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Lodge Ledger: Centennial Blaze #9 - Arena Shows

  Aaron Shepherd             Lodge Ledger       Centennial 2015

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One of the most exciting parts of the National Order of the Arrow Conference happens at night. Most evenings during NOAC, the thousands of Arrowmen in attendance will gather for an arena show.

The shows are produced by youth and adult Arrowmen, who work as actors, graphic designers, video editors, scenic builders, stage managers and technical staff, among other positions. Each show has a central concept built around it that is sure to be entertaining for the audience. For example, the 2012 NOAC shows included an exciting theme show and an entire show produced in partnership with the National Eagle Scout Association.

During one show, Arrowmen got to watch the performing group Fighting Gravity perform. The group - which has been featured nationally on “America’s Got Talent” - lit up a pitch black arena with their black lights and illusion skills in front of 8,000 Arrowmen.

The NESA show featured several distinguished Eagle Scouts who took part in a talk show style discussion. Guests included Olympic gold medalist Steven Holcomb, non-profit director Buey Tut, winners of the reality show “Escape Routes” brothers Drew and Derek Konzelman and chairman of the Nantahala Outdoor Center, Clay Courts.

On the last night of the conference, the final show will reinforce the theme of the conference. A unique script and story will be built written by Arrowmen to reinforce and represent the NOAC’s main message.

You can expect every show at NOAC to be entertaining and exciting. National OAShows Art Director Ryan J. Bell said giving Arrowmen a meaningful, lasting experience is important to him and his staff.

“We will reflect upon our past and focus on what matters most,” Bell said. “No one walks away unchanged.”

NOAC shows energize conference attendees. Be sure to look for these at the 2015 NOAC. For more information about OAShows, or if you would like to serve on their staff, check out www.oashows.org.