Welcome to PLAYBILLDER Spotlight, where Playbill highlights shows from educational institutions or regional theatres and special events around the country (who have used Playbill's program-building service). By welcoming these PLAYBILLDERs center stage, we hope to give our readers a more in-depth look at theatre programs that are fostering the love of the performing arts in the next generation and the way theatre lovers are bringing Playbill along for life's big moments.
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This week's Spotlight is Ghostlight Educational Theatre Collective of Downers Grove, Illinois, and their production of Seussical KIDS. In this stage adaptation of Dr. Seuss' beloved children's books, narrator Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that creates a whole Who universe. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers in this tale of friendship, loyalty, and community.
Lead choreographer Kate Doherty shared with Playbill how their educational theatre program is creating a space where all of their students feel seen and why their Playbill was the perfect opportunity for their audience to get to know the performers in both thoughtful and silly ways.
Tell me about yourself. How many years have you been teaching?
Kate Doherty: I've been teaching for about six years, and in that time, I’ve had the privilege of working with students at all levels of experience and passion for the performing arts. It’s been incredible to watch young performers find their confidence and voice, whether they’re stepping on stage for the first time or refining their craft for a big performance.
What is your proudest moment as an educator?
One of my proudest moments as an educator is when I see it all click for my students. It’s that moment when their hard work, rehearsals, and creative risk-taking come together, and they truly own their performance. It’s not just about hitting the right notes or nailing the choreography—it’s about that deeper connection they form with their characters, their peers, and the audience. Those moments remind me why I do what I do, and it’s a privilege to guide them through that journey.
What are the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of teaching the performing arts to today’s students?
One of the biggest challenges is finding time in these students' jam-packed schedules. Today’s kids are busier than ever, balancing academics, sports, dance classes, and countless other commitments. But that’s also what makes this work so rewarding. Watching students make the choice to commit to their craft, seeing them push through exhaustion to deliver a stunning performance, and witnessing the friendships and memories they build along the way—those moments make all the challenges worth it.
What shows are your kids obsessed with right now?
Our students are currently all about Mean Girls, Mamma Mia!, and the timeless magic of Wicked. These shows resonate with them not just because of the catchy songs, but because of the relatable themes of friendship, self-discovery, and resilience. Plus, these musicals are packed with roles that let students stretch their vocal and acting skills, which is always exciting as a teacher.
How does your school’s performing arts program impact your community?
Our performing arts program plays a vital role in our community by creating a space where everyone is welcome. There are many days where it's hard for us to get students out of the building because they love spending time here. Our program isn’t just about putting on great shows—it’s about building a supportive, inclusive community where every student feels valued, regardless of their background or experience.
We’re committed to making the arts accessible to all, encouraging students to share their unique voices and stories. This openness fosters empathy, builds confidence, and helps students become leaders both on and off the stage. It also brings families, friends, and the wider community together to celebrate the incredible work our students create, reinforcing a sense of belonging and shared pride.
Ultimately, our goal is to create a space where every student feels seen, heard, and inspired to take creative risks—a place where the arts truly come alive and where every individual can find their voice.
What made you pick the show? How do you choose shows for your students?
When selecting a show, we look for productions that not only challenge our students but also inspire them. Seussical has always been a favorite of ours. Kids love the colorful characters and the rhyming schemes of the lines help them memorize and make for a very enjoyable production
What are the kids loving about the show?
The students are loving the energy and fun of this production. They’ve been diving into the silly animal characters, learning dances, and having fun with their castmates. They love that each rehearsal brings new challenges, and they’re constantly discovering ways to bring their characters to life. Plus, the music and big ensemble numbers have them hyped for every run-through, adding an extra layer of excitement as we get closer to showtime.
What message do you have for your students as they take the stage?
Watching you all shine on stage is our greatest joy. Remember to smile, leave it all on the stage, and have fun. Trust in your hard work, lean on each other, and take a deep breath. You’ve got this!
How did the students participate in the design or production of this Playbill?
This year, we interviewed each student with a series of fun and thoughtful questions, ranging from their favorite role in a production to the one food they could eat for the rest of their lives. It’s a playful way to showcase their personalities and make them feel even more connected to the show.
What reactions do you expect to see in students when they see their name printed in this Playbill for the first time?
We hope they feel pure joy and a deep sense of accomplishment. There’s nothing quite like seeing your name in print, surrounded by the names of your friends and fellow cast members. It’s a special moment that captures the hard work, dedication, and passion they’ve poured into this production, and we couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of them.
How has PLAYBILLDER impacted your performing arts program as a resource?
PLAYBILLDER has been an incredible resource for our performing arts program. It helps us provide personalized keepsakes for our students, parents, and our whole community.
Beyond just creating Playbills, it’s become an important part of our creative process. It allows us to feature student bios, fun facts, and even behind-the-scenes moments, making each production feel more personal and meaningful. It’s also a great way to recognize the contributions of everyone involved, from the performers to the stage crew and volunteers.
Overall, PLAYBILLDER has helped us create a sense of pride and ownership among our students, enhancing their experience both on and off the stage. It’s a small but powerful way to celebrate their talent and hard work, and we’re so grateful to have it as a resource.
