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Whether this is your first or your fourth Thescon, it's always a good idea to be prepared! While aThescon is insanely fun, it also comes with it's fair share of stress. This guide will cover the following:
What to Wear
What to Pack
Hug Pins
Guidebook App
General Etiquette
What Should I Wear?
As of typing this, the forecast for Columbus doesn't show any rain during Thescon, however, it's best to be prepared for rain anyways. Make sure to bring an extra outfit in case of emergencies, as well as:
Layered outfits - The temperatures will likely fluctuate while in Columbus. It is further south but make sure to pack layers so you can adjust!
Multiple pairs of shoes - Those that have attended Thescon in the past will know that it almost always rains, and sometimes that rain water gets pretty deep. Even though there is no rain on the forecast as of right now, it's always better to be safe than sorry!
COMFORTABLE shoes - On the topic of shoes, make sure that whatever boots you bring are made for walking! You will be doing way more walking than you think (last year most of the thespians in our troupe ended up walking over 10 miles!).
Other good clothing to consider packing:
hats
extra socks
a light coat
What Should I Pack?
Although three days in Columbus doesn't seem like a long time, you'd be surprised at how much you may need! It's always good to be prepared. It's a good idea to pack two bags: a bag to carry with you all day and a suitcase/bag to stay in your hotel.
Keep on you:
Portable Charger - You will be moving from workshop to workshop all day long, chances are you won't always have access to a power outlet. Make sure to keep a mobile charger on you at all times so you can stay in contact with your troupe (those attending Thescon with PHS should be extra concerned about phone battery as we will be using Life360 to stay in touch with chaperones)!
Poncho/Umbrella - Just like we mentioned before, there's always a possibility of rain. Keep either a poncho or a small umbrella on you just in case, better nice and dry then wet and sorry!
Spending Cash - In-between events is a great time to stop by the vendors and make some purchases, or maybe you end up thirsty while walking around the convention grounds and want to buy a drink from a vending machine. Keeping cash on you is always good for those last minute impulse purchases. We do recommend making a budget, if you have cash try only brining as much as you are ok with spending that day and leave the rest in your room.
It's always a good idea to only bring what is absolutely necessary to have on you. You will likely pick up free items from colleges or anything you may have made in a workshop or even bought from a vendor. Leave a little extra room for these items!
In Your Suitcase:
Personal Hygiene Products - with the amount of walking, talking, and fun to be had at Thescon, you are bound to get sweaty and smelly after a long day. Remember to pack deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, body wash, and a toothbrush and toothpaste! It's a good idea to make time for a shower either each morning or night.
All of your Outfits - Like what we mentioned before when talking about what to wear, these items should stay in your room unless you really need an extra outfit for whatever reason.
Wall Chargers - You should keep a portable charger on you, but you should also have wall chargers packed to use in your hotel room! Make sure to plug in all of your devices at night, especially your portable charger.
There are a LOT more items you may want to pack, these are just the necessities. Remember that this trip will only be three days, so if you don't really need it, you may not want to bring it.
What in the World are Hug Pins?
Hug pins are a Thescon tradition of trading decorated clothespins during the convention. If you have the time it would be a great idea to make some of your own to trade. Be creative and decorate them however you like. If a group of your friends are also going to Thescon it can be a great idea to plan a get-together to make sure you are well supplied with hug pins to trade and display on your badge!
A Thespian's Guide to Guidebook
Guidebook is a MUST HAVE app for ANYONE going to Georgia Thescon. With Guidebook you can look at the entire conference schedule and craft your very own schedule to follow. The app is also very helpful for finding the location of workshops and events as all event listings will have a labeled map to help you get there. There is so much helpful information on the Guidebook app, to set it up to use at Thescon follow these steps:
Download the Guidebook App on either the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Search for "Georgia Thescon 2024"
Select the correct guide and add it
Explore Guidebook
If you need any assistance using or installing the Guidebook app, speak to your troupe director or officers!
General Thescon Etiquette
Thescon is an exciting and fun experience, but that does not mean you do not need to practice basic theatre etiquette! Remember to be a good audience member no matter what the person behind you is doing. Here are some general etiquette tips:
Stay quiet during the performance- There may be certain moments where it's okay to be a little loud (such as during an applause), but there is no need to be talking during scenes or musical numbers.
Don't drag out applause between musical numbers- This one mainly applies to musicals, but remember that the show will not pause for you to clap. Keep your applause brief, save your big applause for the end of the show!
Refrain using your phone - please don't take photos or videos of performances!
do not eat or drink in the theatre - Please keep all of the theatres clean! We are guests!
Remove hats when within a venue
do not leave trash or stick stickers anywhere
Remember to be respectful to all event staff, performers and others!
And that was a guide to Georgia Thescon 2024! If you have any questions please talk to your troupe director and/or officers!