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Dusty's Valentine Adventure

2/14/2021

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By: STO Lia Graham, Texas High School, Troupe 2526

    Happy Valentine's Day! We hope you are enjoying this day full of love with your special someone or (even better) a cuddly pet. Grab a sheet of paper and something to write with and get ready for Dusty’s Valentine Adventure: Mad-libs edition. Before you start, below is a list of nouns, adjectives, verbs, and more that you will make up and then fill them in to the story. Copy and paste the story below to a doc to fill it in with your words, and share your stories with us on social media! Remember to keep it fun and clean!

You will need… 
adjective ending in ed
Verb
name of a restaurant
Item of clothing
Noun 
Verb 
Adverb 
Type of car
Verb
Verb
Adverb
Type of food 
Adjective 
Plural noun
Name of an STO
Number between 1-49 
Big number 
Adverb
Exclamation 
Happy adjective
Plural noun
Verb ending in ed
Adverb 



Dear Duck Diaries, 

    Tomorrow is Valentine's day and I am absolutely (adjective ending in ed)! I can’t wait to take my (verb) date to the fanciest restaurant in town, (name of a restaurant). Her name is Puddles, and her feathers are so soft. Yesterday, I went to the Texas Thespian website and bought her all sorts of merch like a (item of clothing) and a (noun)! I just know she’s going to (verb) when she sees what I bought her. 
            -(adverb) Dusty the Duck 

Dear Duck Diaries, 

    Today’s the day! I am going to pick Puddles up with my (type of car) at 6:00 sharp for our date! However, the STOs have invited me to lunch, and I couldn’t tell them no. I will not stay too long because I don’t want to (verb) my date. The last time I hung out with the STOs, we played hide and go (verb) for 7 hours! They sure do love their games. 
            -(adverb) Dusty the Duck 

Dear Duck Diaries, 
    
    Holy Moly! I’m going to be late! After eating (type of food) with the STOs, they wanted to play a (adjective) round of Theatre In Our (plural noun) Month board game. Little did I know that STO (Name of an STO) would suggest we play the extended board game where we try to get the whole nation to declare March as Theatre in our Schools Month and not just Texas. After the first round, we got (number between 1-49) which wasn’t enough for these overachievers so we played (big number) more rounds until we finally got all 50 states to declare March as Theatre in our Schools Month. It’s 5:45, so I think I can get there right on time. Wish me luck! 
-(adverb) Dusty the Duck 

Dear Duck Diaries, 
    
    (Exclamation)! My valentines date with Puddles went (happy adjective)!  I arrived right on time to present her with a bouquet of (plural noun) along with her bundle of Texas Thespian merch. When she came to the door, I almost (Verb ending in ed) because of how beautiful she looked. I must be the luckiest duck on Earth. 
-(adverb) Dusty the Duck 


Whatever your plans are for this love-filled day, make sure to eat plenty of chocolates and sweets. Don’t forget to share your stories with us! 

With much love, 
Your 2020 Texas State Thespian Officers

​
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2020 Honor Troupes

1/11/2021

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By: STO Lia Graham, Texas High School, Troupe 2526

Happy New Year!!! 

We hope that you had fun, stayed safe over the holidays, and are ready to go this spring!  We are very excited to hear about all that you are doing and want to remind you to visit your backpack from the State Festival to continue to learn and grow. 

Last semester, troupes around Texas participated in both the Leadership Days and Texas Thespian Leadership Academy. Troupes submitted evidence of growth through community outreach, troupe activities and so much more as they worked to be recognized! However, only a few troupes shone bright enough to be recognized as 2020 Fall Honor Troupes. 

Congratulations to the 2020 Fall Texas Honor Troupes:
  • Cypress Ridge High School
  • Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts 
  • Frisco Centennial High School
  • Texas High School 
  • The Woodlands High School
  • Springtown High School

These troupes will have banners and plaques sent to the school.  Please be on the lookout.

