I have post-festival depression from Texas ThesFest!
8,000 thespians spent last weekend at the Gaylord Texan Resort, taking workshops, seeing shows, and getting in the Christmas spirit. (Hence the title) The Gaylord's ICE event was happening during the festival, so the resort was decked out in Christmas lights and decor. Festive music was playing throughout the hotel.
Upon arrival on Tuesday, I began to get things ready for Texas' Jr Fest occurring on Wednesday. STO Rachel Meltzer and I stuffed registration envelopes as we waited for fellow student leaders to enter the door and help us finish tasks! It was so fun to see all of their board reunite with each other; some live
6 hours away from one another due to how large of a state Texas is. Each student worked so diligently to make both the Jr and regular festival run smoothly, and it was incredible to get to know each and every 17 of them: co-chairs Natalie and Skylar, Zach, Carson Cook, Carson Zoch, Aurora, Corbin, Jena, Ahrealie, Sam, Heather, Nick, Rachel, Destiny, Matthew, and Aleis. It was also a great time to see fellow ITO Elam Blackwell serve with some of his closest friends on board!
On Friday, I was able to see the impact that these students made on the thespians: I observed the STO's leadership workshops and chatted with students throughout the festival about how much fun they were having. That day was also the first day I taught "The AdvoCATe in the Hat" workshop and "Leadership: That's MUSIC to my ears" workshop to students at a thespian event. It was nothing short of magical.
The theme of conference was "Adventure Awaits," and the STO did a wonderful job of spreading the spirit of the theme through social media efforts. They organized a QR code scavenger hunt for students and directors, encouraging them to "adventure" and the themes of the dances were perfect as well! (Tacky Tourist and the TouCAN Dance) They encouraged can collection during dances, raised
over $1,300 for Send A Troupe during minute to give it,
raised over $1,000 for Broadway Cares Equity Fights Aids through the silent auction, donated over $1,000 worth of food and money to Tarrant County food bank, and in total raised
over $10,000 for hurricane relief funds, scholarships, and send a troupe efforts. It was incredible to see the strength and support that Texas thespians brought to the state after Hurricane Harvey hit many troupes. Through duck sales, button sales, and compliment clips, money was raised for a great cause. (I even got to meet Dusty the Duck!!! I'm still fangirling.)
I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to be a part of this incredible festival, and want to thank the STO liaisons: Ms Morgan, Ms Eyles, and Ms Jones for being incredibly supportive to the students and making their ideas come to life. I cannot wait to see the impact TX makes next year!
Want to see more of the ITO's adventures this year? Follow @internationalthespianofficers on Instagram and like The International Thespian Officers on Facebook to see more. Also, if you'd like to contact me specifically or follow along with where I go this year, check out my twitter @ITOCarolineC or email me at ccaden@schooltheatre.org. I can't wait for what this year has in store and hope to see many of you at ITF in June!