ICC Theater Program Rehearses For “Sweat”

Bryce Bresnahan

April 8, 2022

Illinois Central College (ICC)’s theater program is rehearsing for its production of “Sweat” by Lynn Nottage, directed by Julie Peters. Since auditions took place in February, many students and community members have come together to put on the show regardless of previous acting experience.

“I think it’s been a really cool experience specifically because the cast is a combination of students who have little to no experience and people that have been doing this for years,” actress Tracy Willet said.

Willet has an extensive background in acting, having moved to New York for several years to study acting and musical theater. She worked as an actress and a singer/songwriter during that time, primarily appearing in film and web shows. She moved back to Illinois in 2019 and met director Julie Peters, who encouraged her to join the production earlier this year.

Ronnie Hudson II, another community actor in “Sweat”, has been performing in theatrical productions since 2016, appearing in at least 10 shows in the Peoria area. When COVID-19 shut down the world, Hudson decided that he wanted to take his acting career to the next level. He looked into TV and film and soon appeared in commercials and indie films. He jumped at the chance to appear in the production when Peters contacted him.

“I’m always looking for another opportunity to continue the craft. It’s one thing to take classes and learn, but the most learning you can do is by experience,” Hudson said.

Joining professional actors from the community are some of ICC’s own students, who are appearing in the show to continue their passions for theater or trying something new. One student, Samantha Taylor, has been acting in school plays and musicals since kindergarten. When she learned about “Sweat”, she auditioned and fell in love with the production and its crew. The experience has made her consider a future career in acting.

“I think it’s been such a thrill to work with everybody, you get to make your own kind of home because you can choose your family,” Taylor said.

Grace Armstrong, a student who previously auditioned in February, is continuing her passion for acting in “Sweat”. Despite switching her original part in the play, she quickly adjusted and is having fun with her character.

“I’m excited about it, I’ve been getting my lines down,” she said.

In addition to the experienced actors appearing in “Sweat”, some students will be appearing on stage for the first time. Vicente Arias-Cruz Jr., one student at ICC, had never thought about acting before until he learned about the production and decided to try out for fun.

“I’ve watched TV and seen movies. Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, if they can do it why can’t I?” Cruz said.

Director Julie Peters is looking forward to the performance of the production due to its timing in relation to political, social and racial divides in the United States today.

“This play leans right into it and goes into it deeply and thoughtfully. That’s the thing that drives me the most to this play,” she said.

Julie Peters’ production of “Sweat” premieres on May 23 and runs until June 2.