Illinois Voices 2007

Illinois Voices Theatre

PROVIDING HISTORICALLY ACCURATE, ORIGINAL, CUSTOM THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS.
THE ILLINOIS VOICES THEATRE IS A MEMBER OF THE ILLINOIS THEATRE CONSORTIUM

Illinois Voices Theatre: James Marlott as Goodman Ferre, Discovery Walk 2006.

	Illinois Voices Theatre is a national and state award-winning history-based theater, devoted to bringing the past to life through original and innovative scripts based on historical records and documents. This theatre coordinates projects that encourage creativity and stimulate discussion and debate.
Illinois Voices Theatre production history and gallery.

The Illinois Voices Theatre has the following in production:

Discovery Walk 2007

in collaboration with The McLean County Historical Society and Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.

The Illinois Voices Theatre is accepting commissions for orginal productions based on community or organization history.

Characters from area history are also available for combination in customized presentations for special events, including Black History Month, Women's History Month, workers' unions, legal organiztions, civic organizations, and others. Some of these characters include:

From Discovery Walk 2007

Elizabeth Christian (b. July 16, 1842, d. November 22, 1923) Member of the first graduating class of what is now Illinois State University, she was a life-long supporter of the university’s activities. Christian’s unflagging devotion and enthusiasm as an alumna was recognized in the Alumni Quarterly of May 1924. (Script with 2 characters: Christian and Dodge.)

Flora Pennell Dodge - (b. September 14, 1868, d. September 17, 1949) After a career as secretary to the Office of the University President, Dodge took on the task of organizing the alumni records. Dodge created the first complete roster of over 10,000 university alumni, including photographs.

June Rose Colby - (b.June 4, 1856, d.May 11, 1941) Colby lived the life her mother, Celestia Rice Colby, never could. A feminist, suffragist and first woman PhD of philosophy at University of Michigan, Colby became the first preceptress (Dean of Women) at ISNU.

Jesse Fell - (b. November 10, 1808, d. February 25, 1887) Quaker, founder of the Town of Normal, Illinois State Normal University and Bloomington's first newspaper, friend of Abraham Lincoln, lawyer, editor, land agent, city planner and developer, he was known as an ambitious planter of cities and trees; he was also a philanthropist in the manner of the great 19th century entrepreneurs. (Script with 2 characters: Fell and Bakewell.)

Edwin W. Bakewell - (b. July 20, 1812, d. July 17, 1901) A land dispute was only one of the issues that drove Bakewell and Jesse Fell to argue. School integration in the 1860s was another.

Carter Harris - (b. April 15, 1856, d. April 21, 1944) Son of a slave and her master, Harris was a highly respected citizen, Bible scholar, and director of the Normal Building and Loan Association. Harris also served ISU faithfully as Director of Janitorial Services for the Gymnasium (Cook Hall).

Mary Hartman (b. October 13, 1845, d. December 22, 1932) A dedicated math instructor with a snappy retort at the ready.

Henry McCormick - (b. February 8, 1837, d. July 17, 1918) His passion for history and enthusiasm for education led him to author eleven articles and books, including a guide to using museums to teach geography.

Edwin Hewett - (b. November 1, 1828, d. March 31, 1905) Teacher, University President, and founder of the Normal Literary Center.

Ange Milner (b. April 9, 1856, d. January 13, 1928) The legendary first librarian of Illinois State Normal University.

ABOUT ILLINOIS VOICES THEATRE

MISSION
The Illinois Voices Theatre develops new audiences in non-theatrical settings: courthouses, cemeteries, historical sites, community centers, libraries, and schools. This theatre enhances a critical awareness of historical and cultural issues through its productions, workshops, and educational support materials.

The Illinois Voice Theatre presents varied and stimulating touring productions that can be performed in every imaginable space and attracts a diverse and ever-increasing audience. This theatre collaborates wilth museums, historical societies, libraries, and educational institutions.

The Illinois Voices Theatre plays an active role in the cultural life of Illinois and promotes Illinois' richly diverse history.

Sarah Flanders as Nannie McCullough Orme remembering her young husband William Ward Orme, played by Eddie Saver III. Discovery Walk 2006.

To book or commission an Illinois Voices Theatre production for your school or organization, contact Artistic Director Judy Brown by email at j.judybrown@verizon.net

LINKS TO ITC MEMBER THEATRES