Chicago Youth Theatre Festival Winners

Congratulations to the following theatre students who as a team won “Best Overall School Performance” at the Chicago Youth TheatreFest at Columbia College on Saturday, January 17th, 2027: Jacob Ballard, Arianna Castillo, Annie DeMarea, Lila Finegold, Isaac Gerdel, Julian Hernandez-Ssuster, Meghan McCarthy, Sam Olech, Grey Pillsbury, Dash Rorem, Elle Schultz, Audrey Shepardson,  Julia Shepardson, Renae Tidwell-Cullen, Lydia Vodopic

In addition, Lane Tech was the only school who had students advance and win in every performance category.

Musical Theatre Competition

1st Place: Annie DeMarea

Monologue Competition 

2nd Place: Julia Shepardson

3rd Place: Lila Finegold

Two Person Scene Competition

1st Place: Julian Hernandez-Suster, Julia Shepardson 

Ensemble Scene Competition

1st Place: Sam Olech, Dash Rorem, Lydia Vodopic

2nd Place: Arianna Castillo, Isaac Gerdel, Julian Hernandez-Suster

3rd Place: Meghan McCarthy, Elle Schultz, Renae Tidwell-Cullen 

Best Overall School Performance: Lane Tech High School

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Young Playwright’s Festival 2027 

WINNER

Emilia Pawlowska | Last Stop Diner | Lane Tech – Teacher: Dane Haiken

Winners will receive a professional production of their plays (presented in tandem) in January 2027, along with an award plaque and $500 at the opening ceremony. 

FINALISTS

Evren Durham | Ghost | Lane Tech – Teacher: Molly Meacham

Yuritzi Franco | Handle With Care | Lane Tech – Teacher: Kirsten Hanson

Meghan McCarthy | First Impressions Matter | Lane Tech – Teacher: Kirsten  

    Hanson

Tess Rodriguez | Waiting for the Call | Lane Tech – Teacher: Molly Meacham

Finalists will receive an award plaque and $100 at the opening ceremony.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Arianna Castillo | Another Time | Lane Tech – Teacher: Kirsten Hanson

Henry Robbins | Do You Remember Me? | Lane Tech – Teacher: Dane Haiken

Conor Sullivan | The Space Between Us | Lane Tech – Teacher: Dane Haiken

 

Honorable Mentions will receive a special plaque at the Opening Ceremony in January, 2027.