State Thespian Conference 2024
Indiana State Thespian Conference 2024: A Weekend of Snow, Stars, and Stage Magic
The 2024 Indiana State Thespian Conference was a whirlwind of inspiration, competition, and unforgettable memories. Despite the cold, snowy weekend, theatre students from across the state braved the weather for three days of performances, workshops, and camaraderie at Indiana Wesleyan University. Indiana Drama Club was amongst those who attended. Here’s a look back at the highlights from the weekend, where young thespians made their mark, forged new friendships, and celebrated the art of theatre.
A Snowy Start
As the conference kicked off on Friday, the biting cold and swirling snow outside couldn’t dampen the excitement inside the Indiana Wesleyan campus. The students quickly found warmth in the energy of the event, which brought together high school and middle school thespians for a weekend of creativity and collaboration.
With a packed schedule of events, performances, and workshops, attendees were eager to dive into the action. The theme of the conference this year was “Lets go to the Beach-eech, Let’s go see a Play” and it was clear from the very start that the students were ready to do just that.
The Thespy Competition: Stars in the Making
One of the major highlights of the weekend was the Thespy Competition, where students from all over the state submitted their best performances in a variety of categories. The talent on display was incredible, with 18 impressive submissions in total from Indiana Drama Club. Two performances stood out, earning top honors in their respective categories:
Best in Show HS Acting Duet: Alan & Zach Kolterman
Best in Show MS Acting Duet: Audrey & Timmy Kolterman
These dynamic duos showcased exceptional skill, passion, and chemistry, earning well-deserved recognition for their hard work and dedication to their scenes.
In addition to the top performances, several of IDC students earned Superior and Excellent ratings, further proving the wealth of talent present. Eight students received Superior awards for their outstanding work, and nine others earned Excellent awards. These recognitions are a testament to the high level of commitment and talent displayed throughout Indiana Drama Club.
Spotlight on Tech and College/Scholarship Auditions
The conference wasn’t just about acting—students also showcased their technical skills and explored opportunities for future growth. Norah Skaggs competed in the Tech Challenge with the Elwood High School tech team, demonstrating her expertise and creativity behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, seniors Teagan Cortez and Evelyn Skaggs took part in college auditions, both receiving recognition for their auditions. This marks an exciting step forward in their theatrical journeys as they explore the possibility of pursuing theatre professionally.
One of the biggest pieces of news from the weekend was that Evelyn Skaggs was chosen to be a part of the State Thespian Officer board for the 2024/2025 term. As a new member of the board, Evelyn will have the chance to make an even bigger impact on the state’s theatre community and help shape the direction of future Thespian events.
Workshops and Learning from Theatre Professionals
The weekend wasn’t just about competing—it was also about learning. Students attended a variety of workshops led by theatre professionals, gaining valuable skills and insights into everything from acting techniques to technical design. These workshops provided opportunities for students to refine their craft and learn from the best in the industry, making the experience even more enriching.
A Night of Inspiration and Fun
The conference wouldn’t have been complete without a few lighter moments and some inspiration. On Saturday night, students gathered for a keynote address by Matt Hawkins, the book writer of My Heart Says Go, a play that would also be featured in the all-conference performance on Sunday. Matt shared his journey as a writer, encouraging students to pursue their passion for theatre and to never stop creating. His words left the students feeling motivated and ready to tackle the challenges of the stage.
Back at the hotel, the fun continued. Students enjoyed some downtime, engaging in games, creating TikToks, and passing out inspirational pins to students from other schools. These small acts of kindness created a sense of unity and camaraderie, showing just how supportive and welcoming the Thespian community can be.
The Final Day: Hawaiian Shirt Day
On the final day of the conference, students embraced the playful side of the theme by dressing in Hawaiian shirts and leis. The vibrant colors and tropical vibes were a fun way to celebrate the end of the weekend, and it created a sense of lightheartedness as the conference came to a close.
A Grand Finale: My Heart Says Go
To wrap up the conference, everyone gathered for the all-conference performance of My Heart Says Go, a play by Matt Hawkins that had already inspired so many throughout the weekend. Warsaw High School’s production of the play, was the perfect conclusion to the event. The performance was a testament to the power of storytelling and collaboration, leaving the audience inspired and filled with appreciation for the work of the cast and crew.
Conclusion: A Weekend to Remember
Despite the snow and cold, the 2024 Indiana State Thespian Conference was anything but frosty. From the incredible performances to the inspiring workshops and memorable moments of fun, it was a weekend that will stay with the students for years to come.
As the students returned home, they did so with new skills, newfound friends, and a renewed sense of passion for theatre. The 2024 State Thespian Conference was a reminder of the power of the arts to bring people together, create lasting memories, and inspire the next generation of performers, designers, and theatre lovers.
