3:00 PM, Wednesday afternoon- I ran out of out Thespian Troupe #69’s monthly meeting and rushed home to get my bags. Though many dread travel, I couldn’t wait to get to the airport or even for the flights ahead of me because I knew in less than 8 hours I would be in Wichita, Kansas for their State Thespian Festival!
Upon my arrival, I was greeted by Mr. Max Brown and Mr. Chad Nulik for a ride to the hotel. Just seconds into my first time in Kansas, I already knew, “there’s no place like home”. At the hotel, Ryan met me on the 18th floor with a huge hug! The “Dream Team” was back together. He introduced me to his fellow STO; John, Morgan, Riley, and Coral. They were hard at work prepping for the days to come and had lots of fun doing it! From the moment I met them, their cohesion and passion was extremely apparent.
Suddenly, it was Thursday, and after a wonderful breakfast with the STO, one of Kansas’ Co- Chapter Directors, Mr. David Hastings, and incoming Chapter director, Mr. Chad Nulik, registration began! Around 2,000 Thespians flooded in and there was excitement in the air! Once registration closed, the STO lead a meeting with the Student State Board. These students were passionate Thespians who volunteered their time throughout the year and to help plan and run the festival. I introduced myself to the delegation, that night, before an incredible production of Jekyll and Hyde, performed by talented students from Leavenworth High School. It was especially exciting to watch ITO At-Large Ryan Pangracs as the title role! I spent the rest of the night counting Minute to Give It money and determined that Kansas Thespians raised a total of $1,029.71 for our Send a Troupe campaign! After an eventful day, I fell asleep, excited for what the next days had in store.
Friday started out with workshops, and the STO introduced their new punch card system. For every workshop a student attended, they receiveda sticker, and if they acquired a sticker from at least four workshops, they were entered for a prize! I invited to help adjudicate honor troupes! It was incredible to recognize the achievements of troupes within their school, community, state, and nation! During the final workshop session of the day, Ryan and I taught had fun teaching NAPS to a spirited bunch of intelligent and inspired students. That night, Blue Valley West performed a hauntingly beautiful production of The Crucible. Finally Kansas Thespians recognized their talented students through their first ever Gala. This event was organized by amazing students and teachers from Gardner Edgerton High School, to raise money for Broadway Cares Equity Fights Aids and the Kansas Thespians Scholarship Fund. Ryan and I had had honor of hosting the fundraiser event and giving away everything from a TV to a Kansas Thespians signed canvas!
The last day of Kansas Festival did not disappoint, with workshops, STO elections, and a performance of Peter and the Starcatcher by Olathe South High School! It concluded with an awards ceremony and many thanks for a fantastic weekend. After saying goodbye to my new friends, I concluded the night at a beautiful dinner for guest artists.
My alarm went off today at 4:00 AM and by 11:00 AM I was “not in Kansas anymore”. Luckily the trip will live on in my memory and through the friendships I made! To all the Kansas Thespians and volunteers, thank you for welcoming me to you festival and for the time of my life. Special thank you to Ryan for sharing his home state with me! I hope to see many of you at the International Thespian Festival in June! And remember, keep up with our adventures by following @internationalthespianofficers on Instagram, @ITOOfficial on Snapchat, The International Thespian Officers on Facebook, and @ITOBrittanyS / @ITORyanP on Twitter! Additionally, I am always available my email at BSmith@schooltheatre.org.
Remember to “act well your part; there all the honor lies.”