Every year, high school theater students across the state gather for one of the biggest events in their theater experience, the Georgia Thespian Conference, also known as ThesCon. Held on February 5 through 7 in Columbus, Georgia, this conference brought together many performers, including some from Lambert High School.
Organized by the Georgia Thespians, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to supporting theater students, this conference gives students a chance to attend workshops, perform and connect with others who share similar interests. This event recognizes every aspect of theater, from acting to singing and dancing.
“It’s just a super cool theater conference where a bunch of people who love theater get together,” senior Grace Jordan explained. “We dance a lot, we sing a lot, we watch a bunch of shows and we work on refining our craft,”
For many Lambert theater students, this conference provides an opportunity to grow and learn new things. They can acquire many new life-long skills that can be used in every aspect of theater and beyond, such as learning how to present themselves professionally, how to take feedback and how to be confident while performing. This directly enables them to be better actors in the future.
“There are a lot of workshops where they prepare you for your future in colleges and other auditions, and I’ve definitely learned a lot, like how to audition, what not to do, what to do,” sophomore Harper Aland said.
These workshops also help students enhance their vocal techniques and body language when performing. In addition to helping students with auditions and planning for the future, these workshops also help students build confidence and learn how to present themselves professionally. Students also have a chance to perform in front of others and get feedback during this conference.
However, much of this conference’s impact depends on whether students are a new attendee or not. Returning students often feel familiar with the environment, making it easier for them to participate with more confidence and navigate with ease. They can focus on improving their performances, engaging in workshops and networking with others.
“I think it’s gotten more fun as I’ve kept going because now I felt like I knew the campus and where I was going more, and so it was super awesome,” shared Jordan.
On the other hand, students who are attending for the first time have to adjust to the fast pace of this conference. They have to learn to move between sessions and manage their time well. While this might feel overwhelming at first, it also gives them the excitement of a new experience. Aland elaborates on her decision to attend for the first time.
“Everyone would come back after [ThesCon] and they would say so many good things about it,” she said. “I got to see videos of their dances and their workshops and they made me want to do that myself.”
Going even beyond individual growth, this conference allows students to see a broader perspective on theater as a whole. They can watch performances from other schools and witness different styles and techniques. This new perspective can create a community-like environment within the conference, where everyone can find their place.
Overall, whether a student is attending for the first time or returning, ThesCon offers a valuable experience for all theater-minded students. It provides new opportunities, new connections and a chance to grow and excel as a performer or simply a member of the theater community.
