Reunited makes you feel so good! Over the past weekend I was reunited with the ITO Gals in the beautiful city of Cincinnati, Ohio. Being from Ohio, I have visited Cincinnati many times in the past, and I was excited to share a piece of home with the other ITO. Also, I got to see my inspiring advisors affectionately known as Staples, Swilz, and EdTA's marvelous Director of Chapters and Communities, Diane Carr. It felt so wonderful having the gang back together! My mother drove me down and was staying with some family friends. I was so honored I was able to introduce my mother and my EDTA family to each other. In fact, my mother even came to lunch with us when we all arrived Friday afternoon. We were all looking forward to a productive weekend at EdTA's National Office, and what a success it turned out to be.
After lunch on Friday we had meetings with many of the EdTA staff members. It was a treat to finally meet many of the people who make the thespian magic happen. The gals and I received an informative tour of the National Office building- talk about some beautiful architecture with a neat backstory. We ended up at the top of the tower that's apart of the building known as the ITO Clubhouse. Later we would leave our mark there by creating a sign for our ITO board, signing it, and putting it up with the past ITO signs. That evening we enjoyed a fabulous dinner with the EdTA Board. As I walked into the dining room of the restaurant we were at board member Hunter Bell flagged me down and invited me to join his table. I had very entertaining conversation with all who sat at the table. The whole night was filled with laughter and a warm, cheery atmosphere.
Saturday morning the ITO gave a presentation to the board about Theatre In Our Schools and our progress with Minute to Give It. This honestly was quite thrilling, and it sparked a great discussion on the future of these initiatives. Following the presentation the ITO went with our advisors to enjoy some deliriously delectable ice cream from Grater's. (Seriously, ten out of ten, I recommend this ice cream.) In the afternoon we had the honor of working with Jumpstart Theatre, a program created by EdTA to start theatre in underprivileged middle schools by training teachers to become theatre educators. We walked in when the teachers were learning a dance to "Freak Flag" from "Shrek: The Musical." It was so touching seeing these teachers experience theatre in this way for the first time. Honestly, working with the Jumpstart Theatre program was one of the most rewarding parts of the whole weekend. We finished the day by recording our ITO Application video, with help from past ITO Katie Ferchen. She recorded all of the shots, and is kindly editing the video. We really appreciate all the help she offered us!
Sunday was more casual, and we had a lot of great, productive meetings. On Monday, our final day, we continued on with our meetings, and met with any EdTA staff members we had not yet met. Eventually we wrapped up and said our "see you laters." The gals and our advisors will see each other soon at Arts Advocacy Day in D.C. However, this whole weekend just strengthened the grateful feeling I have for this incredible opportunity I am getting this year. I hope I can continue to meet such phenomenal people, and I'm sure I will when I Act, Share, and Repeat this summer at the International Thespian Festival!