If your troupe participated in the fall but did not complete all of the tasks, you may still work toward the honor by completing the tasks. Our first live Zoom Meeting will take place on Monday, January 25th at 7pm. See your director for meeting details to join us!  We are so excited to see our Thespians continue to rise to the occasion and BE THE LEADER!

For questions about the Google Classroom, please contact Michelle Nguyen.
For questions about Leadership Academy Meetings, please contact Roshunda Jones.
Any other questions, please contact Nicole Morgan.  
We hope to see you and your troupe as you grow and learn more about being a Leader.

Happy New Year,
Your 2020 Texas State Thespian Officers
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Holiday Blog

12/24/2020

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By: STO Lia Graham, Texas High School, Troupe 2526

Whether you’re singing O holy Night, Here Comes Santa Claus, or Hanukkah oh Hanukkah, the holidays are the most joyful time of the year. The STO board has taken the time to share with you our sweetest and funniest holiday memories, unique family traditions, and what we want to see under the tree. Share with us on social media what your answers are! 

STO: Alyssa
Favorite holiday: New Years
Favorite holiday meal: I really like ham & green bean casserole but if i could i would solely eat Watergate salad for my holiday meal
Sweetest holiday memory: A really sweet memory I have is Christmas my freshman year when my grandpa, who doesn’t really ever show emotion got me a really sentimental necklace & when I saw it I cried & ran into his arms. It was the first time I’d ever seen him cry so it’s a memory I hold close to my heart.

STO: Annie
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Favorite holiday meal: Turkey and all the sides
Unique family tradition: At christmas we sing carols as a family before presents and it’s very nice, despite everyone being very bad The carols are typed out on papers and the aggie war hymn is one of them.

STO: Avery 
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Favorite holiday meal: My favorite holiday meal is a Christmas ham with the classic sides like macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and rolls.
Unique family tradition: One of our Christmas traditions is my family has a stack of holiday books that we always read each and every Christmas Eve before we go to sleep. My parents originally started it so my sisters and I could get some practice reading out loud as kids, but the tradition kinda just stuck. Some of the books we read are The Polar Express, The Night Before Christmas, and a few verses from the Bible.

STO: Bradyn
Favorite holiday: Halloween
Favorite holiday meal: I would probably say Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday meal! Everything at Thanksgiving is just so good!
What do you want for Christmas? 
What do you want for Christmas: I just wanna celebrate being healthy and well during such a crazy time. I hope everyone out there is also staying safe and healthy and finding ways to celebrate a much different Christmas than usual!

STO: Brenna 
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Favorite holiday meal: Do Christmas cookies count as a meal?? 
Unique family tradition: Every year my dad and I have a Christmas Movie Marathon where we watch Christmas movies every night for two weeks leading up to Christmas!

STO: Caleb
Favorite holiday: Halloween 
Favorite holiday meal: Christmas Eve Doughnuts
Favorite holiday memory: : After Christmas Eve Dinner was done, my sister and I drove back to my moms house. My sister blew her engine in her car in the middle of nowhere. It was hours before a tow truck came and for us to get picked up. I got a lot closer to my sister, and we are better siblings to one another.

STO: Campbell
Favorite holiday: Mardi Gras 
Favorite holiday meal: KING CAKE.
Funniest holiday memory: One time, while in a Mardi Gras parade, I went to throw  beads and accidentally swung backwards first and whacked my mom in the face. If you know what being hit with a Mardi Gras bead is like, you know it was a bad situation to be in. (It wasn’t funny then, but definitely funny now!)

STO: Cody
Favorite holiday: Valentine’s day 
Favorite holiday meal: Key Lime Pie and Cookies
Favorite Holiday Memory: When I got my first trampoline for christmas, I was so excited and filled with joy; that was probably the best gift I’ve ever received.

