Fifteen students and three teachers representing the Minisink Valley High School Drama Club attended the recent New York State Theatre Education Association’s (NYSTEA) 23rd annual student conference at the Villa Roma Resort in Callicoon.

This is the first time the Minisink Valley Drama Club has attended the student conference, which offers New York State high school students an opportunity to gather for a full weekend of learning and peer interaction.

Attending were: A.J. Bubilo, Audrey Cahill, Joseph Colantuono, Molly Dubner, Ryan Fogler, Alex Gianos, Camille Giordano, Riley Grainger, Casey Imbarrato, Cheyanne Lancaster, Andrew Monahan, Alyson Morse, Hayley Neessen, Elizabeth Seger, and Hannah Veety. Teachers Laura Hulle, Danielle Cornacchio and Stefani Caporlingua chaperoned. They joined 850 students and 400 teachers representing 62 schools statewide.

An interactive, hands-on experience

The students attended five workshops presented by colleges, universities and other theatre professionals. Each session provided students with an interactive and hands-on experience where they were completely immersed into that topic.

These sessions included expert instruction in lighting and sound design; acting, including: stage combat, character development, and body awareness; directing “how to’s and tips”; and costuming  using time period specific and recycled materials.

Dance instruction included introductory  and advanced levels in ballet, tap, swing, and folk dancing, along with masterclasses in vocal performance, song and play writing and improve techniques. There was also college preparation  opportunities for students looking to major in the theater arts.

Conference offered opportunities for collaboration and exploring new ways of learning

or Additional conference highlights included a performance by actors from the traveling tour of “Once” and a showcase banquet of student written short plays. Students also had activity time at the resort to snow tube, bowl, jam with other students, swim and attend a “Roaring Twenties” themed dance.

The conference offered Minisink Valley students the opportunity to meet and share interests with other similarly-minded students from every region of the state  while working collaboratively, gaining self-confidence and exploring new areas of learning.

NYSTEA, a statewide organization of dedicated theatre educators, promotes and supports theatre education for students in grades pre-K through 12.

For more photos, visit the district’s Facebook page.