<![CDATA[IOWA THESPIANS - From Your STO]]>

The eighth Iowa Thespian Leadership Day was a fantastic success! Hosted at South Tama County High School, theatre students from around the state attended engaging workshops, built new connections, learned new leadership skills, and of course, got lunch and a new t-shirt.

By The Numbers

85 Students from 13 schools
12 Troupe Sponsors
5 Iowa Thespian Executive Board Members
5 State Thespian Officers
4 interactive workshops
1 incredible Keynote Speaker

Paperless Programs
2022 Leadership Day did away with paper schedules and programs and instead turned to the new EdTA Events app. Throughout the day, attendees could use the app to find their track, schedule, and information on workshops and presenters. The app also updated users on any changes that occurred throughout the day. Besides the benefit of saving paper, the app was a convenient and efficient way for students to stay informed at Leadership Day.

Keynote Speaker
Kevin Worley

This year, the keynote speech was delivered by Kevin Worley, a seasoned Broadway professional and Iowa Theatre alumn. Mr. Worley relayed an important message that he learned during his time on broadway: Don’t waste your time on fear.

Workshops

Be Big, Be Bold, Take Risks… and Listen
Kevin Worley

Besides being this year’s keynote speaker, Mr. Worley also hosted a workshop for attendees, at which he focused on active listening, something that is often absent in society. The workshop’s main idea was that just by listening actively we become better leaders. He pointed out the importance of listening to someone’s entire message and students left the workshop with the realization that leadership is less about talking and more about truly listening.

It’s Okay to Be the Sidekick
STO Secretary Bailey Garrett-Cornelison

This workshop helped students realize that being a leader isn’t all about being a hero and saving the day. There are many people that aren’t always in the spotlight but are still essential leaders in theatre. This discussion oriented workshop gave students the space to share their own experiences and ideas as well as highlight other student leaders.

Saving The Day Without Wrecking The City
STO Chair Lydia Benesh &
Communications STO Libby Albright

In this workshop focused on conflict resolution, students became superheroes (and supervillains) going through hero training. They then went through a series of activities where they got to put their conflict resolution skills to the test as the hidden villains caused problems and sabotaged their team’s progress. By the end of the session each attendee left with strategies to solve conflict and experience actually doing it.

Showing Your True “Cape”abilities
Membership STO Olivia Mick &
Jr Thespians STO Ally Nolan

In theatre and leadership, it's easy to rely on what you know you’re good at rather than explore other skills. This workshop challenged that mentality and encouraged students to try their hand at aspects of theatre they don’t usually participate in by creating small displays to show the group. Students were able to try new things and learn that there are various ways to use the skills they have to solve problems and lead effectively.

Leadership Lunch

Students considering becoming a State Thespian Officer had the opportunity to sit down with the current STOs to get an overview of the process and position as well as learn helpful tips and things to keep in mind throughout the application process and possible STO term. Each candidate that attended the lunch will receive a current STO as their mentor who will remind the candidate of deadlines, answer questions, and be their general support system throughout the STO application process. In addition to all the information, everyone in attendance also received a delicious lunch to eat before departing to afternoon workshops.

Advocacy Info from The President of EdTA

During closing ceremonies, all attendees heard from Helen Duranleau-Brennan, the current president of the EdTA Board of Directors. Her speech focused on advocacy and what troupes in Iowa can do to advocate for the arts. She mentioned events and activities students and directors can participate in to advocate for representation for the arts. Her words served as a reminder for just how important it is forleaders in theatre to use their positions and passion to advocate for support, funding, and equality within the arts.

A Perfect End to an Action Packed Day

The end of 2022 Iowa Thespian Leadership Day was marked by the current State Thespian Officers announcing the theme for this year's Iowa Thespian Festival: Be the hero! This year’s festival will be held on November 11th and 12th and registration opens soon!

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