Student Spotlight: Isla Graham

As part of our monthly Education Student Spotlights, we highlight one of our students who shines in our programs and continues to grow in inspiring ways. These students are chosen because of the unique spirit, dedication, creativity and growth they bring to their experience at Citadel. This month, we are thrilled to celebrate Isla Graham.

Isla Graham arrived at the Citadel Theatre Education Program in the summer of 2025, and her smile has been brighter ever since.

Musical theatre is her happy place! Since discovering Citadel, she has been a part of Broadway Bootcamp, Beetlejuice Jr., Ride the Cyclone, Shrek Jr., and Bye Bye Birdie - each production leaving its own small constellation of memories behind. Whatever the stars have planned, we are delighted to watch them align.

Outside of Citadel, Isla has been quietly gathering her gifts - honing her craft through Improv training and vocal lessons, and even lending her presence to television productions of Chicago Fire and Chicago PD. The camera, it turns out, loves her just as much as the stage does.

Isla is thirteen years old, full of warmth and wonder, and has her sights set firmly on Broadway. Somehow, that feels exactly right.

We are also especially excited to celebrate Isla as part of our Citadel community because her family is helping support the work we do through their sponsorship of our 12th Annual Gala with Middle West Spirits. A huge shoutout to Middle West Spirits for investing in Citadel and our students!

And there’s still time to join us as a gala sponsor. If you or your organization would like to support Citadel Theatre and help make opportunities like Isla’s possible for the next generation of young artists.

We are so proud to spotlight Isla and the joy, creativity, courage and authenticity she brings to Citadel. We can’t wait to keep watching her shine.