Focus on the Arts 2023 - Sizzle Recap
Take a peek at this short recap Bitter Jester Studios, Inc. had the honor of producing for this year's FOCUS on the Arts in Highland Park!
In 1964, Highland Park High School in Illinois - through the visionary efforts of Dr. John W. Price, Shirley M. Hartz, and Ruth Esserman - developed an immersive program that would allow students and the community to watch, engage with, and have hands-on, high quality, visual and performing arts experiences every two years. After a nearly four-year hiatus due to COVID, Focus was back and better than ever in 2023 under the impressive new leadership of Tamara Jenkins.
BJS, founded by HPHS alums Nicolas DeGrazia, Charles J Turck, and Daniel Kullman (all products of Focus!) was thrilled to create much video content of for the return of this storied program. This "sizzle" recap is a quick highlight of what the two-day event looked like in the Spring of 2023.
The original goal of Focus was to build an appreciation and understanding of the arts and art professionals by the students and the community of Highland Park, IL. Thanks to the twenty years of leadership by retired coordinator & HPHS visual art teacher, Ann Slavick, Focus grew to include communication arts and more cutting edge artists. By showcasing the talents of our own high school students, Focus has created the opportunity for students to work side by side with professionals in their field of expertise.
Focus on the Arts is a collaboration of the city, school, students, staff, and community members of Highland Park. It is the hope of everyone that student discoveries at FOCUS will ignite a spark in them that will fuel a lifelong journey in the arts – whether it be as an artist, arts supporter, or consumer of the arts!
Get Ready for Focus 2023!
FOCUS on the Arts 2023: "Don't miss it. Whatever you do, don't miss it!"
A message to all Highland Park High School. Focus is, quite honestly, for everyone. Even if you didn't get into the sessions you'd hoped for, all 200+ visiting artists are impressive and inspirational. We promise you'll get something out of the sessions you do attend. Go in with an open mind ... you might be surprised at how much fun you have.
"Life is either a good time or a good story." -Mayor Nancy Rotering
Focus 2023 Teaser Trailer!
FOCUS on the Arts STARTS MONDAY, APRIL 17, at Highland Park High School -- another great way to Enjoy Highland Park, IL! **PLEASE RE-SHARE!**
Bitter Jester Studios, Inc. was honored to be chosen to help produce aspects of this year's Focus events -- the first Focus since before COVID struck. This sizzle teaser trailer shows the famous - and much missed - Focus Banners being unfurled on the front entrance of our local high school... the signal to the entire community that it's Focus month!!
Focus on the Arts, est. in 1964, is a GROUND BREAKING and utterly unique experience that every HPHS student gets to participate in. The school essentially shuts down for several days and, instead of going to regular classes, students attend master classes, workshops, and performances by established artists in literally *every* art field imaginable. It is one of the main reasons our company even exists today. The impact of Focus is immeasurable.
If you haven't already, get your tickets for OPENING NIGHT here: https://hphsfocus.org/?fbclid=IwAR13B_lGssZ9ABvoAwbD5M9cYFpLRDbA0PflJ20ok0CvO5tfoVOSNoVE0pQ
Bitter Jester 2018 Emmy Red Carpet Contest - Official "Live" Pick!
Bitter Jester 2017 Emmy Red Carpet Contest - Official "Live" Pick!
Bitter Jester 2016 Emmy Red Carpet Contest - Official "Live" Pick!
Ravinia Festival Commercial #1: "The City Street"
Ravinia Festival Commercial #2: "The Suburban Home"
Ravinia Festival Commercial #3: "The Boardroom"
