This past weekend I "Stepped out of the Chorus" in Indianapolis at the Indiana State Thespian Conference!
From the moment I arrived on Friday morning to the moment I left on Sunday afternoon, I felt at home. Mrs. Ann Hileman and her 13 other adult board members worked diligently throughout the weekend, and with less than five hours of sleep they put on a fantastic event. A highlight for Indiana this year is that they sold out their conference space! Over 900 thespians were at Indiana University, and 10% of them participated in tech challenge while the majority competed in Individual Events.
After receiving an adorable basket of my favorite things from a fantastic Indiana STO, Elizabeth Flynn, it was time for Opening Ceremonies.Here are couple selfies with the full house!
Afterwards the 9 STO and I held interviews for next year's board. The potential for great leadership was outstanding!
Indiana holds regional competitions in the fall, whichever schools place high enough compete at State to see who takes the prize. On Friday night I watched a very powerful production of "And A Child Shall Lead", by Danville High School, the heroic and true story of children coming of age in Terezen during World War II. All four judges blindly cast their ballots and they all listed Danville in first place. Besides the shiny objects, Mrs. Hileman said it best "It's not about the shiny trophies, it's about celebrating and appreciating our hard work".
Saturday was a full day of workshops! I always love teaching thespians about Leadership and Advocacy, because in every session I learn something new. For example one troupe in Indiana holds a kids camp, the annual fundraiser brings in $4,000 for their department! Here is a selfie with my N.A.P.S attendees.
Indiana's support for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Lincoln Experience was incredible. They raised over $2,200 for BC/EFA and in one minute raised $707.62 for The Lincoln Experience!
Traveling with Kimberly Staples, my fabulous EdTA Rep and ITO Adult Adviser, is always a blast. She even took me to Steak N' Shake for the first time (I highly recommend the red velvet shake and Cajun steak-burger).
Overall I really enjoyed Indiana Thespians. They were welcoming, caring, and extremely passionate-- I can't thank them enough for such a great weekend!
Alright Indiana, now that you have stepped out of the chorus it is time to "Hit Your Mark" at #thesfest15!