Twenty-three Drama Program high school students were among 900 students who attended the recent New York State Theatre Education Association’s annual Student Conference in Callicoon, giving them an opportunity to increase their knowledge about the theater world while attending workshops given by colleges, universities and other theater professionals.
Additionally, students had network opportunities and experienced a variety of performances.
“This conference is so important for our students because they are completely immersed into the theater world with other theater students from all over the state,” said Music Teacher Laura Hulle. “Our students are put in situations that get them out of their comfort zone and the amount of support and motivation they get from their peers and clinicians is so uplifting. I think our students leave inspired and come back with ideas and techniques to use in our drama program which ultimately raises the level and quality of our productions. From learning about lighting and staging technology to original Broadway choreography and acting tips and tricks our entire drama program benefits from this conference."
In the over 100 workshop offerings, students received expert instruction in technical theater, acting, dance and voice. Meeting and sharing interests with other similarly-minded students from every region of the state and exploring new areas of learning.
NYSTEA also provides resources to educators teaching theatre in the classroom, directing school drama and musical presentations, and hosts professional learning opportunities for teachers throughout the year.
Attendees were:
Makayla Collins
Sean Crowe
Charlie Curabba
Heather Day
Alexis DeBeauvernet
Mitchell Demberg
Hana Ebbert
Gia Gangi
Joshua Geller
Audrey Guido
Leah Hoolan
Gavin Hoolan
Isaiah Johns
Ashlynn Kumar
Cheyann Kumar
Gavin McGinnis
Meadow Monaco
Camilla Montes
Blake Padavano
Faith Padavano
Baylie Touw
Katherine Warnken
Jacob Weymer