Montana is known for its big skies, grass fed beef, but more importantly--a superb group of thespians.
I had the privilege to travel to the University of Montana in Missoula this past weekend to attend the 2015 Montana Thespian Festival.After my flight landed I met up with the fantastic Student State Board members to plan out our weekend. This group of leaders was such a joy to work with, and they made me feel right at home.
On Friday morning, the STO and I taught a leadership workshop to the high school representatives. Afterwards I helped set up the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS silent auction table, and I worked the STO merchandise booth. What is interesting about Montana is that practically each school brings a show to showcase at the event. Adjudicators would then announce winners from a variety of categories at closing ceremonies.
Here is a selfie with 500 Montana Thespians at opening ceremonies!
On Friday night Montana Chapter Director, Sarah DeGrandpre, buys every delegate a ticket to see a performance by The Montana Repertoire Theatre Company. This year they performed "The Great Gatsby", and it was spectacular! The cast even hosted a talk-back afterwards. What a great way to expose thespians to professional theatre!
Saturday consisted of more one-acts, electing the new STO, and a Montana classic--Thespian Olympics.
Montana hosted a Minute to Give It for The Lincoln Experience and raised $326.98--absolutely incredible!
Thespian Olympics has two improvd events, "Death By..." and "Tongue Twisters". Each school sends up a senior to perform a brief skit, and they had me laughing until I cried. Some of my personal favorites were "Death by Fangirls", and the Sally sells seashell twister!
Overall, I had a phenomenal time in Montana. I want to spotlight Sarah DeGrandpre for her countless hours of work, she is doing great things for Montana Thespians! In addition thank you to my EdTA Rep, Ben Oschner, for making sure I was well taken care of.
Montana may be home to big skies, but they have even bigger hearts.
I can't wait to see them in my backyard this summer!
