Last weekend I traveled to Franklin High School to attend the incredible Indiana Thespian Festival. We kicked the festival off with some awesome advocacy filled presentations. EdTA Chief Relationship Officer Hans Weichhart spoke to the Indiana thespians about RISE and got the crowd super excited to apply and learn more. Next was Helen Duranleau-Brennan from Iowa thespians and member of the Advocacy Leadership Network. There was also an awesome speaker and fellow ALN member, Michael Daehn, from Belmont University who spoke about arts advocacy in Indiana and how to get involved with supporting school theatre. After opening ceremonies, the night was filled with one acts, individual events, and workshops galore. I think we all slept like babies after all the fun we had that night. The next morning I got to see the auction and raffle fundraiser for Broadway Cares Equity Fights Aids. Indiana thespians raised over $600 for BCEFA and it was AWESOME!!!! Of course I would be remiss if I didn't mention the duck table. Thespians across the state bought ducks and found their match as the festival went on, meeting new people and creating new friendships. As the day came to a close we had seen tons of one acts, some killer IEs, and of course some really awesome workshops. That night we got to hear from the keynote speakers, Andrew Hunsaker and Jan Hunsaker. The Hunsaker duo are chapter directors of Utah Thespians and gave a great speech inspiring thespians across Indiana. The next morning was filled with tech olympic awards, the mainstage performance of The Drowsy Chaperone, Minute to Give it, IE superior showcase, and closing ceremonies. It was a truly great ending to a very special festival. I cannot wait to reunite with all of my new found Indiana thespian friends in Lincoln this summer. Till next time thespians!