WHAT SOME OF OUR ALUMNI HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF THEATER IN THEIR LIVES
AUDREY (STAUFFER) STONEROCK
CHS CLASS OF 2005
I fell in love with theatre when I was in 3rd grade. My music teacher, Mrs. Lough, cast me as the Candy Cane Kid, and from then on, I was hooked. I continued my theatre career by being in every play and musical in high school at CHS. From playing a winkie in Wizard of Oz, to Kiki Roberts in Legs Diamond, I knew theatre was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I went to Butler University to study theatre and got to expand my love with "weird" theatre. Often being cast in ensemble created pieces, I learned to think and explore outside the box. After college, I continued my theatre career by being a company member with a local Indianapolis theatre company and acting and choreographing for many other theatre companies. I cannot imagine my life without theatre. It has shaped who I am. I have met many incredible people and some of them have become my best friends for life. Theatre has let me express myself in so many ways and heal in many others. I am truly thankful that I can do what I love. One of my favorite characters I get to play often is a silent buffoon clown named Snowflake. I created her character for an annual holiday show. She then began cohosting cabaret shows. Now, Snowflake MC's regularly for various events in Indianapolis. No matter if I'm acting in a drama or a comedy, my heart is full every time I get to step on that stage.
CHS CLASS OF 2005
I fell in love with theatre when I was in 3rd grade. My music teacher, Mrs. Lough, cast me as the Candy Cane Kid, and from then on, I was hooked. I continued my theatre career by being in every play and musical in high school at CHS. From playing a winkie in Wizard of Oz, to Kiki Roberts in Legs Diamond, I knew theatre was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I went to Butler University to study theatre and got to expand my love with "weird" theatre. Often being cast in ensemble created pieces, I learned to think and explore outside the box. After college, I continued my theatre career by being a company member with a local Indianapolis theatre company and acting and choreographing for many other theatre companies. I cannot imagine my life without theatre. It has shaped who I am. I have met many incredible people and some of them have become my best friends for life. Theatre has let me express myself in so many ways and heal in many others. I am truly thankful that I can do what I love. One of my favorite characters I get to play often is a silent buffoon clown named Snowflake. I created her character for an annual holiday show. She then began cohosting cabaret shows. Now, Snowflake MC's regularly for various events in Indianapolis. No matter if I'm acting in a drama or a comedy, my heart is full every time I get to step on that stage.
CAMERON CRICK
CHS CLASS OF 2018
I can’t imagine my school experience without being in theater. Some of my best memories are from late night rehearsals, opening night excitement, and the fun I’d have backstage with my friends. Theater taught me to be creative, expressive, and confident. It made me into the person I am today, and I’ll forever be grateful!
CHS CLASS OF 2018
I can’t imagine my school experience without being in theater. Some of my best memories are from late night rehearsals, opening night excitement, and the fun I’d have backstage with my friends. Theater taught me to be creative, expressive, and confident. It made me into the person I am today, and I’ll forever be grateful!
BRIAN SHEPPARD
CHS CLASS OF 2003
I remember my first show at CHS. I was 10 or 11 years old. Amy Jagger asked me to audition for this musical called 'The King & I'. I didn't know what an audition was - much less a musical or theater! The night that show closed, I knew my life would never be the same. I HAD to be an actor. In the CHS auditorium, I learned how to be a professional. How to take acceptance and rejection with equal grace. How to hang a light, open a curtain, and build a set. I still carry those lessons and memories with me today whether I'm on a tv show, film, or a stage in NYC. I wanted to be an actor when I grew up and 30 years later I still am!
CHS CLASS OF 2003
I remember my first show at CHS. I was 10 or 11 years old. Amy Jagger asked me to audition for this musical called 'The King & I'. I didn't know what an audition was - much less a musical or theater! The night that show closed, I knew my life would never be the same. I HAD to be an actor. In the CHS auditorium, I learned how to be a professional. How to take acceptance and rejection with equal grace. How to hang a light, open a curtain, and build a set. I still carry those lessons and memories with me today whether I'm on a tv show, film, or a stage in NYC. I wanted to be an actor when I grew up and 30 years later I still am!
