Newsletter
Content:
Welcome
Pg 1
SSB Bios
Pg 2-4
All State Act
Descriptions
Pg 5
Leadership
Conferences
Pg 5 - 6
TOTS-Eat
Review
Pg 7
State Festival
Venue
Pg 7
By Allison Aoun, President
Welcome California State Thespians to the 2011-2012 year! The
Student State Board (SSB) is so excited to make this year a great
one and a fun learning experience for all Thespians. This first
edition of the newsletter contains information about California
State Thespian Festival, Junior Festival, California Youth in Theatre
Day, and much more. If you ever have any questions about
Thespians, or Student State Board, or any of our events, we would
be more than happy to answer them for you. Our email addresses
can be found on the website under “About the Organization” and
“Board”. Below are our bios and headshots so that you can get to
know your SSB. Our main goal is really to get to know as many of
you and get to as many school’s for shows and events as we can.
California
State Board Also,
2011 -make
2012 sure to “like” the
Look for that
articleStudent
in this newsletter!
“California State Thespians” Facebook page! This is where we post
information about upcoming events, deadlines and more.
New Outreach
Program
Pg 8
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Hi everyone! My name is Allison Aoun and I am a senior at the
Orange County High School of the Arts (OCHSA), Troupe #6826.
I am thrilled to be back on the Student State Board for the
second year, this year honored to serve as your SSB President.
Last year I was the Director of Communications so I was the one
editing the newsletter. I first got involved in theater when I was
four and I did a three-month run of “The King and I” as the king’s
youngest daughter at the Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theater. I
had to spray my hair black every night, but I was hooked! I’ve
been doing professional, college, and community theater ever
since. When I started at OCHSA in seventh grade, I was a part of
the newly forming Junior Thespian troupe where I ended up serving as President, so this will be my
sixth year as part of Thespians. Currently, I am also the President of OCHSA’s troupe after serving as
the clerk (points) for two years for our very large troupe. This was also my fourth year as Director of
Cemetery Tours, one of our troupe’s big events (it’s really not creepy, make sure to ask me about it
sometime). I love that Thespians combine service and theater because these are my passions. I have
been a Girl Scout for thirteen years; my Gold Award project was a free week-long summer theater
intensive for kids, which has now been held three summers in a row. I look forward to meeting all of
you and making this an even greater year for the Thespians of California!
Hello, my name is Kelsey Stewart from Woodcreek High School troupe 6055 and I am your 2011-2012
Student State Board Vice President. To be honest I never knew I would
love theater as much as I do. I made a last minute change on my
spring schedule Freshmen year to theatre 1, and I’ve been hooked
ever since. I spend most of my time in my theatre, and I have made
friends for a lifetime. I was inducted into the International Thespian
Society my Sophomore year and went to State Festival for the first time,
it was so much fun I decided to join the State Board and be a part of
something big. Being on Student State Board is a dream come true to
me. I love my fellow student state board members! I am very excited for this year’s state festival.
Hi, thespians, I’m Laura, a senior at St. Lucy’s Priory High School, in Glendora. I love
to sing and have been in choir since the age of seven. I’ve traveled on tour to Italy
and Poland with Pueri Cantores. I love to volunteer on Sundays at my church and
teach Sunday school to pre-school aged children. My first major role in a play was
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in elementary school when I played Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz and I’ve continued to act in high
school. Attending St. Lucy’s has allowed me the opportunity to broaden the scope of performance
and I have even taken on the challenge of directing. I’ve played both male and female parts, heroin
and villain, from Count Gregor in Fools, to Algernon from The Importance of Being Earnest. At St.
Lucy’s, I’m the Drama club’s Co-President and a manager of our Comedy Sportz Team. What I love
best about theatre is directing and helping younger students bring out their own passions on stage.
Some of my favorite hobbies include sketching, snowboarding, playing the guitar, and watching
movies. This will be my third time at festival. I’m excited to be a part of the Student State Board, as
their treasurer. I look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones at festival this year.
