I have been attending the Utah Theater Association conference (sometimes called Dramacon) for nearly 40 years (skipping a few when I was in college.) I have found it to be consistently a positive experience for any student who is serious about learning more about theater. I still use things I learned in conferences as a teenager. It introduces them to a much wider world of theater, artists, other high school students, college professors and professionals. The experience is difficult to describe because it is unlike anything these students have ever experienced. But, it is an intensive active all theater all day experience in which students can glean exactly what they choose to get out of it.
Students who are interested in majoring in theater in college are encouraged to attend and talk to college recruiters. In their senior year they may display tech theater portfolios or audition for scholarships.
This year, the conference is here on the Weber State Campus in Ogden. We will be driving to and from by bus each way. The rough schedule is below.
COST
Regular Student Cost is $95 plus a fee for the bus. However, thanks to the outstanding fundraising we have done over the years our students will pay $70 which includes:
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Conference Registration
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Keynote address from Michael Barr of the Utah Shakespearean Festival
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Workshops with University Professors and Theatre Professionals
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A Conference T shirt
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Tickets to several productions
More info at: utahtheatreassociation.org
Additional Costs:
Students will be responsible for their own meals other than lunch on Friday. I encourage brining food, at least snacks, and I recommend $10-$20 for dinner each evening.
The Rules:
Students will be expected to:
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Participate in all the scheduled events.
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Be on time for bus trips, performances and workshops.
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Let Mr. McClellan know where you are at all times.
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Be kind to each other.
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Behave as if they were in school and represent East High well.
Students who break these rules may not be allowed to return the following day. In extreme cases, students will need to leave the conference immediately. In which case, it will be the parents’ responsibility to arrange transportation.
An outline of the schedule:
Thursday, January 18
Weber State Campus
Bus from East to Weber State – 11:30am
Registration Check-in – 12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. –
Workshop #1 –2:00-3:00 p.m. – Weber State University Campus
Workshop #2 – 3:15-4:15 p.m. – Weber State University Campus
Dinner Break – 4:15-6:30 p.m. (no host)
Play Productions – 7pm Various locations
Bus Departs Weber for EHS – 9pm (approximately)
Friday, January 19
Weber State Campus
Bus from East to Weber State – 8am
Mainstage Event, Workshops, Lunch etc. -- 10am-4pm
Dinner – 4:00-7:00 p.m. various restaurants in Ogden, please bring some money for that.
Play Productions – 7:00 p.m. curtain at locations listed (tickets by assignment)
Bus Departs Weber for EHS – 9pm (approximately)
Saturday, January 20
Bus from East to Weber State – 8am
Showcases and Workshops. 9-12:30
Bus Departs Weber for EHS – 1:30pm (approximately)
Participation is 100% optional.
Registration Instructions:
If you are interested in attending, please fill out this form and pay $70 to the treasurer before November 30.