Jr. ThesCon Program 2026

Hello Georgia Thespians!

Great Scott—it’s time for ThesCon of the Future! We’re fired up like a DeLorean at 88 mph, ready to blast into a weekend full of creativity, connection, and unforgettable moments. Over the next three days, thousands of thespians from across Georgia will come together to celebrate the past, present, and future of theatre.

As your State Thespian Officer Board, we invite you to set your time circuits to discovery and let this weekend fuel your imagination. Whether you're diving into workshops, watching stunning performances, or forming friendships that will stand the test of time, we hope you boldly embrace everything ThesCon has to offer. This is your chance to explore the ever-evolving world of theatre and your unique place in it—because the future of storytelling is you.

We’d like to give a massive thank you to the people who made this weekend possible.

The Georgia Chapter Board has worked around the clock (and through time!) to bring this vision of ThesCon to life. Special thanks go to Shelby English, Nicholas Sostillio, MacKenzie Staples, Richard Frazier, and Jenny Morris for their unwavering leadership and support. Without their heart, hard work, and belief in the power of theatre, this future wouldn’t be nearly as bright.

Theatre connects us across time and space—it reminds us where we’ve been, shows us where we are, and inspires where we’re going. So buckle up, thespian time travelers, because we’re heading into an experience that’s truly ahead of its time.

See you in the future!

2025-2026 Georgia State Thespian Officer Board

Chloe, DJ, Jayla, Jonathan, Mallory, Matthew, Patrick, Sophia, Tate

February 21, 2026

Milledgeville, Georgia

Georgia Thespians Georgia Military College Mission Statement

Our mission is to promote excellence for Georgia students and teachers by providing growth and leadership opportunites in theatre.

Vision Statement

It is the vision of Georgia Thespians to empower students and teachers through theatre.

Land Acknowledgment

We acknowledge the land on which we gather is the seized territory of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

The Muscogee Nation now thrives in Oklahoma after being forced out of the area in 1836-1837. We pay respect to the Muscogee Nation and their elders.

For conference updates and communication

@GaJrThespians

facebook.com/ gathespians

2024-2025 Georgia Thespians Chapter Board EXECUTIVE BOARD Nicholas Sostillio, Chapter Director Richard Frazier-Sostillio, Asst. Chapter Director MacKenzie Staples, Treasurer

Cece Conrath, Secretary Jenny Morris, Board Director Paul Hampton, Board Director

JUNIOR CONFERENCE BOARD Rebecca Brune, Vendors | Exhibitors | Sponsors Rebecca Carter, Opening Number Richard Frazier-Sostillio, Conference Chair |

Heather Stich, Improv Challenge Mark Stich, Improv Challenge Valerie Longshore- Sargent, Membership

Registration

Drew James, Teaching Artists Jenny Morris, Venue Liaison Kristin Norwood, Workshop Ticketing Tamara Rainwater, BACKstage Playground |

Sarah Slappey, Thespys MacKenzie Staples, Treasurer Mark Weaver, Venue Liaison | Tech Support Seth Wicker, Social Media | Photography

Growth Specialist

Challenge

Chloe, DJ, Jayla, Jonathan, Mallory, Matthew, Patrick, Sophia, Tate State Thespian Officers

Production Description SEUSSICAL, JR.

Music by Stephen Flaherty Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens Book by Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty Presented By Davidson Fine Arts Middle School | Troupe 1802 Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, and he must also guard an abandoned egg that's been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!

(Music Theatre International)

Georgia Thespians Hall of Fame R. Lynn Woody G. Ray Horne Pam Ware Linda Wise Jim Grier Clif Jones Ken Holder Carolen Hansard Mary Kraack Bonnie Marshall Ellie Bowman Yatesy Harvey Frank Pruet Roy Lewis Ken Lindahl Janice Lewis

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1995 1996 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2002 2003

Bonnie J. Smith Dean Slusser Sarah Ballard Eric Brannen Terry McGonigle Jerry Smith, Jr Elaine Malone Dean Feldman Paul Hampton Margaret Jacobs Shirley Spencer Gina Parrish Kimberly Staples Sharon Jiles Gail Jones Robby Davis

2003 2004 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2010 2010 2011 2011 2012 2012 2013

Patty Lindahl Gerald Parker Cece Conrath Betty Walpert Jan Ewing Sharon Morrow Larry Smith Wes Phinney Chris Reaves

2013 2014 2016 2017 2018 2018 2019 2020 2022 Cassandra Edwards 2022 Michelle Morea 2023 Jenny Morris 2025 Valerie Longshore-Sargent 2025 Jake Dreiling 2026 Alana Sane 2026

Georgia Past EdTA Presidents Pam Ware

Eric Brannen

Jerry D. Smith, Jr.

