I recently had the pleasure of attending Arizona’s State Thespian Festival on November 20th and 21st, and, let me tell you, Arizona Thespians sure know how to throw a grand event! After our arrival in Phoenix on Thursday evening, EdTA representative Debbie Corbin and I met up with former Arizona Chapter Director Denise Ferguson, who helped us plan out our weekend during the car ride to our hotel, where we turned in early in anticipation of the start of festival the next day.
Friday morning I was up bright and early to make the short trek to the Phoenix Convention Center, where the conference would be held. I had a great time helping with setting up the event alongside the STO, adult board, and all state tech crew as we all got the space ready for the weekend. Many hands made light work as, within a couple of hours, everyone was ready to welcome the troupes of Arizona thespians that had begun to flock to the convention center.
I also had the privilege of teaching a leadership workshop to 30 awesome thespians on Friday afternoon; I was so impressed by their leadership skills and eagerness to learn new things! Afterwards, I spent some time helping out at the STO table, where I assisted this amazing group of leaders with distributing information about Arizona Thespians’ Summer Leadership Camp. That evening, thespians from all over the state attended the dance in the beautiful Hyatt hotel ballroom, just across the street from the convention center.
Me with the Arizona STO and their “Captain Thespian”:
The next day I got the opportunity to teach N.A.P.S. to 16 wonderful thespians. I was so touched by their stories, and grateful that I got the chance to spend an hour speaking with them and teaching them about the power of student advocacy; I believe that everyone left the workshop feeling empowered and refreshed after having taken a great NAP.
Thespians in my NAPS workshop:
Saturday evening finished off with closing ceremonies, where I saw some ridiculously talented thespians sing and act their hearts out, as well as some awesome tech students making it all possible.
Thanks so much to the STOs and to the Arizona adult board, particularly to Chapter Directors Janell Riordan and Steve Abaroa, for putting together such an amazing event. Thanks as well to Denise Ferguson for making Debbie Corbin and I feel so welcome and at home in Arizona. I can’t wait to see everyone again in Lincoln this summer!