Hey, y’all! The name is Audrey Sechrest and I hail from Claremont High School Theatre, Troupe #2129
and I am your Director of Communications for the year 2011-2012. I
love noise, I speak in catch phrases and organization isn’t a chore but
a passion. This year is looking to be filled with great opportunities and
experiences and I can’t wait to share all of this wonder with my
favorite group of people: California Thespians. Growing up, I was on
stage constantly. However, I started out my career as a dancer rather
than an actor. Making the transition from dance to theatre my
freshman year in high school, I joined the theatre program and never
looked back. As I continue to working in the theatre, I found that I have a passion for both the
performance and the technical aspects of theatre. Now, four years later, I’m the President of our
troupe, and have never been happier. Within my troupe I try to make everything exciting. This is life,
guys we can’t let anything pass us by. So let’s get ready for a great start and “ignite the passion
within”. Raise the roof!
My name is Alicia “Byrd” Chavez. I am your California Student State Board Secretary. I am a senior
at Claremont High School in Southern California. This is my third year as a
Thespian, but being a leader has been a lifelong trend of mine. I have
played roles in You Can’t Take it With You, The Compleat Wrks of Wllm
Shkspr (Abridged), and The Diary of Anne Frank. I am primarily a technician
and have been Stage Manager, Scenic Painter, Hair & Makeup crew
member, House Manager, and Sound Board Operator. I enjoy sharing my
love of theatre with everyone I know, and also sharing the knowledge that I
have to anyone who wants to learn. I enjoy being a leader and being an
approachable person every day. Being your California State Thespian
Secretary means so much to me and I hope I get to see you all at California
State Thespian Festival!
Hi there! I’m Danielle Velasco from Tri-School Theatre Troupe #4566 and I’m your SSB secretary! I
currently serve as member-at-large for my troupe’s Thespian board as
well as Comedy Sportz manager for Tri-School Theatre. I’ve always
had a love for performing, yet I did not become involved in theatre
until I started high school. Since freshman year, I have been involved
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in various aspects of theatre. I have acted in shows such as Thoroughly Modern Millie, Curtains and
The Man Who Came to Dinner. I have also done tech for our productions of Romeo & Juliet, Dracula,
Kiss Me, Kate and The Hobbit. I like to make people laugh, and I enjoy the feeling of being someone
else onstage as much as the rush of trying to get a set piece right on spike during a blackout in a very
short amount of time. I was inducted as a thespian my sophomore year, and it’s been nothing but a
great experience since. Theatre is what keeps me going and makes me happy. It has played a
leading role in my growth as a thespian and in my life as well, and I plan to keep it that way for a very
long time. I look forward to a great year for theatre as well as getting to meet more great people
who share my love for theatre! Thespians, let’s rock!
Hello, My name is Vlada Bazilevskaya, a big name for a big personality. I’m from Woodcreek High
School and I am currently serving as your State Representative on the California
Student State Board. I also participate in many other activities, from my work as
the Co-President of my Thespian Troupe #6055, President of Russian Club, an
active member of NHS, and a dancer at my high school. I’m always ready to
take on new challenges, and never turn down from an opportunity to assist
others. Performing is my biggest passion and I have been a part of it since I was
5 years old, whileliving in Estonia. I have been inspired by the classic actresses
such as Audrey Hepburn, and Vivien Leigh. What I love most about theatre is
the way it creates a close bond between all those involved, like a family. I
couldn’t be any happier to be a part of such a caring, and wonderful group of people who are able
to come together to share our love of theatre!
Hi everyone! My name is Cameron La Brie and I am the Junior Troupe Liaison! My
first encounter with the world of theatre was in the first grade, but my first semiserious involvement in theatre was in community theatre when I was thirteen. I
have been very active with theatre at my high school since the first Drama Club
meeting of my freshman year. Last year was my first time at the State Thespian
Festival and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I love theatre and it
helps me grow as a person every day. I look forward to meeting new people,
especially other thespians. I can’t wait to meet you!
Ignite the Passion Within
Act 1: Feel Passion
Passion is the force that ignites the fire within. What does passion mean
to you? Is it exuberance over a new love, feelings of vengeance
towards an old foe, or the feeling you get when you do what you
love? Passion has the power to be all of those things. The real power is
what you do with it.
