Senior Selected for Illinois All-State Production of Newsies

Saint Viator High School is proud to congratulate Joe Kaiser ’26, who has been selected to perform in the 2026 Illinois High School Theatre Festival All-State Production of Disney’s Newsies—a prestigious honor and the first time in school history that a Saint Viator student has been chosen for this distinction.

 

Joe was selected through a highly competitive statewide audition process that included more than 500 students from across Illinois, with only 123 ultimately earning a place in the All-State company.

 

“The audition process was incredibly intimidating due to the amount of talent across the state of Illinois,” Joe said. “The first audition included a song, short dance, and acting evaluation, followed by a callback where we learned a new dance combination—on top of newspapers. While it was challenging, it showed me how much fun this process would be.”

 

Balancing the demands of All-State rehearsals with Saint Viator productions, academics, college applications, and choir commitments has required discipline and perseverance. Yet, Joe described the experience as deeply fulfilling.

 

“While it has been incredibly challenging to balance everything, this process has been so rewarding that it does not feel like work,” he shared. “I have learned so much about performing, which has been such a gift.”

 

Joe credits the Saint Viator performing arts faculty for their constant support throughout his journey.

 

“I would love to thank Ms. Gray and Mrs. Kragt for their support—not only during this process, but throughout my experience in the performing arts as a whole,” Joe said. “Ms. Gray has been a role model for me in all aspects of performing, and Mrs. Kragt has taught me so much about singing and the many facets of the voice.”

 

Performing on a statewide stage carries special meaning for Joe, particularly as a student from a smaller theatre program.

 

“It means so much to be able to represent my high school in front of over 5,000 students,” he said. “Many of my castmates come from large public schools with huge theatre programs, so it is incredibly meaningful to represent the close-knit theatre community we have built at Viator.”

 

Looking ahead, Joe plans to continue pursuing theatre beyond Saint Viator. “After graduation, I hope to have a career performing or directing theatre. I am currently in the incredibly competitive college audition process and cannot wait to see where it takes me.”

 

Join us in congratulating Joe on this extraordinary accomplishment!