4,200 ducks. That’s right… 4200 DUCKS!
I arrived in Columbus, Ohio for the Ohio State Thespian Festival and, almost immediately, experienced the fundraiser that these Thespians know and love- Duck for a Buck! The State Thespian Officers met me at the door and we got to work, setting out snacks, rolling t-shirts, and, yes, carrying 4,200 ducks, all of which had a unique name and personality. Hours felt like minutes as we set up, and, pretty soon, registration had begun. While I helped directors register, students arrived, ecstatic to see their old friends and excited make some new ones. During opening ceremonies, I introduced myself to the group and helped kick off an inspiring weekend! The night concluded with a performance of Ohio’s Allstate Show, Once on this Island. I was absolutely amazed by what high schoolers, from 19 different schools, were able to put together over the course of just three weeks! Congratulations to the entire cast and crew for a phenomenal production!
Saturday brought a whirlwind of enthusiasm as the students arrived to attend workshops, perform I.E.s, watch main stages, and, most importantly, have fun! I had the honor of teaching both Bridging the Gap and NAPS to an incredible group of leaders. A special shout out to three Indiana STO who attended Ohio’s conference as a means to learn and build relationships! These three, in addition to about ten other NAPS attendees, defined advocacy as:
“A form of advertisement using knowledge and confidence to help or support a message (using social media if you please).”
Thank you to everyone who attended! Meanwhile, Thespians were discovering passions left and right, some even learned how to use aerial silks. That evening, I had the honor of attending Ohio Thespian’s Hall of Fame dinner. Congratulations to Ms. Jo Beth Gonzalez and, the ITO team’s very own, Mr. Scott Wilson for being inducted! There could not be two more deserving volunteers. But the night didn’t end there, Thespians let loose and showed off their skills at a festival dance. It was a fun night that left everyone ready to crawl into bed and excited for the next day!
The weekend concluded with a few more main stages, the selling of every last duck, and a superior I.E. showcase. The talented students of Ohio never ceased to impress as they shared their talents with the delegation. All too quickly, the festival came to a close. I kicked off closing ceremonies with Minute to Give it and lead a quick cheer… O-H! The new STO were sashed and the Ohio Thespian Ohana said goodbye for now, leaving another amazing weekend in the books. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard on the festival and welcomed me to Ohio, it couldn’t have been better!