Is it “nice-tea” or “nis-tee-yuh”? was the question asked by over 1100 students attending the statewide theater conference in Callicoon, New York. Just this past weekend, eight students represented Wantagh Theatre at the NYSTEA Conference at the all-inclusive resort, Villa Roma. There, students participated in workshops, spoke with college representatives, and enjoyed performances from their peers and a special guest speaker, Andrew Barth Feldman. In his speech, Feldman talked about his experience at the Jimmy Awards, and his work in the movie “No Hard Feelings”. He provided background and even performed his cover of “Maneater”, and the song that kick started his broadway career at the Jimmy Awards.

Students including myself left at the end of fourth period and embarked on a three hour drive to Callicoon, New York on the same coach bus as Glen Cove, Hempstead, and LIHSA. Upon arrival, students received their workshop schedule and went right to work. Wantagh students took classes such as ballroom dancing, gore makeup, and a class on “The Broadway Belt”. Dr. Davis, Wantagh High School’s director for the musical, recalled “I was able to watch students enjoy amazing workshops, and we all had fun connecting with other theater lovers and making memories together as a Wantagh Theatre family.” And that, we did. Not only did the conference offer constructive workshops and theater related activities, but students were also encouraged to take breaks to dive in the swimming pool, relax by the bonfire, and go snow tubing. All in all, it was a very successful trip with memories and connections that will last a lifetime.