TOWAMENCIN- The North Penn High School theatre program recently wrapped up their  fall production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, but that did not mean the work ethic of these students dwindled. North Penn prepared its stage to welcome high school thespian troupes from across the state for the annual PA State Thespian Conference.

The 2018 conference marks the second time North Penn has been selected for the honor of hosting high school theatre programs from different areas of Pennsylvania.

“We hosted the conference seven years ago in 2011 and I was always hoping we would be able to get the conference back. It is wonderful to bring in over 1,000 people from Pennsylvania who love theater,” explained North Penn High School theater director Andrea Roney.

The conference began November 29th and lasted until December 1st. Visitors from other schools stayed in nearby hotels and were shuttled to North Penn each day to enjoy a variety of activities.

“Both teachers and students gathered together to watch wonderful plays, participate in workshops together, enjoy different videos that [schools] have created about their work this year, raise money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, and share our love and passion for theater education,” commented Andrea Roney on the multitude of activities the conference offered.

The workshops presented to students by representatives from different colleges involved teaching students acting skills, dancing skills, and singing techniques. Other workshops offered students the opportunity to audition for scholarships and callbacks from colleges. Student thespians also expanded their knowledge about theater production by viewing other high school plays.

“The shows were amazing. Every school brought something to the stage in a different way. I loved the talented people that I got to see and meet. I loved being united with my own school as we we all watch and reflected on the plays. The best part was performing our own play,” described Maysen Paul, a North Penn junior.

During the final night of the conference, North Penn theater students performed their fall play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

“Performing a show at states is such an incredible experience. The energy present both in the audience and the performers is indescribable and knowing that your work is being truly listened to and appreciated by 1,200 people is so satisfying. I will never forget it,” commented North Penn senior and state thespian officer Molly Hofstaedter.