STO: Elisa 
Favorite holiday: Halloween
Favorite holiday meal: My grandma’s turkey
Sweetest holiday memory: Doing face masks in matching pajamas with my family

STO: Jackson B. 
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Favorite holiday meal: Christmas cookies are the best. Unbeatable.
Funniest holiday memory: We went and saw Star Wars: The Force Awakens together as a family. My little sister slept through the entire 2 hour film. The loud music, spaceship sounds, laser rifles. None of that had any effect on her. We left and asked if she liked the movie: “I thought it was kind of boring”

STO: Jackson L.
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Favorite holiday meal: Macaroni and cheese on thanksgiving
What do you want for Christmas? 1 million dollars

STO: Jarrett
Favorite holiday: Halloween
Favorite holiday meal: Tofurky, Ham, and stuffing
Funniest holiday memory: This year, my grandma used wrapping paper that my aunt used last year and stapled it to a gift bag. 

STO: Lia
Favorite holiday: Tooth Fairy Appreciation Day (jk it’s Easter) 
Favorite holiday meal: My world-famous Marshmallow Pumpkin Pie
Sweetest holiday memory: I love the memories I have of waking up after a restless sleep to peak out of my room in the morning at the presents. My mom always makes sure to catch my brother and me on video wrapped up in our blankets, drowsily opening presents from Santa. 

STO: Megan
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Favorite holiday meal: Pumpkin Pie
Sweetest holiday memory: My family all flying to my grandparents house to surprise them for Christmas

STO: Piper
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Favorite holiday meal: Hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies!
What do you want for Christmas: The ability to do theatre with no masks or shields!

STO: Tyler
Favorite holiday: Thanksgiving
Favorite holiday meal: Stuffing 😤
What do you want for Christmas: I hope everyone has a great Christmas this year with all of the negative things that have happened this year. Let’s let Christmas bring us together, end this year on a good note, and have a great 2021!

STO: Victoria 
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Favorite holiday meal: We usually get takeout food, so takeout food.
Funniest holiday memory: One time one of our dogs climbed onto the fireplace (it wasn't on) and accidentally knocked down the stockings in the process.

Staff: Mrs. Morgan
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Favorite holiday meal: Traditional Italian family meal of pasta
Funniest holiday memory: Frozen pipes with 43 people at our house and we had to crack the pool ice to bring in buckets of water to flush the toilet.

Staff: Mrs. Jones
Favorite holiday: Thanksgiving
Favorite holiday meal: Turkey, smoked ham, dressing, mustard greens, potato salad, yams and chocolate pie
Funniest holiday memory: Family was outside barbequing, and my mother was bringing some food in the house. A raccoon followed in behind her, and everyone was running around the house trying to catch it.

Staff: Mr. Allen
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Favorite holiday meal: Turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes, fruit salad, pecan pie
Sweetest holiday memory: The first Christmas I spent with my wife was very special.

Staff: Mr. McCoy
Favorite holiday: Labor Day
​
Favorite holiday meal: Stuffing- or fudge
Funniest holiday memory: The time my aunt was so proud of the lemon meringue pie she made for her father. She went to show it to him, tripped on the carpet and smashed the entire thing into his lap.

As 2020 comes to a close and 2021 opens new doors, the STOs wish all Texas Thespians a very happy new year! 

Happy Holidays, 
Your 2020 Texas State Thespian Officers
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The State Thespian Officers’ Pets

12/9/2020

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By: STO Lia Graham, Texas High School, Troupe 2526
​

    Pets. They help us get through some tough times and entertain us constantly. This year, the STO’s had the opportunity to bring their pets to festival! From Calico cats, Bulldogs, and bunnies, the STO’s pets made appearances in workshops and gained attention from thespians all over Texas. Here are the Official Pets of the STO Board! 

STO: Bradyn 
Pet’s name: Oliver 
Breed: Shih Tzu
​
Age: 14 years!
    “He's basically blind now, so he just stumbles around now and again. He'll bump into a wall or bark at a door where nobody's at, but when he gets excited, he likes to run around and play with our other pets. This was like last week, he barked up at me to let him up on my bed, and when I did, he cuddled right up next to me, which he never used to do.”

