Shuffle off to Atlanta? Most certainly from Buffalo!

An enthusiastic bunch of kids from the Academy of Theater Arts of Williamsville, N.Y., (yes, a few miles from the home of the chicken wing!), are heading south to showcase My Son Pinocchio JR Saturday evening January 14 at the Junior Theater Festival.  It promises to be a stellar performance for sure!  Dina and her students have some valuable tips for everyone who attends!

Advice from ATA kids:

-Take the time to talk and meet with other groups, there are so many interesting and talented kids out there who love theatre just as much as you do!

-Don't spend time worrying about how you will measure up to the other groups, this isn't a contest to see who is the "best" but it is a great opportunity to have a weekend that is FULL of everything theatre!

-Remember that everyone in your group matters, be supportive of one another and proud of what you are bringing to JTF.

Advice to Directors from Dina Slawson, Director of ATA:

-Try and take advantage of everything you can.  The workshops and adjudications can be tremendous teaching tools for you as a director, you will find that you can learn just as much as your students!

-JTF is all about instilling a love and passion for theatre into those who attend, NOT who wins...Make sure you share this philosophy with your students and let them know that every group stands out for something they bring to the weekend.

-Try to meet other directors, there are directors who attend JTF from all over the country and from many different venues...there is so much we can learn from each other!

-Have FUN!  Don't STRESS!  JTF is a unique and wonderful opportunity for us to spend a weekend with people who have the same  love and passion for theatre as we do...Instill this in your students so they will enjoy the weekend as well!