Our Passion for Performance Permeates National Convention!

by Katelyn MacIntyre

The National Federation of the Blind Performing Arts Division was full of energy at the 2023 National Convention! We are thrilled to report that we shared our love for the arts with so many members, guests, and friends throughout the week. Below you will find an overview of all that we hosted, and we hope this recap encourages you to get involved next year with our division as we take over Orlando once again.

We launched our week full of involvement with the 2023 annual business meeting of our division, where we heard from so many fantastic Federation leaders, such as Debbie Stein of Illinois. Debbie shared with us her history and talents in storytelling, and we were so lucky to have her join us. Of course, there was lots of additional business to address, too, and we thank all our members for exercising their rights in helping us amend our constitution, approve annual officers’ reports, and elect a new board member. We are thrilled to see what we can accomplish with Kingsly Martin on our team!

After our business was settled, board member Elizabeth Rouse led our group in an exciting improvisation workshop that allowed us all to embrace our senses of creativity. We spent almost two hours planning and executing scenes, laughing until our sides hurt, and making new connections that could last a lifetime. We even made sure to record a few live-action moments for our Scene Change Podcast, so be sure to listen to upcoming episodes, and feel free to dive into our archives if you have the time and interest.

Last but certainly not least, we rounded out the week with our Twenty-First Annual Showcase of Talent, a competition that allowed twenty-one fantastic folks the opportunity to step into the spotlight. We were lucky enough to have a plethora of talents present, including singing, playing live instruments, and baton twirling among so many others. A huge congratulations goes out to Sharonda Goode of Arizona for taking home first prize with her performance of “Rise Up” by Andra Day. Our crowd turnout was once again a smashing success, and we thank all who made this event possible, including our sound technicians, judges, and marshallers, as well as our performers and attendees.