by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder

CW: The following article contains details of alleged grooming and sexual abuse.

There’s something particularly chilling about betrayal when it comes from someone entrusted with the care and development of young artists. As someone who deeply values arts education and the mentorship that shapes students’ lives, it’s heartbreaking to write this.

This week, charges were filed against William Schaub, a theatre and English teacher at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, Illinois. Schaub, who also once pursued a career in television acting, now faces two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and one count of grooming — all involving a minor student.

Let’s be clear: the allegations are horrifying.

According to reports, the relationship began through inappropriate electronic communication, escalating over several months between November 2024 and March 2025. Prosecutors shared disturbing messages in court, including one where Schaub allegedly told the student she “looked like a Victoria’s Secret supermodel” and that he wanted to “unwrap her for Christmas.” In another message, he wrote: “I could be your teacher and a friend,” before adding, “I think you know I’d like to be much more than that.”

Reading those words makes my stomach turn.

When you work in education — especially in a creative field like theatre where trust, collaboration, and mentorship are foundational — you are responsible for protecting your students' emotional, mental, and physical safety. What’s alleged here is a gross violation of that trust. It’s not just inappropriate. It’s criminal.

Schaub was placed on administrative leave in March after an anonymous tip, and was arrested in early April. He’s currently released on electronic monitoring while awaiting trial. His attorney says he intends to “fight these charges with every fiber of his being.” That may be the legal process, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t call this situation what it is: disturbing, unacceptable, and utterly heartbreaking.

I don’t know what drives someone to cross these boundaries. But I do know that no amount of artistic talent or classroom charisma excuses the exploitation of a student. If proven true, these actions demand swift and serious consequences — not just legally, but within the educational and theatre communities.

To the student at the center of this case: I believe you. I’m so sorry this happened to you. And I hope you are surrounded by care, support, and safety.

To everyone working in arts education: let’s recommit ourselves to being worthy of the roles we hold. Our stages and studios should be places of inspiration — not fear.

And to those who look the other way, who downplay warning signs, who prioritize reputation over responsibility: your silence enables harm. This industry does not need more enablers. It needs protectors — people who put student safety first, who speak up, who hold the line.

Let the spotlight shine where it should: on students, on growth, on the joy of creation — not on the misconduct of those who were supposed to protect it.

Condemning the Alleged Crimes of William Schaub

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