STO: Megan 
Pet’s name: Piper
Breed: Bulldog
Age: 8
    “She got stung by bees because she was trying to eat them, so her face was very puffy. When I would leave for school, she used to sit on my backpack and try to intervene by getting my backpack so I wouldn't leave.”

STO: Piper
Pets’ names: Pancho and Cisco
Breed: Airedale Terriers
Age: 5
    “They tried to eat the sprinklers. When I’m sad they guard me when I sleep. One time they both escaped from our yard and after searching for them for two hours we found them in the garage eating their dog food. Whenever I’m taking them for a walk and a stranger walks by, they start to circle me to protect me.”

STO: Annie
Pet’s name: Casper
Breed: Maltese Schnauzer 
Age: 9
    “We went on a vacation, so she angrily pooped in the foyer on the tile so it was easy to clean, but at the front door where it’s a statement. She freaks out during the rain so she comes into my room (I am her favorite) and she gets under my blankets, it’s very cute.”

STO: Brenna
Pet’s name: Allie
Breed: Mixed but mainly Catahoula
Age: 3
    “Allie is a VERY crazy dog and super fast too, like literally sprints faster than Usain Bolt. So over the beginning of quarantine, we took her on walks/runs almost three times a day sometimes. We decided to have a little inside joke that we were training her to be a sled dog lol. When we first got her, she was super shy, and one day during the summer, she literally just laid at my feet for like 3 hours. It was so cute. Now she is rambunctious and never stops running.”

STO: Lia 
Pet’s name: Noodles
Breed: Dwarf Lionhead bunny 
Age: 3
    “Noodles likes to chew things, and I was holding her one time wearing my favorite dress. Within seconds she had chewed two penny sized holes in the dress. I was not happy with her to say the least. I also have to watch her very carefully because she’s almost blind. She falls off my bed a lot, but she’s like a cat: lands on her feet every time.”

STO: Alyssa 
Pet’s name: Sky
Breed: We’re waiting to get her DNA test back because her & her brothers/sisters came from a rescue & only one of the parents are known but they’re a mix of Shepherd & Border Collie
Age: almost 4 months 
    “A funny memory is difficult because this little pup is CRAZY, but the funniest thing she does is she gets in the way ALL the time, like seriously I think she does it on purpose. She trips us up all the time and is so nosey. We got my pupper from a rescue, and the day we picked her up from the foster mama, she was so cuddly with me. The whole ride back home she clung to me & would NOT let go.”

STO: Campbell 
Pet’s name: Dixie Belle aka “Ditty”
Breed: Jack Russell Terrier
Age: 9
    “Dixie is what I would consider an icon. She does everything on her own time and sometimes it can be very comical. For instance: I have a heated blanket and when she lays on it my mom has to pick her up after because she will not move. When we were looking for a dog, we went to a shelter in Houston. We said we wanted to see her, and when they brought her into the meeting room, she jumped on all of us and uncontrollably licked us. She knew we were her family before we did. WE LOVE DIXIE!!”

STO: Cody 
Pet’s name: King (M) and Venus (F)
Breed: Pitbull
Age: 10+
    “They tore up my workout bench, but one time I fell asleep on them in my backyard. I was so comfortable, and that’s when they were small. I just felt the love from them, and I felt so safe in that moment.”

STO: Avery 
Pet’s name: Bebe
Breed: Tuxedo cat 
Age: 6
    “She always shoves her face in my face when I’m taking pictures of myself crying. She always cuddles with me when I’m sad. Bebe will perfectly fit herself into the crook of my arm and just lay there till I feel better- she’s like my unofficial therapy cat.”

STO: Victoria 
Pet’s name: Her full name is Coraline, but we mostly call her Cora.
Breed: Calico cat. 
Age: 1
    “A funny memory with her is one time she was leaping around my bathroom and eventually fell into the toilet. My favorite memory with her is how every night she comes and lays with me for a while. (It's not necessarily a singular memory, but it's still something really sweet that she does).”

