Ella Braig

Troupe 1109 traveled to Kansas City for the Missouri Thespian Conference Jan. 4-6. It was hosted at the Marriott Music Hall.

The three days were packed with classes, competitions and performances. Senior Lily Warenberg took many improvisational workshops, while junior Gray Baker experimented with playwriting. Baker also prepared monologues for an individual event.

“I performed two monologues in three minutes in front of some judges, and then they scored me based on criteria, like how I transition from scene to scene and my characterization,” Baker said.

Baker received a “superior,” the highest possible score attainable. This qualifies her to perform these monologues again at the International Thespian Conference this summer.

“I worked hard and that was a really nice feeling to be recognized,” Baker said.

The conference was also a bonding experience for the 16 Ladue students on the trip. Ranging from freshmen to seniors, they were able to participate in activities and attend performances together as a group.

“[Drama teacher] Ms. Winningham has worked a lot on getting an environment that’s very friendly and inclusive,” Warenberg said.

Workshops and classes were taught by professionals in the theater community, and students took home important lessons that they can use in future school productions.

“I think it teaches us really valuable skills,” Warenberg said. “When you’re in a big community, you really get opportunities to see how everyone else interacts.”