Frank M. Pruet

Georgia Thespians Past Chapter Directors R. Lynn Woody Ellie Bowman

G. Ray Horne Mary Kraack

Pam Ware G. Ray Horne Yatesy Harvey

Dorothy R. Carter Yatesy Harvey

Pam Ware Frank M. Pruet

Paul Hampton

EdTA Hall of Fame Georgia Honorees Eric Brannen Linda Wise Terry McGonigle

Jerry D. Smith, Jr. Frank M. Pruet Kimberly Staples

Dean Feldman Paul Hampton Gina Parrish

Georgia & EdTA Administrator Award Recipients

Ed Dyson Kenny Foxx Wendell Christian Dave Shumake Doe Kirkland Susan Bryant

Barry Hemphill Michael Kemp Steve Miller Elliott Berman Ross Iddings Cliff Jones

Banks Bitterman LaCrisia Larkin Audrey Toney Dr. Michelle Taylor Steven Davis Amy Smith

William Ford Christopher McCook Lee Toomey Mark Pierce Edward Thomas D. Joi Williams

Georgia Thespians Outstanding Theatre Educators

Elanie Malone Grant Brown Sim Jones Sarah Lindahl Cynthia Corley Cece Conrath

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Sharon Morrow Renee Denney Susan Simich Kimberly Watters Dotty Davis Wes Phinney

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Valerie LongshoreSargent

Sarah Stoffle Meagan Williams Jake Dreiling Greta Hayes Brian Work

2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

Conference Schedule 7:45 AM – 8:40 AM 8:40 AM – 9:45 AM 9:50 AM – 10:35 AM 10:35 AM – 10:45 AM

Opening Number Rehearsal Registration | House Open Opening Ceremonies Transition

10:45 AM – 11:40 AM Session 1 Workshops & Thespys

New Day Center of Leadership New Day Center of Leadership New Day Center of Leadership Main Campus | Various Locations Various Locations

11:45 AM – 12:40 PM Session 2 GOLD | Workshops & Thespys Various Locations

BLUE | Lunch & Vendors Bulldog Cafe & TopDog Cafe 12:45 PM – 1:40 PM Session 3 BLUE | Workshops

GOLD | Lunch & Vendors 1:40 PM – 1:50 PM 1:50 PM – 2:50 PM

2:50 PM – 3:00 PM

Various Locations Bulldog Cafe & TopDog Cafe

Transition New Day Center of Leadership Seussical Jr.* New Day Center of Leadership Performed by Davidson Fine Arts Middle School Transition Main Campus | Various Locations

3:00 PM – 3:55 PM Session 4 Workshops Various Locations COLLIDE New Day Center of Leadership 4:00 PM – 4:55 PM Session 5 Workshops

Improv Challenge

Various Locations CAB | Goldstein Center for Performing Arts

5:00 PM – 5:55 PM Session 6 GOLD | Workshops &

BACKstage Challenge

BLUE | Dinner & Vendors

Closing Showcase Dinner

Various Locations Bulldog Cafe & TopDog Cafe Bulldog Cafe

6:00 PM – 6:55 PM Session 7 BLUE | Workshops &

BACKstage Challenge

GOLD | Dinner & Vendors

Closing Showcase Rehearsal

Various Locations Bulldog Cafe & TopDog Cafe New Day Center of Leadership

6:55 PM – 7:05 PM 7:05 PM – 8:00 PM 8:00 PM – 8:10 PM 8:10 PM – 8:40 PM

Transition New Day Center of Leadership Closing Ceremonies New Day Center of Leadership Restroom Break New Day Center of Leadership Teaching Artist Showcase New Day Center of Leadership Director's Meeting New Day COL Green Room

Dining Locations BULLDOG CAFE

Autrey Mill Middle School Brookstone School Calvary Day School Crabapple Middle School Davidson Fine Arts Magnet Deerfield Windsor School Georgia Military Prep School Langston Chapel Middle School Little Mill Middle School Notre Dame Academy The Champion School The Mount Vernon School