STO: Jackson B. 
Pet’s name: Rookie
Breed: Poodle Schnauzer 
Age: 6
    ​“He somehow escaped the house for 2 hours. Then we heard barking at our front door, and he's just sitting on our porch waiting to get back in. He had gotten extremely sick, and we had to take him to the vet. We found out he was diabetic, and he wasn't bouncing back. We were going to sign to put him down, but the pen would not work; we decided to give it one more day. The next day he had the same amount of energy he did when he was 2 years old. It was amazing!

STO: Elisa 
No pet :(
    “I want a Corgi because they are small, cute, sassy (like me) and I love their cute little butts. I would name my Corgi Cheddar.”

STO: Jackson L. 
No pet :(
    “I would want a Dalmation because they’re super cute, and I would name him Spots.”

STO: Jarrett 
No pet :(
    “I would want a Mini Dachshund, and I would name it Ollie Purr.”

    Did you attend workshops with your pets? We want to see! Send us pictures of you and your pets through instagram. If you don’t have a pet, what would you want?
Give your pets a treat for us.

​Sincerely,
Your 2020 Texas State Thespian Officers
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A Candidate's Point of View

11/12/2020

1 Comment

 
By: STO Piper Daniell, Midway HS, Troupe 4770
 
     
Each year at Texas Thespian Festival, a large group of young Thespians aim towards becoming an STO for the following year. In order to achieve this goal, these students take on the immense responsibilities of an STO candidate. 


     “I’d say that candidacy has helped me grow, not just as a leader, but also as a person,” said Candidate Talya Hammerman. “I have learned valuable skills, not to mention everyone is so uplifting and amazing. It’s truly an indescribable experience!” 
     
     
Continuing, this is an incredible opportunity for students to gain valuable leadership skills. Being a candidate has provided each and every student who has been a part of the process, an inside experience on what a State Thespian Officer takes on during the duration of festival and the many months leading up to festival.
 
     “I’ve learned so much in such a short amount of time. I will use this knowledge for the rest of my life,” said Candidate Gentry Phillips. “Candidacy is not only a good learning opportunity but a fun way to connect with others.”


     STO candidacy has allowed future leaders an inside perspective on how to communicate effectively, develop independence, and the result of growth in one's confidence. From candidate David Oyeleye, “Candidacy has taught me how to be more outgoing in and outside of my troupe, as well as how to bring people together”. By attending the leadership and advocacy workshops, individuals are provided with knowledge as to what Texas Thespians aim to achieve: promoting a voice for leaders, making change, and advocating for the arts.  Throughout these workshops, students are taught how to better take charge among their troupe, how to advocate for the arts at a high school level, and even how to get in touch with their state representatives to better elaborate the means of theatrical education. 
     Thank you to every candidate who gives their time to make sure festival runs smoothly. 
Much love, 
Your 2020 Texas State Thespian Officers

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You're Never Done Advocating

11/12/2020

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By: STO Caleb Creech, Royse City HS, Troupe 8003
     At our first ever virtual super Saturday, we had an advocacy workshop. The workshop's purpose was to teach thespians skills to become an arts advocate for your troupe and self! What exactly is an advocate?  It is someone who publicly recommends or supports a cause. In our case, we want to be the best Arts Advocate we can be.

     When it comes to being an advocate, there’s one small acronym to help you remember what steps you need to take.

A- Advertise 
R- Reach Out 
T- Teach 
S- Social Media 

   Now, you may be wondering where you can advocate. You can advocate practically anywhere, but here’s some tips for advocating in your school. Using ARTS, we can effectively advocate in our school by creating posters and flyers, reaching out by inviting peers and staff to see shows, teaching yourself and others the importance of theatre, and using social media as a great resource not only for yourself but for your entire troupe! 
     Let’s move on to how you can advocate in your local community. Ask local businesses if you can put up flyers or posters for upcoming events. Attempt to get a newspaper article written about your troupe. This is an excellent way to advocate. Make sure to get in contact with your local representatives to discuss making March theatre in our schools month in your town.
     How about advocating at a state level? Set up meetings with your state representative to discuss declaring March as Theatre in Our Schools Month. Work with area wide administrators and lawmakers to increase support for the arts. 
     We also recommend that you prepare an elevator speech. This speech is used to set up a future meeting to discuss what you are advocating for. It is typically around 1-3 minutes long, concise, professional and to the point. Since we are living in a time when it’s not always best to be together, how do we make change when separated? We can use email to set up meetings with elected officials to advocate for the arts! 

