History of Brillianteen

In 1952, a man by the name of Bill Harper saw the need in the Evanston community for a theatrical experience for high school students who did not otherwise have a chance to participate in plays. His mission of "No youth being turned away," was and still is the mission of the YMCA. That play, and many following plays were performed in the basement of the McGaw YMCA. Although the stage still stands, Brillianteen has grown so much in size and popularity that we now use the stage at King Lab School. Our seating capacity there is 375, and in many past years we have sold out every show.

The first show in 1952 had 25 students and the production cost was $1,500. Last year we had over 200 total participants, with 150 on stage, and a production cost of over $75,000. Brillianteen alumni easily number in the thousands. This is a program that is truly rich in history and strong in pride.

In the fall of 2005 we expanded the Brillianteen legacy with the creation of a new YMCA program, Brillianteen Junior, which carries the same concept as Brillianteen to middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Like Brillianteen, all students who try-out for the show are cast. The first production, Annie Jr., was an undisputed success and was mounted at Nichols Middle School.