Elgin Leadership Academy Presents Thought-Provoking 'FEAR' Performance

The free, live docudrama explores themes of courage, compassion, and exploitation during the Civil War era.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:20pm

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The Elgin Area Leadership Academy (EALA) is hosting a free, live performance of the original docudrama 'FEAR' on April 8th at Elgin Community College's Spartan Theatre. The production, written by retired Kane County Judge Wiley Edmonson, follows a young woman afflicted with an anxiety disorder during the Civil War as she navigates unscrupulous profiteers exploiting the war effort. The performance is part of EALA's year-long curriculum to develop community leaders through exposure, enrichment, and engagement.

Why it matters

The EALA program aims to cultivate informed, committed, and qualified leaders for the greater Elgin area. The 'FEAR' docudrama is designed to spark ethical discussions and emotional responses, aligning with EALA's mission to build leadership skills and community engagement.

The details

The one-night-only performance of 'FEAR' is a reader's theatre production presented by EALA alumnae. The docudrama explores themes of courage, compassion, and exploitation during the Civil War era through the story of a young woman, Margaret, who struggles with an anxiety disorder. The performance contains adult content, so attendance for young children is discouraged.

  • The 'FEAR' performance will take place on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 6:30 pm.
  • EALA's current class will meet later in the week to discuss the play and its ethical considerations.

The players

Elgin Area Leadership Academy (EALA)

A program sponsored by the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce that develops a corps of informed, committed, and qualified individuals capable of providing dynamic leadership for the greater Elgin area.

Wiley Edmonson

A retired Kane County Judge and playwright who has written over a dozen original plays for EALA to stir emotions and spark ethical discussions.

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What they’re saying

“The docudrama, 'Fear,' is a gripping historical drama that follows Margaret, a young woman afflicted with what was once called nervosis pantophobia, an overwhelming anxiety disorder that confines her to a life of fear.”

— Pat Szpekowski, Author

What’s next

Following the April 8 evening virtual performance, this year's EALA class will meet later in the week to discuss the play, including ethical considerations and decisions.

The takeaway

The 'FEAR' docudrama is an integral part of EALA's mission to develop community leaders in Elgin through thought-provoking artistic experiences that explore complex social and ethical issues. By sparking discussions around courage, compassion, and exploitation, the performance aims to inspire the next generation of engaged, ethical leaders.