×

Tupper Lake students shine at annual theater camp

The Tupper Lake contingent at the Saturday evening Showcase Banquet. From left, Elizabeth Cordes, Red & Black Players advisor; Danielle LaMere, Red & Black Players assistant director; sophomore Ava Facteau; sophomore Niko LaVigne; sophomore John Fallon and senior Hannah Barber. (Provided photo — Tupper Lake Central School District)

TUPPER LAKE — Five Tupper Lake Central School District students joined 870 other enthusiastic theater kids from across the state at a weekend conference held by the New York State Theatre Education Association last month The association’s 28th Annual Student Conference was held at Villa Roma Resort in Callicoon from Jan. 10 to 12.

This conference created an opportunity for high school students from all over New York to come together for a full weekend of learning and peer interaction. These students attended workshops given by colleges, universities and other theatre professionals, as well as networking with one another and experiencing a variety of performances throughout the conference.

In the over 100 workshop offerings, students received expert instruction in technical theatre, acting, dance and voice. Meeting and sharing interests with other similarly-minded students from every region of the state is paramount in working collaboratively, gaining self-confidence and exploring new areas of learning. This conference was a testament to how “theatre transforms students’ lives!”

With adults, there were a total of about 1,100 in attendance, although the conference was so well-run and staffed that it didn’t feel like there were that many people there, according to Elizabeth Cordes, the TLCSD Middle-High School vocal and general music director, Elementary vocal and general music teacher and Red and Black Players — the district’s student musical theater group — advisor.

“All five of our students took workshops that pushed them out of their comfort zones and our three younger students would love to attend again next year,” she said. “A highlight of the weekend was Ayden Rabideau auditioning and being cast for the Student Playwright Showcase on Saturday night. He was selected from over 30 students late Friday night. Cast as King Cucumbus, he spent hours on Saturday memorizing and staging the short play with a teacher director, which was presented that night. He did a great job and their play was the favorite of the evening!”

Tupper Lake senior Ayden Rabideau, left, as King Cucumbus and a cast member from another school performing in “Fried Pickle Friday,” a student-written play that was staged and performed in less than 24 hours. (Provided photo — Tupper Lake Central School District)

NYSTEA believes that theatre is an essential component of a pre-K through 12 education for all students. Studying theatre in schools develops abilities needed for the 21st century including critical thinking, problem-solving skills, applications of technology, social responsibility and creativity.

In addition to the annual Student Conference, NYSTEA provides resources to educators teaching theatre in the classroom, directing school drama and musical presentations and hosts professional learning opportunities for teachers throughout the year.

Starting at $4.75/week.

Subscribe Today