel like the training I received in High School was in so many ways, better than any other program I've been in. It laid a foundation for which I could grow and offered the support I desperately needed to follow my dreams of becoming an actor. I honestly don't know where I would be without HP Theatre. It truly is a magical thing.
--Brian Quijada, Class of 2007
HP Theater is an oasis of kindness in what can be a very rough and competitive high school. My experience in the program has taught me to be an ensemble member: a teammate, advisor, and confidante, lifting others up in pursuit of a common goal.
--Jack Foster, Class of 2017
"A home to create selflessly and honestly. A family to constantly return to and collaborate with."
--Amanda Cook, Class of 2013
HPHS Theatre was my beginning, my foundation, and my family. I was lucky enough to be raised by Mr. Conway, Mr. Shallenbarger, Mrs. Conway, and Mr. Solotke. The love and light I experienced between my peers and the faculty inspires me every day and gives me strength as I continue pursuing my dreams and building my career as a theatre artist.
--Jessica Dukatt, Class of 2012
“HP Theatre is about engaging kids to learn and grow as…human beings. HP Theatre provides space for young people to create and enjoy their own community. HP Theatre is a place where students can be valued for, and thus learn to value, their hardest work.” –Parent Jennifer Canel
HPHS Theatre is a warm, safe and nurturing environment, free of judgement and full of passion,
where our son was able to find his true joy and what he hopes will be his future.
Susan Humerick, HP parent
HP Theatre provides a safe environment for our students to find their voice and explore who they are in our school, community, and the global world. The staff and the curriculum provides a forum for our students to find their own identity.
--Alesia Margetis, HPHS Counseling Department Chair
To me, when I reflect on my experience in HP Theatre I get an overwhelming sense of gratitude. The teachers and the other students all worked so incredibly hard to foster an environment of professionalism, community and one that had the right ingredients for individual growth. As an alumnae of the program, I am constantly impressed with how much I learned during my time in HP Theatre, from the classes to the shows, I got an incredible wealth of knowledge that has proven quite helpful for me in the next phase of my life! The thought of HP Theatre fills me with such wonderful memories of happy times with friends, teachers and a community that supported my growth without exception and the knowledge that I had excellent quality theatrical training while still in high school.
--Lily Janson, Class of 2016
HP Theatre allows for students to express themselves and give back to the community by way of laughter, tears and inspiration.
--Seth Humerick, Class of 2017
He is being honored daily and beautifully through the current work and teaching styles of Scott Shallenbarger and David Solotke.
In 2014, Tim met with professional theatre architects to ensure the creation of what he called “The best school theatre in the Midwest.” After the District 113 BOE approved an exterior theatre shell as part of the construction referendum, Tim’s dream was captured in the state-of-the-art blueprints. Approximately $900,000 is needed to create the theatre’s interior to fulfill Tim’s vision, which will provide generations of students an invigorating space to grow and learn.
Based on Tim’s meetings with architects and consultants, HPHS is looking to create one of the best equipped educational theaters in the country.
Hundreds of students and community members will experience the beauty of this venue each year.
Funds are needed to fully outfit the theatre, including seating, a control booth for production crew, electricity for lighting and sound equipment, curtains, lighting instruments, and sound equipment.
Words from the Community.....
HP theatre is a program I am proud to have been a part of. Having gone through that program, I feel like the training I received in High School was in so many ways, better than any other program I've been in. It laid a foundation for which I could grow and offered the support I desperately needed to follow my dreams of becoming an actor. I honestly don't know where I would be without HP Theatre. It truly is a magical thing.
--Brian Quijada, Class of 2007
HP Theater is an oasis of kindness in what can be a very rough and competitive high school. My experience in the program has taught me to be an ensemble member: a teammate, advisor, and confidante, lifting others up in pursuit of a common goal.
--Jack Foster, Class of 2017
"A home to create selflessly and honestly. A family to constantly return to and collaborate with."
--Amanda Cook, Class of 2013
HPHS Theatre was my beginning, my foundation, and my family. I was lucky enough to be raised by Mr. Conway, Mr. Shallenbarger, Mrs. Conway, and Mr. Solotke. The love and light I experienced between my peers and the faculty inspires me every day and gives me strength as I continue pursuing my dreams and building my career as a theatre artist.
--Jessica Dukatt, Class of 2012
“HP Theatre is about engaging kids to learn and grow as…human beings. HP Theatre provides space for young people to create and enjoy their own community. HP Theatre is a place where students can be valued for, and thus learn to value, their hardest work.” –Parent Jennifer Canel
HPHS Theatre is a warm, safe and nurturing environment, free of judgement and full of passion,
where our son was able to find his true joy and what he hopes will be his future.
Susan Humerick, HP parent
HP Theatre provides a safe environment for our students to find their voice and explore who they are in our school, community, and the global world. The staff and the curriculum provides a forum for our students to find their own identity.
--Alesia Margetis, HPHS Counseling Department Chair
To me, when I reflect on my experience in HP Theatre I get an overwhelming sense of gratitude. The teachers and the other students all worked so incredibly hard to foster an environment of professionalism, community and one that had the right ingredients for individual growth. As an alumnae of the program, I am constantly impressed with how much I learned during my time in HP Theatre, from the classes to the shows, I got an incredible wealth of knowledge that has proven quite helpful for me in the next phase of my life! The thought of HP Theatre fills me with such wonderful memories of happy times with friends, teachers and a community that supported my growth without exception and the knowledge that I had excellent quality theatrical training while still in high school.
--Lily Janson, Class of 2016
HP Theatre allows for students to express themselves and give back to the community by way of laughter, tears and inspiration.
--Seth Humerick, Class of 2017
Organizer and beneficiary
Jody Weinberg
Organizer
Highland Park, IL
Ali Mehanti
Beneficiary