Wheaton Drama Wheaton Drama
  • shows
    • Hauptmann
    • Beauty and the Beast
    • Silent Sky
    • Shakespeare in Hollywood
    • Peter and the Starcatcher
    • Production History
  • Our Theatre
    • COVID 19 Safety
    • History
    • Board of Governors
    • Community Partners
    • Support Us
    • Our Sponsors
    • Directions and Parking
    • Contact Us
  • Get Involved
    • Audition
    • Become a Member
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
  • Take Classes
    • Children’s Summer Workshop
    • Kids’ Workshops
    • Adult Education
    • Scholarship
  • news
  • Members
    • Join or Renew
    • Log In
January 17, 2021January 17, 2021

Grant from DuPage Foundation Ensures Wheaton Drama Never Misses a Cue

News

Wheaton Drama was the grateful recipient of a Community Needs Grant from the DuPage Foundation in December, 2020. The grant will provide funds for the purchase of a new $10,000 headset communication system for the theatre. Five new headsets, base, battery packs, and belt kits will update the theatre’s old, and sometimes faltering, backstage communications network. The equipment is critical to the success of any show, but with the ambition of the theatre’s calendar when it can safely reopen, having reliable, state-of-the art communications technology means a season of big musicals and dramas, often with 20+ cast members, 10+ crew, and a live orchestra, can be managed behind the scenes without a hitch.

“Our headsets are the batons from which our stage managers conduct the show, communicating cues to actors, lights, sound, music, and crew. Without them, we might be literally playing in the dark,” says Elyse Willis, one of Wheaton Drama’s frequent stage managers, and a key advocate for applying for the Community Needs Grant. “It’s not just about ensuring the show runs smoothly. It’s about the safety of our actors, crew and guests. When the lights go out, it’s our direction over the headsets that makes sure everyone knows what’s happening, and when, so that no one gets hurt. We’ve known that our equipment needed upgrading, but with the COVID shutdown, we weren’t sure we’d be able to afford to do it. I suggested we reach out to the DuPage Foundation for help.”

While the theatre is currently dark due to COVID restrictions, a big season is planned for when the theatre can reopen, and with new equipment Wheaton Drama will be ready. “We’ve got a lot of catching up to do, so when we can reopen, we’ll reopen with a bang,” says Julie Kanturek, president of Wheaton Drama. “We were crushed when a very exciting season was derailed by the pandemic. But we’ve spent our downtime wisely, planning for a great return – not just for our patrons, but for our volunteer actors and crew that are chomping at the bit to reengage our community with quality theatre, and bring back some joy. While I can’t yet reveal our season, suffice to say we’ve got some big shows on the horizon. Knowing our crew’s communication equipment will be up to the task is a great relief. We’re so grateful for the gift from the DuPage Foundation to make this possible.”

About Wheaton Drama

Wheaton Drama is a volunteer-led, nonprofit community theatre, located at 111 N. Hale St, in Wheaton, Illinois. Officially founded in 1931, it is one of Illinois’ oldest, continuously running community theatres. Our 170+ seat theatre is home to five to seven productions each season – from musicals, to drama, comedy and cabaret. We welcome new members to join our group, be they actors, directors, stage crew, production managers, musical directors, choreographers, and people who simply enjoy being a part of the theatre. More information can be found at www.wheatondrama.org.

About DuPage Foundation

DuPage Foundation, a 501(c)(3) community foundation, is the philanthropic leader in DuPage County, Illinois. DuPage Foundation manages more than $95 million in assets and has awarded more than $55 million in grants to not-for-profit organizations serving the residents of DuPage County and beyond since its founding in 1986. Individuals and organizations seeking to provide impactful support in DuPage County to address critical issues can create powerful, customizable gift solutions and partnerships through DuPage Foundation. More at dupagefoundation.org. Doing a world of good in our own backyard.™

Like this post?

Facebook Google+ Twitter Pinterest

Our recent Instagram posts

One show in the books! You still have time to catc One show in the books! You still have time to catch Beauty and the Beast. Buy your tickets at the link in our bio. Masks are required as well as proof of vaccination, a negative test taken no longer than 72 hours prior to arrival, or a SHEILD test for school age children taken the week of the show!
Don’t miss this wonderful production! Photo credits to Mike Lanners.
Wheaton Drama is pleased to announce the cast of L Wheaton Drama is pleased to announce the cast of Lauren Gunderson’s Silent Sky:
 
Henrietta Leavitt: Claire Yearman
Margaret Leavitt: Lauren Schulke
Peter Shaw: Zach Gibson
Annie Cannon : Lisa Dawn
Williamina Fleming: Jean Austin
 
Silent Sky is directed by Krystyn Wells; Assistant Director Nathan Dittemore; Production Manager Mike Boyna.
 