TOPDOG CAFE

Haralson County Middle School Harris County Carver Middle School Liberty Middle School Midland Middle School Morgan County Middle School Ola Middle School Otwell Middle School Perimeter School Putnam County Middle School Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts Sequoyah Middle School St. Martin's Episcopal School Union County Middle School White County Middle School

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ELEMENTARY BUILDING Bulldog Cafe | Elementary Gym

KIDD/CORDEAL BUILDING BACKstage Challenge | BACKstage Playground | Workshops

CAB Improv Challenge | Ticket Exchange | Thespys | Top Dog Cafe | Workshops

USERY HALL Workshops

NEW DAY CENTER OF LEADERSHIP Closing Showcase | COLLIDE | Conference Show Guest Artist Showcase | Opening Ceremonies | Registration

Conference Map

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Workshop Descriptions ACTING FOR DANCERS (Stallings) Join Ashlyn for an immersive workshop designed to bridge the worlds of dance and acting! In this supportive and safe environment, you’ll explore the emotional connections that bring your performances to life.

Through the use of songs, imaginative “as if” scenarios, and rich descriptive language, you'll learn how to convey deep emotional experiences that resonate with your audience. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting your dance journey, this workshop is tailored for dancers of all levels. Unlock the power of storytelling through movement, deepen your emotional expression, and discover new dimensions to your artistry. Come ready to experiment, collaborate, and connect, let your dance speak with heart and authenticity! What to Expect: Engaging exercises that foster emotional expression Techniques for integrating acting into your dance Collaborative storytelling through movement Opportunities for personal reflection and growth Embrace the art of storytelling and elevate your performances.

ACTOR'S TOOLKIT (Eldridge) In this interactive workshop, students will explore the essential tools every actor needs to bring a character to life. Through theatre games, movement exercises, and scene work, participants will strengthen their voice, body, imagination, focus, and ensemble skills while building confidence on stage IMPROV...EMBRACE THE CHAOS! (Hirsch) Experience the power and fun of failure in this fast-paced workshop! Learn the guiding principles of improv through a series of warm-ups and games, and don't worry about thinking fast. Instead, embrace your instincts and celebrate your mistakes in this highly active workshop! Leave with a well-rounded understanding of fundamental improv tactics and the ability to harness the power of failure!

INSIDE THE EMERALD CITY: A BROADWAY DANCE WORKSHOP (Causey) You’re invited to the Ozdust Ball! Become a fellow Ozian yourself and learn choreography from the iconic hit Broadway musical Wicked! No need to worry about dance skill level, but come immerse yourself in the beauty and magic of one of Broadway’s longest running musicals!

K POP DEMON HUNTERS: THE MUSICAL (Yeomans) Learn an upbeat, musical theatre style combination to the songs from "Kpop Demon Hunters". The specific style and level of each class will vary by song ("Golden", "Takedown", "Soda Pop", or "What It Sounds Like"); each class chooses their own soundtrack! Bring water, an open mind, and confidence. Wear closed toe shoes (no sock feet, please) and clothes you can move in!

LEAVE IT ALL ON THE FLOOR (Daniely) I provide the blueprint, you put your personality, your vibe into the movement. This workshop is for those movers who consider themselves beginners, and also those who are more advanced and interested in a challenge. Three combos are created, and are rotated throughout the entire weekend, and they vary from a straight hip hop, to more of a jazzy musical theatre, so you never know what the vibes will be. Come with your personality, bring the good energy, and be ready to leave it ALL on the dance floor.

RHYTHM ROYAL: A TAP WORKSHOP TO SIX THE MUSICAL (Gore) Be a queen (or king) of the floor in an intermediate tap workshop to Six the Musical! We will start with a rhythmic warm up, work on a few skills, then learn a combo. All skill levels are welcome!

STORYBUILDERS: DEVISING THROUGH PLAY (Slotnick) This interactive workshop invites students to explore the process of devising original work through improv, writing, and movement. Participants will discover new strategies for building compelling stories and crafting powerful, collaborative theatre.

SUGAR, BUTTER, FAKE (Roberts) Get your hands dirty learning how to make fake baked goods for the stage! *This workshop utilizes flous*

Workshop Descriptions cont'd THE MJ EXPERIENCE (Hill) Experience the magic of dance that will take you on a deep dive into intricate hip hop dance paired with musical theatre stylings. As we explore the world of Michael Jackson’s career you will see first hand how dance influences storytelling in this dynamic and exciting workshop. DANCERS & STORYTELLERS ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND !!!