     Here’s how to write a email:
     We strongly recommend that when you are typing a structured email, you include the following:
     Your Name and Affiliation lets them know who you are and what your qualifications are. The next thing you should do is mention some accomplishments. Also when persuading the reader with your email, it’s crucial to provide statistics that will help bolster your cause. The most important thing that should go into the email should be a meeting request. This way, the entire email was worth the person's time and a line of communication for change has been started.

     You’ve got a meeting, now what? Make sure to consider the who, what, where, when, why and how. Who are you meeting with? Do a little background research on the person you’re meeting with.  Information you research can be very helpful to you in the future.  Try to find some common ground for an easy conversation.What do you want them to get from this meeting? Find the content and substance for this meeting. Where is your meeting? This one is simple. Agree on a meeting place.  When will your meeting be? Make it a priority to be punctual. Why are you doing this? Find why this is important to you and apply it to the meeting. How will you do? If you come to the meeting on time with a good first impression and speak clearly with helpful statistics, it will go a long way to achieving your goal. 

     Speaking of goals, below are goals of Texas Thespians advocacy team.

  1. Get 10 or more schools to declare TIOSM.
  2. Get TIOSM declared statewide
  3. Increase middle school involvement with Texas Thespians and theatre overall 

     As an arts advocate, it is important to know what your goals are, so maybe take some time to write them out so you can know what you want to work towards. Hope you enjoyed this advocacy recap. If any you want to see the live presentation of this workshop,  stop by the STO Corner during the 2:00pm Workshop Session at the 11/21 Super Saturday. We can't wait to see you all there!

You’re never done advocating,
​Your 2020 State Thespian Officers


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Spring Semester Recap

6/13/2020

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By: STO Lia Graham, Texas High School, Troupe 2526 

     This semester, to say the least, has been different. No one saw it coming our way or could have prevented it. What we loved to do most was taken away from us. The people we cherished were separated from our reach. Valuable memories and traditions were halted abruptly. When we were forced to find a new normal, we had to learn to survive in a new, more virtual way. However, even with lingering dilemmas, the schools, troupes and individuals in Texas continued to grow and work together united by their passion for theatre. 

     Entering into January, we had troupes sharing their growth with us STOs through social media. We saw troupes attending other schools’ shows, advocating for their theatre and being leaders in their community. 
    Next, in February, we welcomed the new State Thespian Officers and said farewell to the old. We celebrated Valentine's day by learning some “February Favorites” of the Texas Thespians. 
   In March, we hit the ground running with a Theatre in Our Schools Month. Troupes everywhere in Texas stepped up and spoke out for TIOSM, along with the city Katy having Theatre in Our Schools Month declared for the first time. 
     Then, we faced the biggest plot twist of them all. In mid-March, schools all over were experiencing cancellations, shows were postponed, and even Broadway went dark. It was unexpected and a time of trial for us all that is still affecting the normality of our daily lives. 
   Finally, in May, we had no choice but to work with what we were given. Graduating seniors were not given a normal final semester as we gave them virtual farewell hugs. Troupes had end of the year ceremonies and inductions virtually, while attempting to still maintain some traditions. 

     As STOs we had to postpone our retreat to August. We were pushed to create a new way of training troupes for Leadership Day. We were also thankful for the extra time we had to work thoroughly on tasks and develop something brand new for troupes everywhere. 
    As troupes we were faced with the sad news that shows had to be canceled, ceremonies would be online, and traditions would be skipped. However, we have grown closer and have learned not to take things for granted.
      As individuals we lost time with her friends and were hit with huge changes, but in the end, we discovered how to stay sane while alone, created new sources of entertainment and adjusted, overcoming the circumstances we were put in.
     As Texas Thespians, we survived by supporting each other through these tough times.
     We can’t control what is happening around us, but we can control how we react to it. Stay strong Texas Thespians. You are not alone.

