Our Impact

In the 2025–26 academic year, the NTFAA has provided the following grants to New Trier fine arts programs.

Theatre

• Audition masterclass with Stephen Schellhardt, New Trier Class of 2001 and Jeff Award–winning actor and director
• Masterclass on the ancient Japanese art of kabuki with George Keating: Keating has led Theatre 2 students through a kabuki masterclass every year for well over a decade, and it is always one of the highlights of the year, particularly because the style is so unique. This masterclass supports students’ study of Theatre History. In this unit, students discover how the social, economic, and political make-up of major time periods throughout world history were represented through the predominant theatrical genre of the time. Students are introduced to 10 major acting genres/styles from throughout theatre history and learn how to execute those styles both physically and vocally, using both in-class exercises and scripts from the time period. 

Dance

• Dance Lab 2 Showcase and multiple guest artists to teach throughout the school year, including:
• Monternez Rezell (Hip Hop)
• Idy Ciss (West African Dance)
•  Katy Alexander (Hip Hop)
• Wesley Owens (Hip Hop)
• Keeley Morris (Hip Hop)
• Justin Durham (Partnering)
• Denita Inez (Latin Fusion)
• Ardern Lapin (Partnering with Johannah Wininsky)
• Sarah Jeffers (Modern/Contemporary)
• Ohmy Nannar Miller (Thai Dance)

Art

• Kentucky Derby “Milliner of 2025” Jacey Rhorer hat exhibition and gallery talks in the Brierly Gallery

Music

• Commissioned arrangement of the Brian Blade composition Evinrude-Fifty by renowned composer/arranger Kris Johnson for Jazz Ensemble 1: New Trier’s jazz program will be the lead commissioner for a consortium with six additional participating schools. 
• Guest conductor Dr. Anthony Marinello, director of bands at Illinois State University, for the annual Wind Ensembles Invitational Concert at New Trier: Marinello is a highly sought-after conductor and educator who has made a significant difference during his tenure at Illinois State University. Marinello will be working with each group prior to the concert and then guest conducting each group in performance. 

Debate

• Annual Trevian Invitational Debate Tournament

The NTFAA is grateful to our donors, who help to make these student experiences possible. You can join us in these efforts by making a gift.