The Few, The Proud, the Chosen Welcome a New Member of the Flight Director's Guild. The Flight Director's Roundtable Meets for the First Time. Julie's Dress of Many Planets, Imaginarium Theater

                 Alex R., in the CMSC Galileo with the FD Microphone in Hand

     One of the happiest things I get to post on The Troubadour is the appointment of new members into the Flight Director's Guild.  The Guild's membership is composed of outstanding flight directors at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center, The Space Place at Renaissance Academy, the Lions Gate Center at Lakeview Academy, the American Heritage School Discovery Space Center, and the Telos Discovery Space Center.

The Flight Director's Guild

     Today I introduce Alex R., as the newest member of the Flight Director's Guild.  Alex was given his FD wings on June 16th by James Porter, Director of the Christa McAuliffe Space Center.  He is authorized to fly the CMSC's Galileo.

     Alex, at 14 years of age, is one of the youngest FD's ever promoted into the Guild.  He started volunteering at the CMSC in April 2022 and in 14 months reached his goal.  His training began in November 2022.  His trainers were Brylee (Galileo Set Director) and Orion.  His favorite mission to fly is "The Hunt". 

     Getting into the Guild is difficult, requiring months of training (sometimes years) involving both hands on practice and critical reviews and evaluations of practice missions. So it is fitting that we celebrate the induction of another Flight Director into the Guild and wish Alex the best.

      So, with his hand on his heart, Alex takes the Flight Director's Pledge; 

     "I pledge to honor the training and craftsmanship of the flight directors who trained me. I pledge to set a proper example of professionalism for my staff, volunteers, and crew. I promise to lead and guide my crews by adhering to the mission's goals and objectives. I promise to honor the pioneering spirit of the first ship Voyager by continuing to learn and improve upon my craft. These things I will do until I lay my microphone down."

The Story Teller's Roundtable Meets for the First Time.

Tabitha Ricks Opening the first Story Teller's Roundtable

   The first Story Teller's Roundtable (STR) was held on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at the CMSC in Pleasant Grove.  This will be included as a new department in the CMSC's Voyager Academy along with the Engineering, Acting, Writing, and Computer Media Departments.  Tabitha Ricks is the STR's Department Head.  I'll let Tabitha's introductory email describe the department's mission and goals.

There has been talk for years at the CMSC about having some guild/department like gathering for staff to talk about flying theory. A lot of us, as staff, also look for ways to improve on our craft. We are officially launching Storyteller Roundtables to itch the theory bug, learn from each other, and keep our storytelling skills sharp. Staff is welcomed and encouraged to participate, however, attendance is not required. Roundtables are not paid. 
     Who are storyteller roundtables for? Any paid staff or trainees who tell stories - that includes Navigators, Supervisors, and Flight Directors. 
      When are roundtables? We'll be holding them on the 4th Saturday of every month from 9am-9:45am in the faculty lounge. That means our first roundtable will be held Saturday, June 24th at 9am. We will be talking about "Agency and Empowerment through Storytelling." Breakfast foods will be provided.
We hope to see you there!
     A note for navigators - Some storytelling tools vary between the simulators and the planetarium. Where storytelling is heavier in the simulators, content is directed towards them. Some roundtables may not be as readily applicable to the planetarium. You are always welcome, however, and I will mention which roundtables will have more tangible storytelling subject matter for navigators. 

      Tabitha  

     Tabitha did an outstanding job preparing for the event. She delivered a well planned workshop complete with stated objectives and clear, understood goals.

 

                         The First Gathering of the StoryTeller's RoundTable
 

     Flight Directing is both an art and science. With that in mind, several topics were discussed with current flight directors, navigators, and flight director trainees present.  Participation was encourage and thoughtful questions were asked.                      

     Workshops like this are necessary to allow our practitioners time to do three things - collaborate, share, and learn best practices. I encourage all our storytellers to attend next month's meeting and make this department a priority for your time.  

Mr. Williamson 

Julie Culver and Her Dress of Many Planets....

   Julie is a Planetarium Navigator (presenter) and a Junior Camp Leader at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center, so space is one of her things. Knowing that, I shouldn't have been surprised to see her arrive for a Junior Camp wearing what could only be described as  a Robe de L'espace.  Her dress was not one of those off the rack frocks you'd find at your "across the tracks" outfitters like Wilfred's of Wolverhampton, famous for their "One Size Fits All" warp arounds for all occasions.  No, Julie's dress was custom made -  a one of a kind not found even in the most exclusive boutiques on the Rue des Francs Bourgeois in Paris.  

     Julie, great job talking the talk, walking the walk, and looking the look. (I don't think that works, does it?)  

Victor 

Hensen, Gracelyn, and Julie

     And while we're on the subject of Julie, let me say something about the fantastic junior camp program she runs with her co-instructor Gracelyn.  Together, Julie and Gracelyn see over 100 young junior campers per week. The CMSC's Junior Camp Program is extremely popular and difficult to get into if you don't book a spot for your child's camp early.       

Imaginarium Theater

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