With lots of love, 
 Your 2020 Texas State Thespian Officers
​

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13 Questions with 18 STOs

5/9/2020

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By: STO Lia Graham, Texas HS, Troupe 2526

Hey Texas Thespians! During this quarantine, my fellow State Thespian Officers and I have had to adjust to a new way of living...just like you all. Despite many things trying to bring down our moods, we have persevered and found joy in the simplest of things. Thus, I bring you a very chaotic, creative list of questions that have been answered by each STO. We hope our answers can remind you to stay positive and fill your days with fun. Without further ado, 13 questions with 18 STOs.

1. What are 3 words you would  use to describe your quarantine?
“Boring, long and uneventful.” -Brenna 
“Messy, productive and long-lived.” -Olivia 

2. 
What SpongeBob character do you relate to the most?
“I wish I could say Larry the Lobster, but I’m Gary: unimpressed at everything.” -Jackson B.
“Probably Patrick because I'm always hungry. Always.” -Avery
“SpongeBob...due to the fact that I am a really bad driver. People should be afraid to get on the road with me.” -Bradyn

3. 
On a scale of 1-10, how much do you like french fries?
“15. Is that allowed?” -Jackson L.
“10. If I had the choice to only live off of potatoes, I'd be doing it by now.” -Jackson B. 
“A solid 9. They've betrayed me before, but overall they're pretty good.” -Annie

4.
 Have you picked up any new hobbies?
 
“I have been going to get the mail a lot.” -Brenna
“I've actually been working on writing a script.” -Cody
“I can make friendship bracelets really well.” -Megan 

5. 
What is your favorite ice cream flavor? 
“Classic chocolate. Simplicity is key.” -Avery 
“Bluebell’s Banana Pudding, of course.” -Campbell
“Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia by far!” -Lia
“I gotta go with chocolate chip cookie dough!” -Caleb

6.
 What is one positive thing about quarantine?
“I am bonding with my family more, even though it's not really a choice.” -Piper 
“It gives you a lot of time to meditate and focus on yourself.” -Elisa
“It gives you more time to spend with family and do things you didn't have time to
do originally.” -Victoria

7. Do you have any pets? 
“I have 7 cats. Agustus, Sophie, Gracie, Max, Oliver, Sammy and Maddie.” -Olivia 
“I have a really big stuffed animal elephant that I consider a pet.” -Alyssa
“I have a pet bunny named Noodles, she has pink hair.” -Lia 

8. Do you play video games? 
“I played Madden once. Some people (aka myself) say I was a beast at it, and others not so much...”  -Campbell
“Pocket Edition Minecraft, but other than that not really.” -Annie 
“If you count The Sims.” -Jarrett

9.
 What's a funny quarantine story? 
“I was walking my dogs right next to a pond. They saw a duck and they pulled me into the pond.” -Piper 
“I got on NBC News for building my school in Minecraft!” -Jackson L. 
“While I was driving, I turned under an overpass, but I got in the wrong lane. In a fit of panic, I pulled to the right and then drifted into my lane, so I guess you can call me baby driver.” -Tyler 

10. Be honest…how many hours do you spend on Tik Tok a day? 
“Honestly, I think like 10 hours.” -Alyssa
“Oh, it's somewhere between 4 and 18 dependant upon the mood.” -Bradyn 
“Maybe like 10 minutes.” -Cody

11. What is your favorite tech position you've been or character you’ve played? 
“My favorite character that i've played is the Earthworm in James and the 
Giant Peach!” -Jarrett
“Elle Woods.” -Elisa 
“Stage Manager for Into The Woods.” -Megan 

