Students spent their summers attending programs to help further develop their skills in various art forms.

Lilah Weisman ’20 spent her summer studying theater at the National High School Institute Theater Arts Division, more commonly known as Cherubs, at Northwestern University. During the seven-week intensive, Weisman took voice, movement and acting classes. Students also performed in the play “Rose and the Rime.”

Weisman said the play was unique because it gave actors creative freedom.

“Some pieces we put together the first day ended up in the final show,” Weisman said. “It was a lot of power over the final product which you don’t normally get as an actor.”

The program gave her with a new look on acting, Weisman said.

“[An] important mantra I learned is ‘always push yourself to the edge of your ability, or you will not improve,’” Weisman said. “It sounds a little cheesy, but it really changed my mindset.”

Weisman said she was able to apply the lessons she learned to her day-to-day life.

“In life, if you have an impulse or idea to create or do anything, I’ve learned to just do it.” Weisman said. “If you see something unfair that upsets you or crosses your personal boundaries, speak to your peers or to an authority about it.”

“In life, if you have an impulse or idea to create or do anything, I’ve learned to just do it.” Weisman said. “If you see something unfair that upsets you or crosses your personal boundaries, speak to your peers or to an authority about it.”