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Act 2: Be Eternal
Technology is continually changing and advancing, growing beyond the limits of what was
previously established and a great tech performance is eternal and will always be remembered. The
unseen masters of the stage leave a lasting legacy. Eternity is marked by the unique impression felt
by the artists’ creation. *
*The second act will have some performances, but a primary focus on the technical aspects of
theatre. Technicians must send videos or clips ahead of time that have been video-taped in the
2011-2012 school year. The videos should be of fully staged performances highlighting an area of
expertise or a video specifically created for the All State show. Technicians are also encouraged to
bring live technical performances. These may include anything from a fashion show based on
costume design, a dance choreographed to a unique mix of sounds, or any technical aspect that
may be showcased in a theatrical light.
By Alicia Chavez, Secretary
We recommend this for every troupe to send a
few members so that they can start off the
year right and learn some new tricks. Hope
everyone attends next year!
The summer of 2011 was a great time for
Thespians, especially in California. Summer
Leadership, held at St. Lucy’s Priory in
Glendora, was a booming success as several
By Vlada Bazilevskaya, Representative
troupes, including new troupes and a junior
Fall Leadership was a very big success this
troupe, gathered from all over California for
year! For Southern Leadership, we had a large
the festivities. As usual, the Student State
group of dedicated and passionate Thespians
Board taught classes on things such as
who came out ready and excited to learn
Psychology of a Leader, Time Management,
ways to improve their Thespian troupe, and
Public Relations, and Fundraising. However, this
make it the best it can be. The SSB led
was the first time the State Board really got to
Leadership
training
and
idea
sharing
really meet the thespians of the year. All the
workshops
offered
at
this
conference.
It
was a
classes were thoroughly enjoyed by the board
learning experience for both the Thespians in
and the attending Thespians. After the
attendance and the Student State Board. We
workshops, all attendees were invited to play
witnessed so much growth from these
inclusive games and everyone had a great
Thespians, as well as learning a few things
time playing things like Extreme Rock Paper
about ourselves. We held a wide variety of
Scissors and Gigolo! We also broke out into
workshops ranging from our Advanced
officer sessions where everyone had the
Leadership training to Technical Conference,
opportunity to share things that they do in their
from Fundraising to Stress/Time Management.
troupes that may be beneficial to others and
In the Northern Leadership conference, there
had the chance to get tips themselves. Overall
was a fantastic turn out! Everyone was
this day of Summer Leadership ran very
extremely friendly, and ready to get started on
smoothly and all troupes were encouraged to
the day’s events. At the Northern Conference,
register for California State Thespian Festival
there were professional adults teaching the
whether they were returning or it would be
workshop and were able to lend their
their first time! Though Summer Leadership is
knowledge and experience for the day. They
typically a more intimate and smaller group of
were able to offer a more detailed and in
thespian in comparison to the large numbers
depth perspective on how to become a better
who attend Fall Leadership, we want to
leader, a better Thespian, and just a better
encourage all thespians to stop by next year.
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person in general. At end of the day, we had a
very inspiring speech given by Kit Wilder that
was received with an uproar of applause. The
Northern Thespians were able to showcase
their talent, receive hands on training and
make friends and memories that will last them
a lifetime. We invite you to join us next year at
our Fall Leadership Conferences. It is truly an
experience you don’t want to miss out on!
These are some of the highlight of the inspirational speech given at the Northern Leadership
Conference by Kit Wilder, an actor.
“What do I want?” Answer that, and you know yourself. Know yourself, and you can chart your
own course. Chart your own course, and you can lead others. When you’re ready. And there’s the
rub!
And that brings us to Hamlet: “The readiness is all (Act 5, Scene ii).” How do you know when
you’re ready? Hate to break it to you, folks, but I haven’t a clue. And neither has anyone else. But if
you play your cards right, and if the stars are aligned just so, and if the Gods are smiling upon you . . .
you will know it when you are ready. For anything . . . including a life in the theatre. And, of course, for
being a “leader.”
But who knows when that will be! So in the meantime, as a theatre artist, is there anything you can
do to get ready? To get ready for the opportunities that may be presented to you? To get ready for
the responsibilities that may befall you? To get ready to forge a successful life in the theatre? You bet
there is.
 DO stay in School – the siren [that] calls will attempt to seduce you and pull you further and
further from your academic life; do stay in school.
 DON’T settle for “good enough” – Take the trouble, take the time, always to do a thing as well
as you possible can.
