The curtains slowly part to reveal black walls. One woman sitting in the audience glances up in silence, reminiscing about the days when she stood on the silver “X” in the middle of the stage. She notes the girl looking back at her and can’t help but see the same glimmer in the actress’s eyes from nine years earlier when she first entered the PAC.

However unlikely it may seem, Ms. Christina Duris, MCHS class of 2012, has returned to her hometown to take the place as the new fall play director.

After spending her past four years at Illinois State University majoring in acting, she has found her place once again in the very auditorium that solidified her decision to turn her passion into a career path.

“The first time that I fell in love with performing was when I was 4 years old and I saw a production of Beauty and the Beast,” Duris said.

She continued to describe that the little girl inside of her always dreamt of playing Belle, and during her senior year, the opportunity presented itself.

Within the ever-changing MCHS, this year brings a new perspective to many other areas of the theater department. While Ms. Julie Creagh, English, has exited the spotlight to pursue a master’s degree in education, the International Thespian Society, Fall Play, Freshman Showcase, and Children’s Theater are all welcoming new blood.

Ms. Glenda Smith, social studies department head as well as lead director of the Spring Musical, will now take on the role as sponsor of the International Thespian Society. The Freshman Showcase, implemented into the theater ensemble last year, as well as the Children’s Theater production will be directed by Ms. Jackie Weiss.

Becoming the next director of the MCHS theater, even though she is already quite familiar with the program, will be Duris’s first job that she has acquired after graduating earlier this year.

“When I found out that this position was open, I just knew that I had to apply; especially when it meant I had the chance to return to the comfort of my home away from home,” Duris said.

Though she has made many strides over the course of her career, Duris has never forgotten her humble beginnings. She had started by performing in shows at the Rialto Theater in Joliet and in the annual plays at Channahon Junior High.

Duris was involved in 10 productions over the course of her high school career, with the two exceptions being Fall Play and Children’s Theater as a freshman. In fact, Duris was directed by Creagh during her senior year, when the young English teacher originally took on the job herself.

“Really the only reason why I didn’t partake in those first two productions was because I was just a bit too afraid. But don’t tell (former fall play director) Ms. Beeler that!” Duris revealed laughing about the memory that seems so trivial now.

The play that has been chosen is one that Duris holds close to her heart: Almost, Maine. This production was the All-State performance during her senior year, where she watched it while at the annual Theater Fest.

“I saw this show and I immediately fell in love. The story, the message, and the characters have stuck with me over the years,” Duris said.

The bulk of the piece focuses on a town called Almost, Maine, and follows nine different love stories. It is meant to teach not only about the good in relationships, but also zeros in on what struggles are involved when two people come together as one.

“I am so very excited and grateful for this experience. There is not a doubt in my mind that it will go off without a hitch,” Duris said.

Though Duris has been on the stage performing for nearly her whole life, this is a brand new journey for her. There is no class nor character that one could ever step into that would allow them to dive in as deeply as being a director could.

While the seasons go on and new cast lists are posted, not one thespian is pondering whether or not they will ever return to Minooka’s stage. And despite the fact that Duris’s curtain has closed on her performing days for the moment, her next act has just begun.