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Edwardsville High Shines at 50th Illinois Theater Festival

Students and staff were honored for their outstanding performing arts contributions during the milestone festival at Illinois State University.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School students and staff were recognized during the 50th Illinois High School Theater Festival, held this past weekend at Illinois State University, for their outstanding contributions to the performing arts.

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Quinn Krewson, Katelyn Long, Alyssa Sayuk, and Serenity Ward represented Edwardsville in the Illinois All-State Cast and Crew, showcasing a Broadway-level production they have been developing since the summer of 2025. Alongside them, a group of 40 Edwardsville thespians participated in performances, workshops, classes, and college auditions throughout the event.

The festival celebrated the best of the performing arts across Illinois and marked a milestone anniversary. Edwardsville High School received special recognition for its longstanding involvement, including past contributions from retired director Kate Motley, who directed the 1994 All-State show, and Ashley Melton, the current theater director, who has been involved in committee and planning work.

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Jonah Sheckler was also acknowledged for his role as technical director for the 2023 All-State show.

Edwardsville High School has been selected to bring more than 10 main-stage shows to the festival over the years, many directed by Motley and Melton, underscoring the school’s significant role in the state’s high school theater community.

Ashley Melton, theater director at Edwardsville High School, congratulated the students and staff on their achievements.

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