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Students attend annual NYSTEA conference

Students attend annual NYSTEA conference
Posted on 01/31/2025

Nineteen Hicksville High School students attended this year’s New York State Theatre Education Association (NYSTEA) Student Conference that was held the weekend of Jan. 10 – 12 at the Villa Roma Resort in Callicoon, NY. NYSTEA is a strong, statewide organization of theatre educators, promotes and supports theatre education for students in grades pre-K through 12. 

Close to 900 high school students from all over New York State had the opportunity to come together for the full weekend of learning and peer interaction.  These students attended workshops given by colleges, universities and other theatre professionals, as well as networked with one another and experienced a variety of performances throughout the conference.

This is the tenth year Hicksville students have represented at the annual theater conference.  For many, this conference will be a highlight of their high school career.  Throughout the weekend, there were over 150 workshops offered, students received expert instruction in technical theatre, acting, dance and voice. Meeting and sharing interests with other likeminded students from every region of the state is paramount in working collaboratively, gaining self-confidence and exploring new areas of learning.  

Hicksville students said, "I loved the variety of workshops and how I got to meet new people. It really pushed me outside of my comfort zone in a good way!" and “It was tiring but it was a lot of fun. The teachers were so helpful, and I actually learned so many things that were unexpected."

NYSTEA believes that theatre is an essential component of a pre-K-12 education for all students. Studying theatre in schools develops abilities needed for the 21st century including critical thinking, problem solving skills, applications of technology, social responsibility and creativity. In addition to the annual Student Conference, NYSTEA provides resources to educators teaching theatre in the classroom, directing school drama and musical presentations, and hosts a conference for educators every fall.  

NYSTEA Conference

NYSTEA Conference

NYSTEA Conference

NYSTEA Conference

Highlights of Hicksville High School students who attended this year’s New York State Theatre Education Association Student Conference that was held Jan. 10 -12 at the Villa Roma Resort in Callicoon, NY.