Thirty-four Whitefield students attended the annual Georgia Thespian Conference, affectionately known as “ThesCon,” in Columbus, GA on February 4-6. The conference was attended by nearly 4,500 students from across the state, representing over 200 high schools. ThesCon provides students and teachers with the opportunity to attend workshops, see performances, and participate in competitions in singing, acting, and theater technology.
Whitefield students attended group workshops such as Broadway Dance Bootcamp, Creating Character Voices, and How to Create Scenic Projections. Several Whitefield students also participated in Individual assessments in singing (solo or as a duet or group), acting (alone or in pairs) and theater technology (such as costume design and construction). Similar to auditions, these assessments are adjudicated by a panel of judges who provide insight and feedback for improvement to each student Across the board, Whitefield students received very high marks in each of their events, with several students receiving the highest rating in their event.
The Whitefield Dramatic Society was invited to perform Thoroughly Modern Millie for conference
attendees, an honor afforded to only a few conference attendees. Last year, the first year Whitefield students attended ThesCon, the Whitefield Dramatic Society was invited to perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
“It is unusual to be invited to perform two years in a row,” said Kayla Marsh, Whitefield drama teacher. We were thrilled to be asked to perform again. “
The performance was held in the Springer Opera House, a historical theater built in 1871 which is one of only seven theatres in the US listed as a national historic landmark. The students performed Millie twice on Friday evening to packed and very supportive audiences. In addition to their own performance, Whitefield students enjoyed watching performances by other schools including Frankenstein, Drowsy Chaperone and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
“ThesCon inspires students to new dreams and opportunities while allowing them to grow closer together and appreciate the creative gifts that God has given them,” said Marsh.