Thespian conference descends on Northview

High school students across Ohio flock to event

3/4/2013
BLADE STAFF
  • Students-thespians-3-3

    Students gather in the gym for Sunday's closing ceremonies. On the floor is the cast and crew of "Rent," the all-star production put on by high school thespians from all across Ohio.

    Blade photo

    • David Saygers of Toledo School for the Arts receives an award at Sunday's closing ceremonies.
    David Saygers of Toledo School for the Arts receives an award at Sunday's closing ceremonies.

    High school theater students from throughout Ohio descended on Sylvania's Northview High School this weekend for the 37th annual Ohio Thespian Conference, presented by the Ohio Educational Theater Association.

    Attendees check out merchandise at the silent auction, the proceeds of which go to scholarships.
    Attendees check out merchandise at the silent auction, the proceeds of which go to scholarships.

    Almost 1,600 students from dozens of high schools attended the conference, which started Friday and concluded Sunday. Also attending were drama teachers, troupe leaders, exhibitors, college representatives, vendors, chaperones, and others.

    Students gather in the gym for Sunday's closing ceremonies. On the floor is the cast and crew of
    Students gather in the gym for Sunday's closing ceremonies. On the floor is the cast and crew of "Rent," the all-star production put on by high school thespians from all across Ohio.

    The students and leaders could choose from dozens of classes in acting, directing, voice, dance, costuming, makeup, lighting, sound, scenery, and other topics. Some also auditioned for college theater departments.

    They also had a chance to see 27 full-length or abbreviated productions performed by different high schools. Northview's production of "The Sound of Music" was chosen as one of the full-length performances and played to a full house on Saturday evening.

    A highlight was the All-Ohio production of "Rent." An all-star cast and crew of high school thespians from around the state gathered in Sylvania on three weekends to prepare for "Rent," which was presented twice on Friday.

    More than 100 volunteers -- Northview parents, siblings, alumni, students, and others -- helped the weekend go smoothly.

    The event helped the area economy, as the conference booked 400 rooms at area hotels and motels and kept some pizza shops and other restaurants busy.