Dearest Darlingest Thespians,

First and foremost, let me say an epic thanks to all of you. You are the superstars that light up my darkest nights. I hate to invoke cries of sentimentality, but theatre students give me hope for the future. We are able to take potentially threatening challenges and transform them into beautiful performances. We do that which no one else dares to do. We take risks, we make mistakes, we create art. Creation is magical.

As an ITO I have had many chances to create experiences and memories. I have taught workshops, paraded around in my sash, and met some pretty nifty Thespians along the way. I am forever grateful for those who showed my love along my journey. To the Thespians in Nebraska who adopted me when I was all alone, the Junior Thespians who showed me fun in Ohio, and countless others along the way: Thank you.

Now that I have that out of my system, who’s pumped for festival? THIS KID IS!!!!!!!! ZAH ZAH ZAH! That’s right, zah zah zah. It is what explodes out of my mouth when my joy is too much for flesh to contain. I am super excited to spend a week in the most international city on the planet, Lincoln, Nebraska. I have much work to do, what with ITO duties and college auditions. I am excited, nervous, anxious, afraid, and a whole bunch of other really fun and interesting emotions right now.

Have I said too much? There’s nothing more I can think of to say to you. My lack of sleep may be contributing to my epic fail of writing. Before I go, if you read this please tell me. I would be overly encouraged to know that my blog has served as more than a bouncing board for my mind. Don’t get me wrong it is good to blurt out emotion and sentimentality some times, but I wrote this for you.

You are beautiful, Thespian, and don’t let anyone tell you different.

~John~