Fourteen High School Drama Club students attended the recent New York State Theatre Education Association’s 26th Annual Student Conference at the Villa Roma Resort in Callicoon, where they took part in creative workshops focusing on a variety of topics designed to increase their knowledge about the theatre/performing arts world.
“For the student conference delegates, this conference is a highlight of their high school career, ” said advisor Laura Hulle. “It’s a truly amazing weekend that inspires, motivates, and educates our students in the performing arts. This conference is a testament to how ‘theatre transforms students’ lives.’”
Student representatives were Kelsi Berghahn, Amelia Bohr, Makayla Collins, Elizabeth Crowe, Sean Crowe, Alexis DeBeauvernet, Alina Estep, Benjamin Giordano, Kaitlyn McElduff, Noah McGinnis, Alexa Ramos, Anya Speranza, Mia Twyman, and Jillian Whitbeck.
Students attended workshops given by colleges, universities and other theatre professionals from Broadway and beyond in topics such as lighting and sound design; acting — including stage combat, sword fighting, character development and body awareness; voice acting; dance instruction — including introduction and advanced ballet, tap, swing, merengue and folk dancing levels as well as original “Hadestown” and “Hamilton”choreography; and master classes in vocal performance, song and play writing. Workshops also included topics focusing on technique improvement and college preparation for students looking to major in the theatre arts.
Conference highlights included a showcase banquet of student-written short plays, a Winter Ball-themed Saturday night event and students showing their talents during the “open mics.”
“Most importantly, this conference gave our students the opportunity to meet and share interests with other similarly-minded students from every region of New York State which is paramount in working collaboratively, gaining self-confidence and exploring new areas of learning,” added Mrs. Hulle.
To see more photos, visit the district’s Facebook page.