It’s all too evident to those fortunate enough to catch the multiple productions each year that Allen County is home to some of the brightest young stage talent around.
Regina Chriestenson, drama instructor at Iola High School, wants to celebrate the young performers, and perhaps reach a few more.
Chriestenson has organized the first of its kind theater workshop dubbed “The One Stage: Allen All-County Theatre Day” at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center.
Monday’s event is billed as a collaborative celebration of creativity, storytelling and student voice.
“I’ve been thinking about it for a few years,” Chriestenson said, noting that IHS is part of the Kansas Thespians Society, which hosts periodic festivals as a celebration of theater with various awards “and a whole bunch of workshops,” she said.
“This is our way to bring a miniature thespian festival to Allen County,” she continued. “We have to start somewhere.”
Chriestenson is among the roster of instructors who will cover a wide swath youngsters should know before they take the stage.
Specifically, she will discuss auditioning and training for improvisational duet acting, one of the most popular competitions at regular speech and drama meets.
IHS instructor Nic Olson will discuss playwriting, while John Higginbotham, who teaches a drama class at Iola Middle School, will demonstrate how to speak and perform with confidence.
“It’s kind of a miniature CSTW lesson,” Chriestenson said, noting Higginbotham directs the annual Children’s Summer Theatre Workshop at the Bowlus.
Speaking of the Bowlus, tech directors Jeff Jordan and Bryan Johnson will discuss behind-the-scenes elements such as lighting and sound. Bowlus director Mandy Moyer will discuss the Iola Community Theatre.
Diana Stephens, who helps with costuming for various ICT productions, will cover that element as well.
Meanwhile, Halie Luken, drama instructor at Marmaton Valley High School, long-time ICT performer and director Rhi Jordan and Tricia Stogsdill of Allen Community College will each explain the finer points of improvisational theater.
“Students really like the improv sessions, so we do multiple sessions to keep kids engaged,” Chriestenson said. “Really, what we’re doing is letting our instructors teach to their strengths.”
HIGH-SCHOOLERS and middle-schoolers from Iola and Marmaton Valley will be a part of the workshops. A schedule conflict is preventing Humboldt students from attending.
“I’ll be better at scheduling it next year,” Chriestenson promised. “We want to gather all of the Allen County theatre programs in one space.”