Production dates are Jan 21 – Feb 6, 2022
Come meet Belle and Gaston in Beauty and the Beast Come meet Belle and Gaston in Beauty and the Beast starting this Friday!
Get your tickets at the link in our bio. Vaccination cards or a negative COVID tests taken within 72 hours of arrival are required. SHEILD tests are also accepted for school age children taken within a week of the show. Masks are required for entry. We can’t wait to see you! Photo credit: Mike Lanners
5 days until Beauty and Beast begins its fanciful 5 days until Beauty and Beast begins its fanciful run!
Get your tickets at the link in our bio. Vaccination cards or a negative COVID tests taken within 72 hours of arrival are required. SHEILD tests are also accepted for school age children taken within a week of the show. Masks are required for entry. We can’t wait to see you!
The cast of Beauty and the Beast is hard at work p The cast of Beauty and the Beast is hard at work preparing for our guests! So put our service to the test and buy your tickets now through the link in our bio!
Only one month before Beauty and the Beast opens! Only one month before Beauty and the Beast opens! Get your tickets now through the link in our bio. Graphic by Marc Ludena.
Congrats cast and crew of Hauptmann on an amazing Congrats cast and crew of Hauptmann on an amazing run! Photos by Ken Beach.
Don’t miss our final weekend of Hauptmann! A hau Don’t miss our final weekend of Hauptmann! A haunting story of about finding gray between the black and white. Tickets are sold in bio. Patrons must wear a mask and have proof or vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test from no longer than 72 hours prior. Photo by Ken Beach.
Come see “Hauptmann”! Running Thursday- Sunda Come see “Hauptmann”! Running Thursday- 
Sunday every week now through October 3. Patrons must have proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test from no longer than 72 hours prior. Come support this amazing cast and welcome back to live theatre! Link in bio for tickets. Photo by Ken Beach.
"Hauptmann" is coming to Wheaton Drama! September "Hauptmann" is coming to Wheaton Drama!
September 17-October 3
Tickets available at our website:  www.wheatondrama.org 
Every precaution is taking place to ensure the safety of both our audiences and our actors.  All attendees need to produce a valid ID, proof of vaccination, or a Covid-19 test not older than 72 hours prior to attending.
Our seating will be limited to half capacity and patrons will be allowed to sit wherever they choose in order to maintain social distancing.
All attendees must be MASKED at all times.
Please note: our actors will be performing WITHOUT face coverings.

"Hauptmann" is the story of convicted German-born carpenter, Richard Hauptmann, who is accused of abducting and murdering the infant son of aviator, Charles Lindbergh, but is he guilty?!
This explosive drama questions the effect of public opinion on the carriage
of justice.
WDI on Instagram

Click to open a larger map

Playhouse 111

111 N. Hale StreetWheatonIL60187
tickets: 630.260.1820info@wheatondrama.orghouse: 630.260.1928

May 2022

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
  • Rehearsal - Peter an…

    Rehearsal - Peter and the Starcatcher
    May 1, 2022 | 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
    Theatre

    See more details

•
2
  • Rehearsal - Peter an…

    Rehearsal - Peter and the Starcatcher
    May 2, 2022 | 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
    Theatre

    See more details

•
3
  • Rehearsal - Peter an…

    Rehearsal - Peter and the Starcatcher
    May 3, 2022 | 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
    Theatre

    See more details

•
4
  • Rehearsal - Peter an…

    Rehearsal - Peter and the Starcatcher
    May 4, 2022 | 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
    Theatre

    See more details

•
5
  • Rehearsal - Peter an…

    Rehearsal - Peter and the Starcatcher
    May 5, 2022 | 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
    Theatre

    See more details

•
6
7
  • Musical Play Reading…

    Musical Play Reading Committee Meeting
    May 7, 2022 | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
    Green Room

    See more details

•
8
  • Rehearsal - Peter an…

    Rehearsal - Peter and the Starcatcher
    May 8, 2022 | 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
    Theatre

    See more details

•
9
  • Rehearsal - Peter an…

    Rehearsal - Peter and the Starcatcher
    May 9, 2022 | 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
    Theatre

    See more details

•
10
  • Rehearsal - Peter an…

    Rehearsal - Peter and the Starcatcher
    May 10, 2022 | 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
    Theatre

    See more details

•
11
  • Rehearsal - Peter an…

    Rehearsal - Peter and the Starcatcher
    May 11, 2022 | 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
    Theatre

    See more details

•
12
  • Rehearsal - Peter an…

    Rehearsal - Peter and the Starcatcher
    May 12, 2022 | 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
    Theatre

    See more details

•
13
14
15
  • Peter and the Starca…

    Peter and the Starcatcher Tech Week
    May 15, 2022 - May 19, 2022 | 
    Theatre/Lobby/Green Room

    See more details

•
16
17
18
19
20
  • Peter and the Starca…

    Peter and the Starcatcher
    May 20, 2022 | 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
    Theatre/Lobby/Green Room

    See more details

•
21
  • Peter and the Starca…

    Peter and the Starcatcher
    May 21, 2022 | 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
    Theatre/Lobby/Green Room

    See more details

•
22
  • Peter and the Starca…

    Peter and the Starcatcher
    May 22, 2022 | 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
    Theatre/Lobby/Green Room

    See more details

•
23
  • Board Meeting

    Board Meeting
    May 23, 2022 | 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
    Lobby

    See more details

  • May Membership Meeti…

    May Membership Meeting Entertainment Rehearsal - T. Harrold
    May 23, 2022 | 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
    Stage

    See more details

• •
24
  • General Membership M…

    General Membership Meeting
    May 24, 2022 | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    Stage/Theatre

    See more details

•
25
26
  • Peter and the Starca…

    Peter and the Starcatcher
    May 26, 2022 | 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
    Theatre/Lobby/Green Room

    See more details

•
27
  • Peter and the Starca…

    Peter and the Starcatcher
    May 27, 2022 | 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
    Theatre/Lobby/Green Room

    See more details

•
28
  • Peter and the Starca…

    Peter and the Starcatcher
    May 28, 2022 | 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
    Theatre/Lobby/Green Room

    See more details

•
29
  • Peter and the Starca…

    Peter and the Starcatcher
    May 29, 2022 | 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
    Theatre/Lobby/Green Room

    See more details

•
30
31
Wheaton Drama Wheaton Drama
Production photos courtesy of Ken Beach, unless otherwise noted.
Privacy Policy & Terms of Use / © 2020 WDI
  • BUY TICKETS