12. Any hints on what the STOs are planning for this year? 
“Something crazy that's going to knock your socks off.” -Jackson L. 
“You're going to be stuck with us for a while.” -Avery
“Thats a secret. We keep it confidential here.” -Victoria 
“ :) “ -Tyler 

13. 
What is this year's festival theme? 
“Dehumidifiers and more!” -Olivia 
“Shrek the Musical.” -Jackson B. 
“Agriculture: farms, plowing, and live cows!” -Annie 
“It's going to be an anti-theme where the whole thing is we don't have a theme. It's like irony? Get it?” -Caleb

We are proud to see all of the truly amazing things y'all are doing to make do with our circumstances. We know it hasn't been easy, but we do know that the Texas Thespians are one strong group of people!

We'll see you all very soon, 
Your 2020 Texas State Thespian Officers!


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Before We Sign Off...

2/6/2020

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Hey Texas Thespians! Before the 2019 Texas State Thespian Officers officially leave office and pass our torch to the 2020 Texas State Thespian officers, we would like to remind all of you about the upcoming month. If you didn’t already know, the entire month of March is Theatre In Our Schools Month! And in support of #TIOSM, it is our job as Texas Thespians to promote Arts Advocacy in our state.

Here are some ways to celebrate Theatre In Our Schools Month:
  1. Participate in #TheatreShirtThurday and #TakeALookTuesday. More information can be found on our Instagram (@texasthespians) and Twitter (@Texas_Thespians) pages. Follow us!
  2. Post pictures of shows you have been a part of or shows that you have watched and why theatre has impacted you on World Theatre Day which takes place on Friday, March 27th, 2020.
  3. Write to your state representatives as to why Arts Education is important in the public school system.

With that being said, we encourage all of you guys to participate in #TIOSM and to be amazing Arts Advocates. We believe in each and every single one of you. Thank you for such an amazing year. It has been a pleasure to serve all 8,000+ Texas Thespians. Because of you guys, we were able to make this place better than we had found it.

We’re signing off,
The 2019 Texas State Thespian Officers

​Follow Our Social Media!
Texas Thespians’ Instagram: @texasthespians
Texas Thespians’ Twitter: @Texas_Thespians
Texas STO Twitter: @Texas_STO

Texas Thespians Snapchat: Texas_Thespians
Facebook: Texas Thespians
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Reflecting on 2019!

12/30/2019

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By: Tiffany Hoang, Foster HS Troupe 7961

Hello Texas Thespians!

We would like to start off by thanking everyone who attended the 2019 Texas Thespian State Festival! As the year is coming to a close, we would like to reflect on the many things the Texas Thespian Chapter was able to accomplish for our amazing Thespians. This year, we accomplished the following:
  1. We held 5 Student Leadership Conferences across the state of Texas. These regions included: Central Texas (Steele HS), East Texas (Forney HS), West Texas (Socorro HS), North Texas (Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts), and South Texas (Carver Magnet HS). Each conference ranged from 100-350+ Thespians in attendance.
  2. We hosted 2 Junior Thespian Festivals; One in South Texas at Chavez High School and one in North Texas at Prosper High School. We will be hosting one more JFest in February of 2020. Each JFest ranged from 500-1,000+ Thespians in attendance.
  3. There were 8,000+ attendees at the 2019 Texas Thespian State Festival. (1,000+ more than last year’s festival!)
  4. With the help of Texas Thespians from across the state, the 2019 STOs were able to raise over $13,000 for Broadway Cares Equity Fights Aid and the Dallas ISD Tornado Relief.
  5. The Texas Thespian Chapter gave away $60,000+ scholarships to Thespians all across the state of Texas to acknowledge their hard work within the theatre arts.
  6. We chose 19 students who will begin serving as 2020 TX State Thespian Officers in February.
  7. 769 students nationally qualified to attend the International Thespian Festival in June of 2020 in Bloomington, Indiana.
Thank you again, Texas Thespians, for all of your hard work and passion that made this entire year possible. We cannot wait to see what next year brings. And remember, “Make this place better than you found it.”

With much love,
The 2019 State Thespian Officers

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