Jeff West Thespian Troupe #7245 Repeats Bronze Level Honors at State Conference, 4th Year Straight.
By Beuchat, Shawn
January 13, 2012
Jeff West Troupe#7245 returned from their 4th State Conference and their 4th consecutive Bronze Honor Troupe Level, the highest level a program their size can achieve. The Honor Troupe Book was presented at sessions by sophomore and Troupe President; Kayla Dillenbeck. The presentation of the Honor Troupe Book was the third and final step to achieving the award. The other steps are: The troupe completing a list of requirements, Documenting proof of the required events in the Honor Troupe Book, and then finally presenting in front of the judge at State, summing up the troupe’s entire year in five minutes or less.
While at State, students attended theatrical workshops, visited with college reps., and saw main stage performances by other Kansas high schools. Those shows included, Fools; by Washburn Rural, The Laramie Project; by Blue Valley Southwest, Funny Money; by Salina High, and The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail; by McPherson. Other Late Night Activities included an entry into the Creative Costume contest, costuming a character from the conference theme using only a bag of scraps provide. Each team had 40 minutes to complete their costume and create their character to match the theme. Over 70 teams competed. Students also could have attended or competed in the Tech Olympics, Charades, Theatre Test, and Pantomime to Music, Talent Showcase, and Improvisation.
Troupe Sponsor and Jeff West Director of Theatre; Shawn Beuchat, presented two workshops on the technique of Temporary Tattooing for the Stage to over 300 high school students. Troupe President; Kayla Dillenbeck performed with other Student State Board Reps. in the opening dance number on the main stage and the group received a standing ovation from the 2000 students in attendance. Troupe #7245 is already working on next years conference requirements and will hold auditions for their spring play, Almost Maine, by John Cariani later this month.
