Duck Challenge

By: STO Annie Bailey, Belton High School, Troupe 3491
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    So you’ve been mailed a duck. Now what? Many people have been wondering what the fate of their ducks would be, as they are an integral part of our Festival. Fear not; you’ll be receiving a trusty companion with your registration materials. Now, most years, our ducks are in search of their fellow feathered soulmate, but this year they have a unique opportunity to step out of the Gaylord and really see the sights. Of course, Dear Reader, because you're the one with working thumbs, it will be your job to document this new experience. “Oh,” but you ask, “where do they begin? What all can a little duck do in the great state of Texas (or the equally lovely Kansas and Oklahoma)?" Excellent question. To help you begin your journalism journey we have provided you with 4 prompts/challenges to make sure your duck gets a fun, fulfilling trip!
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1st Saturday: The IntroDUCKtion:
Give your duck a backstory! Really get to know them; you’ll be spending quite a while together. After that, create something to introduce them to everyone and get creative! Perhaps a Tiktok, a Beauty Pageant style runway video, or make a stop motion; it's up to you! Just get ready to show off your creativity and duck-based versatility. Be sure to tag your post. #TTSFDuckdiaries
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2nd Saturday: Mallard Heads Town-ward:
Now that your duck is fully settled, it's time for them to do some of that steppin’ out we discussed. Take your mallard and head town-ward! Document your duck in all the local haunts, be it the local coffee shop or the best spot on the beach. Whatever is local to you is what the duck needs to see. As you document your journey, collect photos and videos of your travels and post them with #TTSFDuckdiaries to be potentially featured at the end of Festival, and so every Thespian can see where our ducks have gone.

3rd Saturday: Taking a Quack at Theatre:
Now, we all know why we’re here at this festival: it’s for a love of theatre. Why not give our duck pals the opportunity to take a quack at it themselves? For this challenge, you are to recreate a scene from one of your favorite plays, or musicals, with an entire duck cast. Of course, you don’t have to act out every scene (unless you feel the need to); rather you can simply pose them and photograph their excellent work. Now, don’t let it be misunderstood- these are meant to be the finest entirely rubber duck produced shows in the states, nay, the world! Don’t be afraid to pull out the scale unit set, tiny clothes, and dollhouse miniatures to really bring your scene to life! And of course, be sure to use the #TTSFDuckdiaries to make sure everyone can witness your artistry.

4th Saturday: All Hands on Duck:
Ah, the final Saturday! It seems far away now, but we promise you the weekends will fly by, especially when they’re occupied with ducks and their adventurous whims. So for this last Super Saturday, we ask you to document your troupe and you participating in all of Festival, either together or apart. Ducks during IE filming, ducks learning Viewpoints, ducks reviewing their Design Competition materials, ducks auditioning for college. If your troupe or you have done the work, show it off! Get all hands on duck, and don’t forget the #TTSFDuckdiaries.
Well Thespians, we hope we have given you a few ideas for you and your ducks during this Festival season. We’re excited to see all of the awesome and fun ways you think of to interact with your ducks. We can’t wait to see you all at the Greatest Festival on Earth!
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See you soon,
Your 2020 Texas State Thespian Officers