Open Forum

Hello and Happy Summer Break!  The Troupe at my school has not done much more than the bare minimum- induction and graduation cords.  I would like to bring the kids to a festival and such, but I don;' even know where to start.  Any words of Wisdom?

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Lesley Ruzon (she, her, hers)
South San Francisco High School
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California has an AWESOME state organization!  Start by registering your student to the leadership day in the fall.  Your students will not only learn how to be more effective leaders, but also meet other students in your area AND learn about everything else that is offered.  You will also be able to network with your peers, n which many find invaluable..  You AND your students will leave armed with a wide variety of ideas for a successful school year.

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Marilynn Zeljeznjak
Retired
Past CA State Thespian Director
Blacksburg VA
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Hello Lesley, 

California State Thespians will have their Technical Theatre and Leadership Conference on Saturday October 7th at Santa Clara University.   I would advise to attend this festival as they have a workshop for teachers to attend to meet other teachers in their area. It was great networking for me when I went earlier this school year. 

California State Thespians  also has their  Thespian Festival in March 2025 in Southern California.  To get on their mailing list email info@cathespians.org. 

California Educational Theatre Association is a group for teachers and they have a CETA Teacher Conference (for theatre teachers)  happening in October 2025 in Berkeley. CETA: California Educational Theatre Association (catheatreed.org)

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Jerald Bolden
Cheorographer, Teaching Artist
Vanden High School
CA
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Hi Lesley,

I'm the California Thespian Director of Membership. Please reach out to me at krista.carsonelhai@cathespians.org and we can set up some time to chat. CA Thespians has many events during the year (Student Leadership, Tech Festival, Play Festival, and our State Festival) with many of the events held in both the north and south parts of the state. 

Looking forward to getting you involved. 

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Krista Carson Elhai
President, Educational Theatre Association
Educational Theatre Foundation National Board of Trustees
Past President, CA Educational Theatre Association
Membership Chair, California State Thespians
Claremont CA
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 Research local theater festivals like Thescon. Calculate costs for entry, travel, and lodging, then plan fundraisers. Get school approval and forms signed. Choose a piece, schedule extra rehearsals, and arrange transportation, hotels, and chaperones. Start by attending a festival to get a feel for it. Good luck!

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Avery Jones
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