Champaign Central High School Drama Club

07/29/2026

Good afternoon, all!
With the school year rapidly approaching, when not involved in one of the spectacular local productions, working, or vacationing, some of our students have been hard at work with Mrs. Jones to get our spaces ready for another year of Central Drama. With that said, and in a final push before the school year begins, we are humbly asking for YOUR help. As many of you know, it takes a village to get things done, and our program is no exception. If you have ever considered sponsoring our program and would like to see exactly how your donation is being utilized, please consider purchasing an item (or two) from our Amazon Wishlist! These items will help us greatly as we replenish from this year's productions and prepare for coming year. To access our wishlist, please feel free to scan the Q.R. code in the post below, or follow the link provided: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/O51ZU8KF8HGP?ref_=wl_share

Please be sure to share with any interested friends/family and THANK YOU for your support of Central Drama!

07/22/2026

It is with deep sadness that we join in sharing the news of Todd Salen’s passing. Todd passed on Monday, surrounded by the love of his family and friends who remained by his side through an extended illness. Todd will be deeply missed within the community, as well as Central Drama’s audience, and our thoughts are with his family and friends during this time. He will be missed.

07/21/2026

Here at Central Drama we don’t just celebrate students’ theatrical achievements. After all, they are students first and, therefore, academics take priority. So, with that, we would love to acknowledge the hardworking students we have involved with Central Drama who have obtained some amazing academic achievements. Congrats to Thespians Orli Cook, Fiona Carty, Grace Hoffmann, Keegan Kennedy, and pit musician Anthony Wantland! We are so proud of you and cannot wait to see what you accomplish next.

07/20/2026

“Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd!”
This week marks another opening night for local youth productions. Next up is DLO Musical Theatre’s teen production of “Sweeney Todd: School Edition!” Performances will take place at Danville High School in Dick Van D**e Auditorium, and will feature performances by some of our very own talented thespians!

Performances run Friday and Saturday (7/24-25) at 7pm and Sunday (7/26) at 2pm. Tickets can be purchased online in advance by visiting dlo.ludus.com, or purchased at the door prior to performances.

Try the famous “Mrs. Lovett’s Meat Pies” at your own risk… we hear they’re to die for!

07/16/2026

Community audition opportunity!!!

It's time for auditions! Find information and sign up at parkland.edu/auditions

For the Fall we are casting for "Dear Evan Hansen" and our Actors' Studio Production of Winnie the Pooh. We hope to see you there!

07/14/2026

“Do you want to build a snowman?”
Join UPD Youth Summer Theatre this weekend at Urbana High School as they open their production of “Frozen!” And while visiting Arendelle, keep an eye out for some of our amazing students representing Central Thespians [not pictured is Fiona Carty (Hidden Folk/Feat. Dancer)], and some talented Club Members: Lojine Elmaghraby (Hidden Folk) and Chloe Stevens (Hidden Folk). We hope all involved break a leg as they “Let It Go” this weekend!

Shows run at Urbana High School, Friday and Saturday at 7pm as well as Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets can be purchased online via the link below, in person at or over the phone by calling the Phillips Recreation Center in Urbana, or, at the door prior to each performance. Please note that will call and online tickets will no longer be available after 12pm on Friday, July 17 and must be picked up at the theatre door.

https://qr1.be/EQ4OLO

07/14/2026

“The sun will come out” this weekend at the Virginia Theatre as Champaign Park District’s youth show opens their production of “Annie!” Be sure to keep an eye out for students representing the talent of Central Thespians, as well as some of our amazing Club Members Kathryn Walton (Tessie), Hope Hopkins (Mrs. Greer/Cabinet Member), Christopher Fuller (Mr. Bundles/F.D.R.), and Eliza Allender (Ensemble). We hope the whole cast and crew breaks a leg - and remember, “you’re never fully dressed without a smile!”

Shows run Thursday through Saturday at 7pm and Saturday at 1pm at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign. Tickets can be purchased in advance using the link below!

https://bit.ly/4aKGOkd

06/25/2026

Happy Opening Night to the cast and crew of CUTC’s Kathy Murphy Student Production “The Little Mermaid!” Be sure to keep an eye out for some familiar faces in the cast, representing Central Thespians. Cast also features club members Christopher Fuller (Sebastian), Lojine Elmaghraby (Winward/Ensemble), and Kathryn Walton (Sailor/Chef).
Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance online by visiting: https://cutc.ludus.com/index.php?error=3

Break a leg to all!🧜‍♀️🐠🦞🌊

06/16/2026

Here’s a sneak peek of Central’s own Makynna Rice starring as Elsa in UPD Youth Summer Theatre’s production of “Frozen!”
We cannot wait to see this amazing cast of performers take the stage July 17-19. More information can be found by visiting UPD’s page or urbanaparks.org

06/16/2026

Congrats to our very own Club President, Noelle Song, for being elected as the Co-Vice President for the Illinois State Thespian Officers! Additionally, congratulations to Club Vice President, Will Shim, for receiving a callback for the Illinois High School Theater Festival’s All State production of “Something Rotten!”
Great things are happening to and with the students of Central Drama… stay tuned for more high lights of their summer accomplishments and activities!