What being a junior thespian means to me
As the 2019 Festival approaches, in this month of May, JSTO and eighth grader, Olivia Henein decsribes why being a NJ Junior Thespian is important to her. She provides a bit of history on Thespians, illustrates the skills she has gained from participating in theatre, and shares some personal experiences for when she was proud to call herself a
"NJ Junior Thespian"!
"NJ Junior Thespian"!
To me, being a Junior Thespian is a great honor. Being a Junior Thespian means that I am able to influence and make a difference in the drama community of New Jersey. To me, being a Junior Thespian means that I am fortunate enough to be a leader in the world of drama, and being a Junior Thespian also means that I have many important responsibilities. It also means that I get to interact with so many people that are involved with theatre, and always learn new things.
Five skills that I have learned being a Junior Thespian are...
Five skills that I have learned being a Junior Thespian are...
- Through being a Junior Thespian I have learned how to be comfortable expressing my opinions around other people, and making my voice heard. Communicating and collaborating with my peers is a skill that is very important to be a Junior Thespian, and being a Junior Thespian has helped me to become more confident with it.
- I have also learned how to use my creativity to think outside the box. Being a Junior Thespian has inspired me to think more creatively, to find different solutions to problems. Being a Junior Thespian has sparked my imagination in so many ways to be a problem solver, with creative and effective solutions.
- Another skill that I have learned by being a Junior Thespian is learning how to be a bit more organized. By helping plan events as a JSTO, I have learned how to be more organized with my ideas, and other things.
- Being a Junior Thespian has also taught me better planning skills. Part of being a Junior Thespian is assisting the planning of many theatre events, and being a part of this experience, has taught me exceptional planning skills. It has taught me to plan activities in an organized way, and make all of my ideas and parts of activities clear.
- Being a Junior Thespian has also taught me better time management. I have learned how to be more timely with things, and work on things at a good pace to get everything done.
I think that it’s important for all middle school students to participate in theatre! Theatre provides so many great experiences. For example, theatre is a great way for students to build up their self esteem. I remember before I became a drama student, I was a shy kid, who really didn’t talk much. Surrounding myself with amazing people from my drama club helped me to be much more confident in myself. Drama also helps spark your creativity. In drama you are given so many opportunities to use your imagination. Theatre also leads you to meeting new people, and you are always gaining new friendships. I think that there are so many great opportunities for everyone, especially middle schoolers from theatre, and I think that it is important for everyone to do theatre!
To me, the definition of a Junior Thespian, is someone who loves the theatre, and is dedicated to the theatre. A Junior Thespian is a person where theatre is a big part of their life, and is always involved in something theatrical.
A Junior Thespian is always involved in the music and arts in
their school or community.
The shortest version would be, a person who loves all things theatre!
A Junior Thespian is always involved in the music and arts in
their school or community.
The shortest version would be, a person who loves all things theatre!
Did you ever think about why actors are called Thespians, or the history of being a Thespian? Acting and theatre was created and originated in Ancient Greece. Thespians are named after the legendary playwright, Thespis. Around 535 B.C., Thespis changed the whole theatre world. In Ancient Greece, plays started with actors, and a chorus. The chorus did not interfere with the acting that went on, their sole purpose was to sing and dance occasionally. But Thespis was the first member of the chorus to get on stage and perform parts of the text alone, making Thespis the first actor. Thespis is also thought of being the creator of the theatrical mask. Other than the fact that we have a much greater access to the materials and technology, theatre has drastically changed from the times of Thespis.
Being a Junior Thespian is something that I am very proud of. One experience where I was proud to be a Junior Thespian was at the New Jersey Junior Thespian Festival 2018. At the festival, I participated in a Duo Acting, in the Individual Events. Being able to do something like that, and get constructive criticism from very experienced judges, made me very proud to be a Junior Thespian. At the festival, my fellow Thespian and I, won first place for our Individual Event. Winning the award, and participating in the festival, was one experience that made me very proud to be a Junior Thespian.
What does being a Junior Thespian mean to you?
AUTHOR
Olivia Henein
2019 JSTO
2019 JSTO
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