From Jan. 10-12, Missouri high-schools sent their thespian students to the annual Missouri State Thespian Conference. Being at a different location than previous years, students stayed at the St. Louis Renaissance Grand Hotel where they experienced many aspects of theatre.

“This venue was all in one place, there wasn’t much traveling around,” Junior Jessica Olsen said.

In order to attend the conference, students had to have earned 10 thespian points by acting in or helping out with FHN performances. Once a student has achieved this goal, they are dubbed a thespian, get to put their name and handprints on the drama wall, and are eligible to participate in the Thespian Conference.

“You have to be serious about it, you have to be a thespian, you just can’t go to go,” Junior Casie Sheppard said.

Students chose three to five classes to attend each day. Workshops ranged from Circus Skills to Professional Theatrical Make-Up, African Dance for Er’body! to Stand-up Comedy, Lighting Class to Playwriting, and more. Additionally, every teacher was a professional in their subject and most hailed from Missouri.

“Every single teacher was an incredible source,” Junior Brock Birkner said. “They were proud to be there.”

Participants not only bonded in the classes that they took, but in other activities initiated by the Thespian Conference. “Phenomenal” plays and one-act productions were performed every night. There were also theatre-related game nights, competitions, keynote speakers, and even a dance just for the students.

“I had an amazing time there,” Senior John Hallemeier said. “Simply amazing.”