Presented By Danny Yuska, High School Theatre Division Rep

The ITA High School Theatre Division honors high school teachers across the state who excel in theatre programming at their schools and go above and beyond their classrooms to support others. This year, our honoree comes from Bolingbrook High School and leads an impressive program that offers a plethora of experiences in theatre for his students and community.  

David has a lifelong passion for theatre.  He discovered theatre at the age of seven, while taking a class at the College of DuPage.  That love grew in high school when he was a student at Glenbard North, learning from the friends of the ITA: Chuck Bergland, Donna Burke, Steve Jacobs, and Nathan King.  They inspired him to get his BFA from Northern Illinois University.  While there, he opened his mind to global theatre and studied with the Moscow Art Theatre.  This experience helped David connect more deeply with students.

After college, he toured in a variety of musicals and developed a passion for voice work.  From there, David studied at Roosevelt University and earned his teaching license.  Then, David went to work.

David was hired at Bollingbrook High School, and then the work began.  As a theatre and English teacher, David reinvigorated their theatre program- the Brook Theater.  Starting an improv club, directed, and collaborated with his great colleagues who are here today.  That team has made Bollingbrook High School one of the standout arts programs in the State.  Their program has expanded every year, and Bollingbrook's course offerings are amazing!

David also worked on the Illinois High School Theatre Festival.  He also produced the 2024 All-State Production of She Kills Monsters.  David learned from his high school mentors and became a true friend of the ITA.  When COVID hit, the 2021 Theatre Festival was canceled.  As Fest was rebounding, the Omicron Variant hit, and the 2022 Festival was also canceled; however, there was a problem: The All-State Production of Cabaret.  David, seeing kids and the ITA in need, rallied his team and offered up Bolingbrook High School to perform the show.  Setting up LUDUS ticketing, getting the spaces ready, and working around class schedules, the All-State survived.  The show went on. David Morrison is a hero.

David is a true family man, too.  His love for Jen and Elliot is clearly evident.  They are his rock as he keeps building theatre for students in Illinois.  And also, you catch him on the airwaves occasionally.  Yes, he is still doing the radio work.  And if you really want to have some fun, ask David to be your D&D Dungeon Master- you will have a blast!

David, thank you for all you do for the ITA and for the students of Illinois.  You set the best example!