“Abracadabra!” As magic bubbled in each New Jersey Thespian, the festival began! Kicking off the morning off, the New Jersey State Thespian Officer welcomed thespians from near and far with a magical mashup and opening ceremonies. I even got to make an appearance during the I put a spell on you section, where I made some positions with the STO and showcased my wicked dance moves. That morning, George Salazar, broadway performer and NJ thespian alum, was presented as a keynote speaker and gave the crowd an exciting and inspirational speech. After opening ceremonies, thespians began their day traveling from workshop to workshop, viewing chapter selects, cheering on friends at individual events, and auditing for colleges and scholarships. A special highlight was getting to work with Michael DiBianco, the head of Broadway Cares Equity Fights Aids (BCEFA). Together we got to give an arts advocacy scholarship to a New Jersey thespian who excelled in supporting their community through the arts. In addition, the STO had their BCEFA table where they auctioned off incredible items liked signed posters from Waitress, Cats, Somethings Rotten, as well as awesome Broadway themed goodies. Of course, I would be a miss without mentioning the famous rubber duckies that graced the stage. The New Jersey thespians sold over 500 ducks at the festival and were able to present BCEFA with a very special donation from that years event. That night, the dance floor was on fire as thespians from across the state made their way down to the STO DJed event. There was also a viewing party with a Q and A opportunity with the films that had been submitted for everyone to watch. As the festival came to a close, Jennifer Tepper, thespian alum, spoke to the audience about the magic of theatre and the exciting possibilities of the theatre world. The magic of lifelong friendships, a special community, and a love of learning filled every seat in the theatre as the closing ceremonies came to an end. Wherever I go, I will always have that sense of magic and love from the thespians in New Jersey and I can't wait to reunite with all of my magical new friends this summer in Lincoln!