FTT and economics major María Amenábar Farias ’20 directed the mainstage production of Romeo and Juliet for this year's Illinois Shakepeare Festival, held on the campus of Illinois State University with performances throughout June and July. The Pantagraph described the production as "stunning," "fresh," and unfolding "on multiple levels at the same time." Her upcoming directing projects include Great White Throne by Cara Johnston for Renaissance Theaterworks in November and Somewhere by Matthew López for Milwaukee Repertory Theater in April 2027.