The Illinois State University School of Theatre, Dance, and Film’s production of Everybody, written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre Studies Le’Mil Eiland, reimagines the 15th century morality play Everyman with a contemporary perspective. This modern adaptation explores themes of mortality and the legacy we leave behind.
Much like in Everyman, the protagonist in Everybody embarks on a journey where they must find a companion to accompany them in giving an account of their life on Earth. Everybody seeks support from various allegorical figures including Stuff, Friendship, and Kinship, all to no avail. In the end, only Love and Evil agree to accompany Everybody. Through this journey, the play reinforces the idea that our choices, whether driven by love or self-interest, ultimately define how we are remembered. Everybody poses a profound question. What legacy do we leave behind? It urges individuals to reflect on how their actions today shape their impact on the world tomorrow.
In line with the University’s “Create Your Legacy” messaging, the production inspires audiences to reflect on the impact they wish to make and leave on society. Illinois State University provides several avenues through which students can make an impact and leave a legacy locally and abroad. One of these avenues is the Alternative Breaks program.
Kelly Hasselbring, Alternative Breaks coordinator at the Center for Civic Engagement, highlighted the program’s role in empowering students to make an impact. “Alternative Breaks provides opportunities for students to make a difference through community service,” she said. “These experiences take place locally, across the country, and even internationally.”
According to Hasselbring, the program creates a solid foundation for students to develop into leaders passionate about creating a lasting impact. “Studies show that young people involved in civic engagement are more likely to remain civically active as adults,” she explained. “Many of our students who participate in Alternative Breaks go on to join the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps and create a legacy as lifelong servants.”
In addition to community service, Alternative Breaks cultivates leadership skills by challenging students to take leadership roles outside their comfort zones and take initiative. “Alternative Breaks allow students to be leaders and to figure things out on their own. I think these outside-of-the-classroom experiences make a lasting impact on students,” she commented. “These experiences help them develop essential leadership and problem-solving skills.”
Hasselbring emphasized the program’s role in fostering a lifelong commitment to service and civic responsibility. She noted that students participating in these trips come back with a broader perspective on social issues and a drive to make a difference.
Emily Drew on her first AB trip to the Galapagos Islands in 2021.
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Emily Drew on her first AB trip to the Galapagos Islands in 2021.
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These sentiments resonate with Emily Drew, senior biology major and the vice director for Alternative Breaks RSO. “Alternative Breaks has also shown me the power of collective action with both community members and other participants. In just four days over spring break, we cleaned up 60,000 pounds from the Mississippi River,” she said. “Sometimes the world makes us believe that small actions cannot change big problems, but Alternative Breaks has shown that that is not true.”
Drew also spoke about how working with Alternative Breaks inspired her to be more civically engaged. “Alternative Breaks led me to create the Doctors Without Borders RSO on campus, where we advocate and educate about a variety of different global health inequities. We have also worked with Project Cure, which is an organization that sends medical supplies to countries that need them all over the world,” she remarked. “Alternative Breaks has helped me find my passion for public health. I think that it is not only aiding in leaving a legacy, but I think it will continue to help shape my legacy in the future.”
Keara on her 4th Alternative Break trip, cleaning up McKellar Lake in Memphis, TN with the Living Lands and Waters crew
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Keara on her 4th Alternative Break trip, cleaning up McKellar Lake in Memphis, TN with the Living Lands and Waters crew
” data-medium-file=”https://news.illinoisstate.edu/files/2025/04/Keara-Gray-1-300×195.jpeg” data-large-file=”https://news.illinoisstate.edu/files/2025/04/Keara-Gray-1-1024×665.jpeg” src=”https://news.illinoisstate.edu/files/2025/04/Keara-Gray-1-1024×665.jpeg” alt=”Keara Gray holding a bag of trash collected from the McKeller Lake area on her 4th Alternative Break trip.” class=”wp-image-301653″ srcset=”https://news.illinoisstate.edu/files/2025/04/Keara-Gray-1-1024×665.jpeg 1024w, https://news.illinoisstate.edu/files/2025/04/Keara-Gray-1-300×195.jpeg 300w, https://news.illinoisstate.edu/files/2025/04/Keara-Gray-1-768×498.jpeg 768w, https://news.illinoisstate.edu/files/2025/04/Keara-Gray-1-1536×997.jpeg 1536w, https://news.illinoisstate.edu/files/2025/04/Keara-Gray-1-140×90.jpeg 140w, https://news.illinoisstate.edu/files/2025/04/Keara-Gray-1-1440×935.jpeg 1440w, https://news.illinoisstate.edu/files/2025/04/Keara-Gray-1-764×496.jpeg 764w, https://news.illinoisstate.edu/files/2025/04/Keara-Gray-1-100×65.jpeg 100w, https://news.illinoisstate.edu/files/2025/04/Keara-Gray-1.jpeg 1920w” sizes=”(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px”>
Keara Gray, senior public health major, said her experiences helped her understand the true meaning of service. “These experiences help us delve into the true meaning of service learning; how to serve others with humility and an open mind,” she said. “Civic engagement is more than deciding to volunteer every now and then for the sake of one’s reputation. It’s going out and learning about your communities (as well as others, respectfully), interacting with their needs, and creating a change that’s long-lasting and impactful in the most beneficial way”
Through initiatives like these, students are not only making a tangible impact but also forging a legacy of service and community-centered leadership. Much like Everybody’s exploration of what we carry with us in the end, these students are shaping a legacy defined by action, empathy, and lasting change that will forever be associated with their names.
Everybody will be performed at the Center for Performing Arts on April 11 and 12 and April 16-19 at 7:30 p.m., as well as April 13 at 2 p.m. The performance run time is approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. The production of Everybody includes explicit language/profanity; discussions of sex; and use of violence, fog, and haze.
Tickets can be purchased in person at the Center for the Performing Arts Box Office on the campus of Illinois State University, by calling (309) 438-2535, or on the box office website.
If you need accommodations to fully participate in this program, please contact the Center for the Performing Arts Box Office at (309) 438-2535. Please allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.