I am missin' Mississippi! On the night of February 22nd, I flew into Memphis, TN and drove over to Tupelo, MS with the kindest educator, Phill Milner, and his wife! We jammed to Disney tunes on the way there. Upon arrival at Tupelo High School, I saw all the STO working hard to stuff name badges and fill bags with MS Thespian items. The room was filled with laughter and smiles as I got to know everyone. I created signs for registration and listened to the STO rehearse their lovely opening number! After a night of setting up, it was time to hit the sack for the big day ahead!
On Friday the 23rd, attendees began to roll in, excited for the two days of fun that would follow. Everyone loaded in the auditorium to watch the very first one act of the day. We kicked off the weekend with some opening ceremonies, and then began the one acts! MS put all of the one acts together on the first day, so all the students were able to see all 7 of them back to back! I timed the first four and watched the last three. It was so fun to see the student leaders act in different roles on stage! Everyone was celebrated for their talents.
STO ran a silent auction table for BCEFA and also took photos at the photo booth for students! The silent auction was a huge hit.
After dinner, it was time for Individual and Technical Events. Everyone headed over to the D Building, excited to show off their performance pieces. I showed the keynote speaker, Rodney Hicks, around. We first went to monologues, then transferred over to solo musical and stayed there for a long time. We were so impressed by the talent and also the empathy and encouragement felt in the room from other students. One boy forgot lyrics, but everyone urged him to keep going. He got a second chance from the judges and felt more confident because of all the kindness he experienced. After being serenaded by the solos, we headed over to group acting to be entertained by a scene from The Odd Couple.
I.E.'s concluded, but the night didn't end! A social began over in the lobby area of the auditorium. Thespians got all dressed up to take photos and talk to new friends! Everyone was having a blast getting to know one another. By the end of the night, we all were ready to rest up for the final day!
Saturday kicked off with an amazing message from MS' keynote speaker, Rodney Hicks. He spoke on confidence in theatre and how important it is to realize that you are your biggest competition. After an inspiring morning, the day continued with college auditions and workshops galore! I taught The AdvoCATe in the Hat to 25 incredible students and then Leadership: That's MUSIC to my Ears! to a record breaking crowd of 43 thespians. Thanks Mississippi for supporting me and having awesome thoughts about advocacy and leadership! There were plenty of workshops to choose from: audition prep all the way to silks.
After the workshops commenced, unfortunately it was time for the closing ceremonies. Mississippi Thespians raised $500 for the BCEFA Silent Auction and $500 for Minute to Give It! Way to go! I had an incredible time in the great city of Tupelo and cannot wait to see MS Thespians in Lincoln!