Celebrating Flight: The Inaugural TRT Paper Airplane Competition

On a bright September day, the spirit of camaraderie and creativity soared through the halls of Two River Theater as we hosted our very first Paper Airplane Competition.

Crafting the Competition

Inspired by a behind-the-scenes look at Pixar's own paper airplane contests, I decided to bring a similar sense of playful competition to TRT. Staff members were invited to either bring their own paper creations or craft them onsite at our specially designated stations. These stations featured colorful paper and instructions for various airplane designs, encouraging creativity and innovation.

To add to the excitement, I crafted a unique trophy from a discarded ballet trophy, giving it a new lease on life with a fresh coat of paint and a plaque for us to add the winner's name each year. In true theatrical spirit, the trophy was not the only prize; my dad also crafted the "Best Failure" trophy from another discarded trophy, cut at an angle to reflect the spirit of trying and learning.

The Day of Flight

The competition was a delightful. Courtney from the Marketing Department took home the "Best Crash" award, a testament to the ups and downs of marketing. Meanwhile, Cassie, the Associate Director of Marketing, was crowned the overall winner. Cassie’s plane, adorned with images of Managing Director Michael Hurst and Artistic Director John Dias, captured the imagination of the judges, who couldn’t resist its charm.

A Touch of Controversy

As with any great competition, there were whispers of controversy. Some playfully suggested that Cassie's win was predetermined, especially since the judges featured prominently on her plane. Wayne from the Operations Department humorously declared the outcome "fixed," leaving a cheeky note on Cassie's trophy, challenging her to defend her title next year. Wayne, affectionately known as Mr. Big, certainly added to the day's lighthearted spirit.

 

Meet Pilot River

Adding another touch to the day was River, our beloved sequin-clad dog Box Office mascot, whom I had won at a staff holiday party the previous year. For this event, River took on the role of "Pilot River," dressed in a charming pilot outfit, delighting participants and spectators alike.

Looking Forward

The inaugural Paper Airplane Competition was a resounding success, bringing staff together in a celebration of creativity and fun. It reminded us all that a little bit of joy can transform your day/week/year. As we look forward to future competitions, we're excited to see how this tradition will evolve and inspire even more creativity among us.

Join me in anticipating next year's flights of fancy, and remember, at TRT, it's all about making work a happier and more memorable place. ✈️🎉