 DO open your eyes and ear… and close your mouth – It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to
figure out that one gains far more by taking in information than in letting it out.
 DON’T be afraid of looking stupid - do a stupid thing, raise your hands in the air, smile from ear
to ear, and shout “oh, well!” to the heavens. Try it. You’ll find it’s liberating.
 DON’T be fooled – it only looks easy! Theatre is hard and there is no getting around it.
 DO take “no” for an answer. That’s right – DO take “no” for an answer. When confronted with
“no,” by all means hear it, assess it, think about it, digest it, live with it – there’s a very good
reason you asked the best brains available to you for their opinions, and there’s a very good
reason they said “no.”
 DON’T get cocky. Just remember, there’s somebody in line right behind you who knows just a
little more than you do, and can do the job just a little better than you can.
 DO be brave. By all means, be brave. Go for it. Dare to shine, to excel, to be the best. Surprise
yourselves, and each other. You’ll be amazed at what you can do if you are brave, if you
simply dare to do it.
“The readiness is all.” What do you want?
By Danielle Velasco, Secretary
Halloween has always marked a special time in Thespians’ hearts across
the United States, as we lend a helping hand to the community. Our
annual community service project, Trick-Or-Treat So Kids Can Eat (TOTSEat), is an opportunity to give back as thespian from all over the country
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donate and collect canned food to be given to local organizations to distribute to less fortunate
children and their families. Many boys and “ghouls” participate and even come up with creative
ways to meet their canned food goals. Some of the more popular ideas are: door-to-door
campaigns where thespians “trick-or-treat” for cans, canned food drop-offs at their schools, or
Halloween parties where a can of food is “charged” for admission. Last year, a total close to 350,000
pounds of food was collected. This year, the International Thespian Society has calculated that they
are on track to collect 57,201 pounds! California Thespians would like to salute Mission Viejo, Troupe
#3060, has collected 15,000 pounds of canned goods and hope that we can all join in for the effort.
TOTs Eat is a great way for Thespian troupes get their name out in their communities while reaching
out to those who need help, so get involved and look to participate next year. For more information
on totals or how to register your troupe for next year’s TOTs Eat project, please visit the Educational
Theatre Association’s website at www.schooltheatre.org.
By Kelsey Stewart, Vice President
California State Thespian Festival is now going to be held at Upland High School. Relatively close to
our prior locale, the Ontario Convention Center, we are returning to out former home at Upland High
School Theatre. The advanced technology offered by this theatre will take
State Festival to the next level, as well as making it easier for our technicians.
Moving back to Upland is an inexpensive option that will not only save us
money but it will also save you money! Upland’s Theatre is a great with seating
for 1,100. Having State Festival at Upland this year will definitely be different for
those who are used to the Convention Center, but the Student State Board
knows that this will be an amazing experience for all of us. Having State Festival
at Upland this year will defiantly be different for those who are used to the
Convention Center, but the Student State Board knows that this will be an
amazing experience for all of us. This all proves that no matter where State Festival may be, we all go
for the same reason: to share our love for theatre! In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “For
everything you have missed, you have gained something else, and for everything you gain you lose
something else.” And so, California Thespians say “goodbye” to Ontario Convention Center and start
a bright new chapter at Upland High School.
By Audrey Sechrest, Director of Communications
It’s a well known fact that California is a big state, one might go as far to say that we have ourselves
a “mega, huge, Maximillion-approved” sized state. We have SoCal with their sunglasses and swag,
NorCal with their “fro-yo” and good times, but where is the middle ground? The obvious answer
would be Central California, with their super fresh attitude. However, here at the SSB Scoop, we are
trying to bridge the divide between the vast stretches of land. This year of the Student State Board
wants to get to know you; we want to know everything. SSB is making an effort to get to know as
many of the different troupes throughout California as we can. So, in the words of the infamous 80’s
band, “Why can’t we be friends?” Like our page, send us friend requests, shout, holler and we will
listen! So, have your troupe post information about any upcoming shows or Banquets you have in the
spring on our facebook page. Let us know what is important to you this year. We are currently
working on compiling a database of CA troupe shows throughout the year, a database that will
allow you to make connections with thespians near you. We are looking to make connections and
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friends and see the thousand and one things California has to offer. So tell us what it is that you are
bringing to the table.
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