This past weekend I traveled around the world in two days with 850 of my closest friends.
The trip began on Thursday afternoon when my fellow Drama Officers and I went down to UNL for leadership day.
Once we arrived I taught my Teamwork at the CORE leadership workshop to the other troupe officers in Nebraska. The team of leaders in that room was incredible, and I was fortunate enough to help them further their skills.
Friday was the first day of #nebthesfest15 and it began with a humorous opening ceremonies about Thespis traveling the world. Afterwards was the traditional Scholarship Auction. Some of the hot items this year were foam surfboards, a BC/EFA snow globe, and the sought after golden hoe. All of the money went towards the Nebraska Thespian Scholarship fund.
This year the State Board chose Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Lincoln Experience as our service projects. One way we decided to fundraise was to sell ducks. They were flying out of the pond by lunch time, and we helped QUACK the ice for many thespians.
In addition, we held two Minute to Give It's for both organizations. After splitting the duck money, and adding up the BC/EFA Silent Auction we raised $714.20 for the Lincoln Experience and $880.03 for BC/EFA! Throughout my travels I am constantly reminded of how caring thespians are, and their desire to help others.
Every year Nebraska honors a Teacher of the Year. The recipient is someone who goes above and beyond for her students. The kind of educator who can juggle ten things at once all while cracking a joke, and most importantly the greatest role model in our department. Mrs. Phillips, from troupe 5483, was given a standing ovation as she accepted this deserving award. I am so privileged to have been her student for four years, because she has taught me more than just how to stay open--she has taught me how to lead. 
Saturday morning was one of my favorite parts of festival, the Improv Challenge! Teams compete against one another in three different events to see who will make it to finals. My team was lucky enough for the second year in a row to make finals. We placed second, and got to watch some hilarious improv along the way!
After lunch I taught 51 thespians how to make advocacy plain and simple, and these kids were already ahead of the game! A lot of them are interested in Democracyworks and I hope to NAP alongside one of them in Capital Hill this March!
Afterwards I taught 12 thespians how to efficiently climb the teamwork
pyramid! It was cool to see how different troupe departments compare to
one another. They were a great audience and were constantly engaged.
After a phenomenally moving performance of "Show and Tell" (which you will have a chance to see in June as a chapter select!), a one act remembering the tragic violence in schools across the country written by the director at Beveridge Middle School Tony Schik, it was time for closing ceremonies.
I would like to thank the hard working Adult and Student board for putting on a fantastic weekend of theatre. Specifically the Chapter Director, Mrs. Daschner, she gives up her festival with her kids so 22 troupes can have their own. It was so nice to meet and work alongside Mrs. Rodgers, the EdTA representative from New Hampshire, her experience with the Northeast (and raising twin 3 year olds) helped this conference run smoothly. Lastly I would like to thank my troupe. Without their support, I would not be able to tell the story I have today.
Next stop: Alabama!