MARGARET (SADE) BLAKE
CHS CLASS OF 1982
I have loved theater (especially musicals!) since I was a little girl. I was in my 5th & 6th grade musicals that were written by Duane Wilson, who was the elementary school principal at that time. I finally tried out for 'Camelot' my junior year in high school and landed a spot in the chorus. That gave me the courage to audition for 'Oliver!' my senior year. I was beyond thrilled to land the part of Nancy! Every minute I was involved was so much fun and I would not trade that experience for anything. My children inherited my love for the theater and all three were in their own middle school and high school musicals. From Mrs. Potts in the middle school version of "Beauty & the Beast' to Jean Valjean in 'Les Miserables' to Annie in 'Annie'! A life in the theater can never be boring and will always have you waiting for your next adventure!
CHS CLASS OF 1982
I have loved theater (especially musicals!) since I was a little girl. I was in my 5th & 6th grade musicals that were written by Duane Wilson, who was the elementary school principal at that time. I finally tried out for 'Camelot' my junior year in high school and landed a spot in the chorus. That gave me the courage to audition for 'Oliver!' my senior year. I was beyond thrilled to land the part of Nancy! Every minute I was involved was so much fun and I would not trade that experience for anything. My children inherited my love for the theater and all three were in their own middle school and high school musicals. From Mrs. Potts in the middle school version of "Beauty & the Beast' to Jean Valjean in 'Les Miserables' to Annie in 'Annie'! A life in the theater can never be boring and will always have you waiting for your next adventure!
EMILY (PLASTERER) MCALEESEJERGINS
CHS CLASS OF 2002
The stage, the theater, the fine arts have shaped the way I interact with the world. While it may sometimes be easier to transform into “someone else” for a night, a scene, or a song - becoming comfortable in my own skin on stage was a journey for which the theater allowed space. I so enjoyed (and still enjoy) connecting to the audience through music, acting, role-playing, and story-telling. “All the world is a stage” and it’s always a good day to slay!
CHS CLASS OF 2002
The stage, the theater, the fine arts have shaped the way I interact with the world. While it may sometimes be easier to transform into “someone else” for a night, a scene, or a song - becoming comfortable in my own skin on stage was a journey for which the theater allowed space. I so enjoyed (and still enjoy) connecting to the audience through music, acting, role-playing, and story-telling. “All the world is a stage” and it’s always a good day to slay!
CHS THEATER ALUMNI DATABASE
CHS ALUMNI: Help us get in contact with as many alumni as possible as we begin to create a CHS Musical Theater Database. We thoroughly enjoyed seeing so many alumni attend the 50th Celebration Show in May, 2024 and we would like to reach as many alumni as we can so we can stay connected!
If you were involved in a musical theater production at Churubusco High School in any capacity - performer, orchestra member, backstage crew, lights, sound, director, costumes, etc., we would greatly appreciate you taking the time to complete the Alumni Form!
CHS ALUMNI: Help us get in contact with as many alumni as possible as we begin to create a CHS Musical Theater Database. We thoroughly enjoyed seeing so many alumni attend the 50th Celebration Show in May, 2024 and we would like to reach as many alumni as we can so we can stay connected!
If you were involved in a musical theater production at Churubusco High School in any capacity - performer, orchestra member, backstage crew, lights, sound, director, costumes, etc., we would greatly appreciate you taking the time to complete the Alumni Form!
Thank you so much for being part of the storied history of CHS Theater!
2025-2026 CHS Theater Patrons
Remember back to the days you were in a CHS production. Every student performer was asked to collect patronages from family, friends, and local businesses and, in turn, their names would be listed in the program as our way of saying "thank you for supporting the CHS Fine Arts Department". Our students are continuing that tradition and we are asking our alumni to consider supporting the CHS Theater Department for the 2024-2025 school year. Your generous contributions are crucial in bringing CHS productions to life and providing our students with experiences and memories they will cherish for a lifetime.
If you are interested in supporting the CHS Theater Department this year, please print and complete the form below. If you would prefer to have a form sent to you, please contact Melissa Baughman at [email protected]
If you are interested in supporting the CHS Theater Department this year, please print and complete the form below. If you would prefer to have a form sent to you, please contact Melissa Baughman at [email protected]