When The Curtain Rises,

Song Currently Playing; On A Lonely Night by A Rocket To The Moon.

I had the best weekend ever.

This past weekend was spent with my school's Thespian Troupe (#1917) in Springfield on the Missouri State campus for the 2012 Missouri State Thespian Conference (a.k.a ThesCon).

It was pretty much amazing.

Basically, the idea of ThesCon is to get Troupes from around Missouri together for a few days to grow in our love of theatre and provide seniors the chance to audition for scholarships and such. It being my last one, I was hoping it would be better than the other 2 I've been to put together (and that's asking for a LOT of awesome). Without a doubt, this year's ThesCon was the best I have ever been to.

To start off, our Troupe started off on the 4 hour drive Wednesday right after school. That evening, we spent our down time in the hotel in a conference room having a meeting about rules and such. But, being theatre kids, we had some fun before our director showed up and concocted a giant plan to overthrow Congress. Yeah, we're cool.

Thursday was a day of workshops (which for me taught me about acting on camera and how to sing smart, not stupid), good food, lots of new people, and an absolutely AMAZING production of The Drowsy Chaperone by Nixa High School. They truly did a beautiful job. One of the great things about being surrounded by a thousand theatre kids is that you feel like you can be yourself. It's one of the few places where you know people will take you as you are. (Unless you're a diva. No one likes that).

Friday was, again, a day of workshops. I got my butt kicked in 2 musical theatre dance classes and learned how to be Freshman Fierce for college next year from some really great people from Lindenwood University. That night, I saw what I consider the BEST High School play I have EVER seen; The Foreigner performed by the students at Raymore-Peculiar High School. Any play involving a Big Bang Theory reference, Harry Potter reference, someone bernie-ing on stage, and the irony of a black student playing a KKK member is the show for me, haha. After the show, there was a dance. Let me just say, no one knows how to party the way theatre kids do! Haha.

Saturday was our last day and my day of rest. I skipped workshops and watched Toy Story 3 with a friend from another school. We ended up eating lunch and playing Monopoly on his iPad until they literally said, "You have to leave now." Lol. The last production we saw was The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee by the Parkway School District, which was also quite a good show. I'd been wanting to see it for like, 2 years, so I'm happy I can finally cross it off my list. All in all, an amazing weekend.

So, why write so much about it?

Well, this weekend made me make a decision.

I plan on majoring in Social Studies Education in college. But this weekend reminded me of why I love theatre; how I love always having a place where I can be myself, the thrill of the stage, the challenges acting (and, of course, crazy musical theatre dances) present, and how theatre has the ability to connect so many people who may never have come together otherwise. So, I made the decision to minor in Theatre when I go off to college this summer and I cannot wait! I can truly say this year's ThesCon had an impact on my life and I can't help but wish I could go back. <3

Oh, and those pictures; 1 is of the members of Troupe 1917 that went to ThesCon. The 2nd is of this year's seniors that went. Words can't express how much I value these people and love having them in my life.

"Act Well Your Part, There All Honor Lies."

Thespian Motto

Troupe 1917 <3