A Roaring Good Time

By Alex Minton posted 12-08-2014 21:01

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I had the privilege to travel back to a time of flappers and jazz this weekend at the Pennsylvania Thespian Conference!

With about 1,200 thespians gathered together at Central York High School this event had just the right size for interacting with thespians.

When I arrived on Thursday with my EdTA rep, Diane Carr, we met up with the ITO Liaison for Junior Thespians (a PA STO): Kim Albanowski. Kim then introduced me to the other 7 STO, their fabulous STO advisers, and the fantastic Chapter Director Mr. Mark Zortman.

The first day began with PA's first All State Show, a collection of Broadway's classics to kick off their Roaring 20's theme. After dinner we watched the second main-stage of the conference "The Laramie Project". It was my first time seeing the show, and I was amazed at the talent and realism each member of the show brought to the stage.

Friday began with the third main-stage, "Once In A Lifetime", coincidentally the show was set in the 1920's and centered around an emerging trio's hilarious journey to Hollywood. Afterwards I lead the conference in their Minute to Give it for the Lincoln Experience. The auditorium had about 900 people in the room, and in one minute they raised $900! Wow! I was so impressed with large of a dramatic impact Pennsylvania Thespians made!

After lunch I walked around the vendor tables and spent some time talking to North Penn High School. 16 years ago a North Penn student emailed Joe Norton, Director of Education and Outreach at Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, asking how thespians could help. It was because of troupe #5464 that the International Thespian Society has such a supportive relationship with BC/EFA. Through wristbands, ribbons, and a silent auction they ended up raising over $2,000!

A cool component of Pennsylvania is their STO select. Participants submit videos of their act, and if selected they perform it on the main-stage. It was neat to see students get a chance to showcase their talents without the stress of competition.

Friday was also my leadership workshop, and I had a blast! The 50 student leaders were engaged and energetic, I hope to see some of them at the ITO Leadership training in Lincoln next summer!

Friday night's main-stage was "The Addams Family" and it was cool to hear Andrew Lippa's style from the Texas Thespian Festival two weeks ago be brought to life. Central York did an awesome job, and made me want to join the family (full disclosure!)

Saturday brought "Twilight of the Golds", and "A Midsummer Night's Dream". Twilight was a modern thought provoking piece, while Midsummer had a Jazz Age (again, not planned) spin on it! Both fantastic performances.

After electing the new STO board, and watching the hilarious "39 Steps" it was time for closing ceremonies.

I had so much fun at the Pennsylvania Conference. I got to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and represent my favorite organization on earth.

PA has it all: superb adult/student leadership, state wide support for different fundraisers, and a roaring good sense of community.

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