CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The annual Illinois High School Theatre Festival begins on Thursday in Champaign and this year three students are representing Central Illinois.

The event brings student thespians from around the state to the Krannert Center. Two students are from Central High School in Champaign, and one will be joining from Gibson City.

Students and teachers go through workshops learning about voice acting, dancing and technical work. Sue Aldridge, arrangement coordinator, said the event gives students an experience they won’t forget.

“What keeps bringing me back is every year there’s hope and the passion and the love for people, but also for the arts. And to have so many people sharing their expertise and their passions. And the students learn from one another. The adults, the teachers learn from one another. And it’s just all about sharing,” Aldridge said.

Wednesday night was the only night open to the community to see the students in action. They performed at the Krannert center at 7 p.m. The festival will run until Saturday.