The other day, I spoke with theater connoisseur Mrs. Kim White: speech teacher, theater virtuoso, theater veteran and head theater director here at Naz.  

Mrs. White has been teaching for 37 years, and before her 27 years at Naz, she previously taught theater at St. Francis in Wheaton, her high school alma mater, for 10 years.  

She has spent her entire life in theater, directing and acting, most recently a few weeks ago for the musical “Sister Act” at Wabaunsee Community College in Sugar Grove. “It keeps me young,” she said.

Nazareth theater has been a way for students to connect with themselves and others on a more emotional, mental, and friendly level. The love between master and apprentice is mutual in the theater program.  “The kids are wonderful and incredibly supportive.  I mean, they’re my second family, I’ve actually gone to weddings of some of my theater students.  I’ve also gotten phone calls and Facebook tags on Mother’s Day.”

Her 27th year at Nazareth has proven to be one of her best yet.  Mrs. White is a theater idealist who turns any play into an impeccable work of art, and this year is no different.  As director, she has utilized everything and everyone at her command to create the atmosphere of the 1940s that has become a staple of American Broadway.

Her advice to all students and aspiring actors: “Do it, don’t be afraid,”  no matter what you do in life, just go for it.