OBEN Theatre Students Shine at Inaugural NYSTEA Conference

Oyster Bay–East Norwich made history this year by attending the New York State Theatre Educators' Association (NYSTEA) High School Theatre Conference for the very first time. Twelve student theatre delegates traveled to the Villa Roma Resort in Callicoon, New York, for three days of immersive learning, performance and collaboration alongside nearly 900 theatre students from across the state.
The delegation was led by Erica Giglio-Pac, Director of Fine, Performing & Media Arts, and Teriann Chiappardi, Theatre Director, who chaperoned students through this high-energy experience filled with workshops, performances and special events led by theatre educators and industry professionals.
Students dove into hands-on workshops covering every aspect of theatre craft – from costume design and sewing to stage makeup, acting and improvisation, scene study, monologue adjudication, theatre dance and vocal technique. They mastered the musical theatre audition process, worked on song performance and explored opportunities at the NYSTEA College Fair and Theatre Marketplace.
A conference highlight came when students participated in a workshop with John Cariani, the Tony Award-nominated actor and accomplished playwright known for “Almost, Maine.” They also attended a staged reading of his new play, giving them rare insight into the development process behind new theatrical works.
The conference featured an inspiring keynote and performance by Broadway's McKenzie Kurtz, and students had the chance to give back by participating in the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Red Ribbon Banquet Dinner – a powerful reminder of how the arts can build community and support important causes.
Oyster Bay students made their mark throughout the conference. Two delegates earned top recognition in the improv competition, showcasing their quick thinking and performance skills against talented peers from across New York State.
A particular point of pride was student Noah Kingsley, who earned a coveted spot in the Student Playwriting Showcase through a competitive audition process. Noah represented OBEN with confidence and talent, performing his work for the full conference audience.
The three-day experience culminated in a moving closing ceremony featuring student monologues, musical theatre and dance showcases, and a memory slideshow celebrating the connections formed throughout the weekend.
Our students returned home inspired, energized, and proud, shared Ms. Giglio-Pac. They're bringing back new skills, new friendships, and lasting memories that will strengthen our theatre program for years to come.
This inaugural NYSTEA experience marks an exciting milestone for Oyster Bay–East Norwich's theatre program – and the beginning of what promises to be a meaningful annual tradition.

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