Details Revealed About Upcoming Focus on the Arts

Are you ready for a week of art?

's Focus on the Arts returns next month. The biennial, weeklong event brings nationally acclaimed artists in all fields to the high school for a week of workshops and performances.

As can be expected from an event that brings in high-profile names like actor Gary Sinise, Sesame Street's David Rudman and screenwriter Allan Loeb, it's not always easy to find a seat.

"People clamor to come to the shows," said Parent Coordinator Amy Greenebaum, adding that when tickets go on sale "lines snake around the whole school."

Tickets will be given away next Saturday, March 19, at 1 p.m. for Opening Night (April 11) and Dance Night (April 13) at the high school's H entrance on St. Johns Avenue.

This year's program includes performances by Hubbard Street 2 Dance Company, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, world renowned slam poets of The Spoken Word Kevin Coval and Idris Goodwin, sportscaster Mark Giangreco, saxophonist and The Chicago Tribune’s Jazz Album of the Year winner Greg Ward  and The Time Traveler's Wife author Audrey Niffenegger.

This year's Focus will also include a Night at the Movies event on April 8, the Friday before Focus officially kicks off. The event will showcase student film, and special guest Allan Loeb will discuss the power of film and his experience in the film industry. Loeb wrote movies like Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps  and The Dilemma. 

Keep checking back for Focus updates as the event draws near. In the meantime, check out the video HPHS students put together or click here to see Focus' website.