I want to begin with just one word: wow. What an incredible weekend in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Their kindness and love for what they do is inspiring. Thank you to Lynn Jensen, Helen Duranleau-Brennan, and everyone else that worked behind the scenes to make this event wonderful. To the State Thespian Officers, you should feel very proud of the work you accomplished this past weekend. It is truly incredible to watch students change lives!
This festival opened with a beautiful Main Stage performance of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee by troupe no. 542 - Bettendorf High School and it was really such a treat for all of us. Following the show, I headed over to a Leadership Luncheon with all of the STO’s, the STO candidates, and many other students selected to represent their troupes from across Iowa. I gave a workshop on the value of teamwork and all 50 students had incredible points and ideas. I think it’s safe to say we all took something new with us from that workshop.
I want to briefly congratulate all of the STO candidates for this year. They were all so strong and constantly on top of their game. The drive in their hearts is truly inspiring.
During the day the students participated in IE’s, attending Studio shows, and college/scholarship auditions. That night before troupe 4575 Indianola High School performed a great showing of The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, the STO’s and candidates went into the lobby with buckets and raised over $900 to donate to Broadway Cares! Another great fundraising accomplishment by Iowa!
The next morning we got to kick our day off with a great show by Troupe no. 1470 Mount Vernon High School with their performance of Things My Mother Taught Me. We laughed, we cried, and we began a great Saturday. Following the show, I got to attend the Individual Event showcase and let me tell you, Iowa Thespians are super stars! I was truly blown away with the talent performed on that stage. Congrats to all that performed and advanced to nationals, I hope to see you there in June! After lunch began the 2 sessions of workshops. In session 1, I had the honor of teaching Art’s Advocacy to 30 students! "Advocacy is standing up and publicly supporting awareness for what you're involved in." This is the definition they created at the end of the NAPS workshop. These students shared their incredible passion and love for the arts and are set to take the advocacy stage by storm. I want to thank all of them for inspiring me with their hearts for the arts!
As we prepared to finish the night off with Noises Off, performed by troupe no. 739 - North Scott High School, the Minute to Give It event for Send a Troupe was hosted and I was blown away! With a little less than 1000 people, Iowa Thespians raised $1,107.89 in just ONE MINUTE! Isn't that amazing?! Give them a silent round of applause.
As Mrs. Julie Theobald and I left and headed for the airport, we spoke on what a marvelous place Iowa is for thespians. I would like to thank her as well for travelling with me and being a part of this awesome weekend! The Iowa Thespians really set the bar high for all future events, but I know everyone will be able to exceed expectations just like they did. It is going to be a great year for festivals, and I am so thankful to have kicked it all off in Iowa.
Next up, I will be travelling just 20 minutes up the road for the TEXAS THESPIAN FESTIVAL! That will be happening in just 2 weeks! Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@ITOAriH ) to keep up with all of festival adventures, and I will talk to y'all soon!