This past weekend, theater students from all over the state gathered in Wichita for the annual Kansas Thespian Conference held at the Hyatt Hotel. Here they attended shows, workshops, and competitions. This year South’s theater troupe won the Silver Honor Troupe Award, meaning that in the last two semesters, South’s troupe fulfilled the criteria which included criteria such as community service, troupe bonding and full length productions.
“The only thing that kept us from getting gold this year was not having a state board member, which we didn’t do because they had changed the requirements,” theater teacher Lynette Williams said. “It was pretty intense to become a state board member this year, so we decided not to do that.”
Aside from the awards, there were many activities that took place at the Thespian Conference over the course of three days. The beginning of each day started out with sessions, called workshops, taught by professionals. After the sessions, there was lunch followed by more sessions or competitions. The day typically ended with dinner, a play and one or two additional activities. This schedule allowed students the freedom to focus on their personal interests.
“I was really excited to learn about musical theatre and costuming,” sophomore Anna Torchia said. “I got to do everything I loved.”
The freedom to choose what sessions to attend was one of the best parts of conference. The worst part? The food, according to the students.
“We paid far too much money for far too little food,” Williams said. “Over $10 a meal.”
Despite long days, little sleep, and bad food, many students agreed that it was well worth it because it was a bonding experience for those who attended.
“We really felt connected,” senior Blake Beardall said. “It was like a family vacation rather than a conference.”