YEEHAW! TIME FOR SOCIAL DANCING YA'LL (Garcia-Carreras) Welcome to "Yee Haw! Time for Social Dancing Y'all!" our American Folk Dance Workshop, where tradition meets movement, and history comes alive through dance! In this workshop, you’ll dive into the lively and spirited world of America’s official folk dance, square dancing, along with other traditional styles like reels and circle dances. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just curious to learn, this experience is all about connecting to the roots of American culture through rhythm, movement, and community. In this workshop, you'll learn the promenade, do-si-do, allemande left, right and left grand, and even the fun California twirl! You'll not only learn the steps, but also how to work together as a group to achieve the choreography.

This workshop is perfect for musicals or original shows with an Appalachian or country flair! So get ready to clap your hands, tap your feet, and swing your partner — it’s time to dance into America’s past and bring it into the spotlight!

YOUR STORY, NO CAP! (Eddie) Step into the spotlight and unleash the power of your voice! In this high-energy workshop, you’ll dive into theatre games, writing prompts, and performance techniques that bring your stories to life. Together we’ll transform personal moments into bold, unforgettable scenes that move, inspire, and entertain. You’ll leave not only with a crafted piece of storytelling, but also the confidence and stage presence to make any audience lean in. This is your chance to take the mic, own the stage, and show the world why your story matters.

Teaching Artist Bios MARSALIS CAUSEY Marsalis Causey is a performing artist originally from Atlanta, GA. Marsalis received his Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a focus in Musical Theatre Performance, from Columbus State University. In addition, he also trained in Musical Theatre under the Guildford School of Acting in the United Kingdom. While in London, Marsalis performed in West End Does: Christmas in Oz and West End Does: Animation - Heroes & Villains, alongside West End stars from Wicked, Dear Evan Hansen, and SIX. His other regional theatre credits include The Bodyguard (Ensemble), Elf: the Musical (Ensemble), and The Little Mermaid (Scuttle Understudy) with the Springer Opera House. Marsalis is excited to share his knowledge of Musical Theatre dance with fellow Georgia Thespians.

STEFAN DANIELY A Georgia Thespian himself, Stefan graduated from Northside High School in 2013 and from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance in 2017. Since then, Stefan has been teaching for the past six years in various locations, including studios, summer camps, and workshops. In addition to teaching, Stefan has participated in community theatre at Theatre Macon, where he has served as the Dance Captain for White Christmas (2021), The Prom (2024), DreamGirls (2024), and Newsies (2024), where he also worked as the Assistant Choreographer. Stefan is incredibly excited to return to the Thespian Conference once again, as he loves being able to create a safe space for dancers of all skill levels to have fun and challenge themselves.

JONARTHAN SAMUEL EDDIE Jonathan Samuel Eddie is an award-winning teaching and performance artist whose work bridges spoken word, theatre, and comedy. He is the founder and director of Fountain City Slam, Inc., a youth literary arts organization, and the recipient of the 2023 Governor’s Award for the Arts and Humanities. Known nationally as a spoken word comedian and storyteller, Jonathan captivates audiences with his signature blend of humor and poetry. For over fifteen years, he has helped hundreds of young people harness the power of their voices through creative expression. Most recently, he served as an Apollo Stories Fellow with the legendary Apollo Theater, creating curricula to spark youth-led conversations around pressing social issues.

Teaching Artist Bios cont'd CARTER ELDRIDGE Carter Eldridge is an actor, teaching artist, and arts advocate from right here in Columbus, GA. He holds degrees from Columbus State University and the University of Georgia. He has years of experience teaching theatre skills to ages K-12, in subjects such as improv and sketch writing, at the Springer Theatre Academy.

He lives by the Academy's mission of Life Skills through Stage Skills. He also works in education with the Columbus Museum as their Community Outreach Coordinator, where he champions arts education and its impact on students.

LORA GARCIA-CARRERAS Lora Garcia-Carreras is a lifelong artist and educator with a passion for using the arts to build community.

