They say that opposites attract.
I don't like to say that this is mostly the case.
See, thespians are a rare, exquisite form of people that express themselves through song and dance. They are beautifully creative, and they know the world with a different eye. Try telling someone who doesn't like Broadway musicals about the symbolic set design of a show such as Urinetown. It is difficult to appeal to people that do not find the passion of the arts. That's why going to events with thousands of theater lovers is one of my most favorite times of the year.
Georgia Thespian Conference (known as ThesCon) is held in Columbus, Georgia every February, and over 5,000 thespians from around the state attend. There are workshops lead by amazing professionals from all over, and shows are performed by schools from around the state. Hug pins are exchanged; these are decorated clothespins that you swap with strangers for interacting and hugging them. It is an easy way to make friends, and it really is not awkward because, I mean, we are theater kids.
ThesCon is one of my most favorite times of the year without a doubt. Meeting kids just like me who crave the moment to be on stage and sing in the shower is fantastic. As nerve-wracking as it is to approach people you do not know, the anxiety leaves quickly after saying your first hello. People could care less what school you are from as long as you're a kind soul. I've met people all the way from Blue Ridge to Coastal Georgia. It is crazy to think that there are people far, far away that dream of the same things you do.
The workshops are amazing, and the experience you take away from each one is truly memorable. I even got to take a workshop under one of my good friends Ty Autry!
His kind soul and bubbly personality lit up the whole room, and my friends and I were so thrilled to work with him. He taught us a dance routine that he choreographed for a professional theater. Afterward, we performed, and he gave us individual feedback to help us learn from dance auditions and as a performer. It was something that you do not usually get from a workshop, and it was very useful for the future. Another one I attended was Yoga for the Actors. We learned great poses and breathing exercises for the actor's body, and I felt so relaxed; I'll definitely use techniques from this class for stress relief.
Besides meeting people, seeing shows put on by my peers is incredible. I got to see Spelling Bee, James and the Giant Peach, Parade, Memphis, Nevermore, and Urinetown. I am close with two of the schools that performed, so it is always exciting to watch my friends shine in the spotlight. Discovering new and interesting shows (such as with Nevermore) is always fun too. I did not know what to expect sitting in the audience before Nevermore, but I sat stunned when the curtain closed after the final bow. Actors in high school are constantly proving people wrong that you can follow your dreams no matter how old.
I know, theater is not always the most popular crowd in high school. But imagine over 5,000 Georgia thespian high schoolers gathering together to share a passion. Imagine all 5,000 of those voices coming together to unite in a love for the arts. Imagine each state coming together for the same thing. The power of the arts is wonderful, my friends.
