Spring Semester Recap

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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