Lora specializes in Appalachian-style clogging, and square dancing, America’s national folk dances, and has represented the U.S. at international folk festivals in France and elsewhere with various dance troupes including her own, Sole Momentum. Her programs have raised funds for disaster relief, supported local food pantries, and brought joy to nursing homes and children’s retreats. A Georgia native, Lora began dancing as a child, clogging with her brother and mom, and went on to develop her skills in theater, music, and dance throughout high school and college. At 19, she launched her first clogging program, inspired and mentored by Conyers’ first clogging teacher, Carol Brown. In 1992, Lora founded The Arts Barn, now based in Eatonton, GA. The Arts Barn is a family-run, community-focused studio offering classes in dance, music, and theatre for all ages. Its mission is to foster creativity, service, and self-growth through the arts. Whether teaching traditional folk dance or directing original theater productions, Lora brings people together through movement, music, and heart.

STEPHANIE GORE Stephanie Gore (or Steph Gore as her students call her) has been dancing since she could walk! Born and raised a competitive dancer in South Florida, she found her way to UGA where she continued her dance education both at school and as a dancer in Project 7 Contemporary Dance Company. Currently a college counselor at Stratford Academy in Macon, GA, Stephanie spends her free time choreographing musicals at Macon Little Theatre and taking and teaching classes whenever she can. Tap dance has always been her first love, and she is excited to share that love at ThesCon! J'MONET HILL Jmonet Hill is a NYC based Actress, Technical creative, and Artist committed to empowering people across the globe to think critically and create no matter their limitations. With so much love and light it’s her hope to continue to push the boundaries of theatre at all calibers & create space for people from all walks of life.

Co- Owner of Different Bro Productions & At Grade Intersections this artist is dedicated to the safe, fun and expansive exploration of the arts.

GREGORY HIRSCH Gregory Hirsch is the founder and director of Chaos Theory Improv Team: the house improv team of Lionheart Theatre. In addition to coaching and performing with his improv team, he regularly teaches workshops in improv, clowning, and stand-up comedy at Lionheart Theatre, Georgia high schools, and theatre conferences across the country.

HOLLY ROBERTS Holly has a BA in Art from Georgia Southern and has been involved with Theatre Macon for the past 9 years.

She enjoys making props, designing sets, performing, and stage managing. She is stoked to be returning for her second year as a teaching artist!

CAITY SLOTNICK Caity Slotnick has been teaching and directing theater in Atlanta for the last 17 years. She has worked with theater companies such as Alliance Theatre in Atlanta and Georgia Ensemble Theatre in Roswell. She also taught theater with Gwinnett County Public Schools for five years and is excited to return to ThesCon as a teaching artist!

Teaching Artist Bios cont'd ASHLYN STALLINGS Born into a family of actors and extensively trained, Ashlyn was raised with a passion for dramatic arts. She has made her mark across musical theater in New York and Atlanta, as well as brought countless roles to life on film and network TV. She is an award winning actress who recently co-starred on a new Netflix show, a new Peacock show, BET's The Ms. Pat Show, AMC's 'The Walking Dead', FX's 'Atlanta', BET’s 'The Quad', countless commercials, appeared in the indie feature 'Breaking Glass', and has honed her craft as the lead in various unique short films. Ashlyn is also an accomplished dancer and stage actress, with credits such as Shelly & Annie in 'Evil Dead The Musical', Red Riding Hood in 'Into the Woods', swing roles in touring musicals, and a number of variety shows. Ashlyn has trained at the prestigious New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, as well as extensively in Meisner, dance, stage combat and stunts. While not in the spotlight, Ashlyn is also a film photographer and screenwriter. She looks at life as an adventure, strives to make a difference with her art, loves to knit, hike, cuddle her fur babies and also bakes really good oatmeal cookies. Like…really good.

ALLISON YEOMANS Allison Yeomans is veteran choreographer, coach, and educator living in Macon, GA. She earned degrees in Education, Technical Theatre, and Dance from the University of Georgia before going on to earn multiple graduate degrees in niche corners of the educational realm. She is the current head coach for the Mercer University Dance Team and has spent the last 11 years choreographing throughout Georgia for Gameday and Competition Cheer Squads, Thespian Troupes, and individuals. Some favorite choreography credits include: Big Fish, The Old Man and the Old Moon, Mamma Mia, Grease, Hairspray, Shrek, and Footloose.

Recent performance credits include Newsies (Theatre Macon), A Chorus Line (Macon Little Theatre), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Theatre Macon), and RENT (Macon Little Theatre). Alli is most passionate about creating inclusive and safe spaces for all performers and believes that- regardless of age or experience everyone is a dancer.

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