A message from Cindy Johnson - Festival Chairperson

04/19/04
ESTA Fest 2004 - what a wonderful whirlwind of entertainment that started Friday night with Pennsylvania and ended on Sunday with DC!

Even though I could not attend our workshops, which gave participants a wealth of information on a variety of topics, I learned that other groups, besides my home group, put touch-up paint on the set pieces during rehearsal; I learned that you can make soup from scratch off stage; I learned that you don't have to do the whole play in rehearsal - just tease 'em with the last lines; I learned that if you nudge the sound up just a scooch - it will work; I learned that some historical people were born on the Eastern Shore; and I learned that its good to love the stage manager.

Birthday wishes and thanks to Kristian Kauker for the use of spike tape for NJ's shows. Many thanks for all those who donated items to ESTA for the Silent Auction and bought 50/50 raffle tickets - money raised from these two events help defray the costs of the Region II winner to move to the National level during National years in the AACT Fest Cycle.

Thanks to Roman Gusso and Kendra Simmons, Timekeepers for backstage and in the audience. Special thanks to Veronica Mariani and Sandy Doherty (MCTFA) for keeping our adjudicators fed, shuttled and comfortable throughout the weekend and Sandy thanks again for the Afterglow parties - the crowd enjoyed the food and conversation time. Thanks to the Broadbents (I needed that neck massage) - we hope you made it home. Audrey Cefaly and Erika Imhoof (Fin and Euba - MD) the adjudicators recognized what we (MCTFA) already knew, but you also did a phenomenal job with the awards, website, logo and online ordering. Special thanks to Spence and Beth Watson for hosting Max Beaver and encouraging him to give his workshop at the Festival. Thanks to all workshop leaders, Ward, Joe, Spence and Max - the valuable time and knowledge shared with participants is much appreciated.

My personal thanks to Scott Bloom who readied certificates for our winners and participating groups onsite - don't worry missing ones and corrections are on the way. Thanks to the ETSA Board Members and State Representatives who were able to attend the Festival. Heartfelt appreciation and thanks again to our host Dick Peterson at Chesapeake College and to our caterer, Bruce Forgrave and his staff. Thanks to my spouse, Zeke for all your assistance throughout the weekend, especially setup and takedown. Many thanks to friends and family who filled the audience and entertained us in the lobby (Ramsdell family), and finally, my sincere thanks to the actors, tech people, producers and directors who made this weekend so worthwhile and enjoyable by giving us six excellent quality productions.

Remember that even if your home group is not represented next year, we're all getting together again at ESTA Fest 2005, April 15-17 at the Schwartz Center in Dover, Delaware.

Did you attend the festival?

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