The second annual BroadwayCon, a monumental event for theatre lovers everywhere, took place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City between Jan. 27 and Jan. 29.

This location was the perfect place, consisting of over 10 programming rooms, a huge mainstage, and an area for shops and pictures. Tickets ranged from $99 for a one-day pass to $600 for a three-day Gold Pass.

The weekend commenced with an opening ceremony on the mainstage, marking the start of this action-packed event.

“I wanted to go to BroadwayCon because I love theatre and  a lot of my favorite actors were going to be there,” said freshman Hannah Siskin.

BroadwayCon was created by Melissa Anelli, Anthony Rapp, and Philip S. Birsch as a place to just celebrate theatre in a fun and accepting manner.

The goal of BroadwayCon is to create an accepting and enjoyable environment for people of all sexual orientations, races, political beliefs, and abilities.  It is meant to be a weekend that brings all people who have a passion for theatre together, and it accomplishes just that.

There is often a stigma surrounding people who love the theatre, but BroadwayCon takes that stereotype in its stride. BroadwayCon gives everyone a voice and a place where they belong, even if it’s just for the weekend.

“I love BroadwayCon because I feel like it’s a place where I can express my love for theatre, with no one judging me,” said junior Natalie Pacht.

The event consisted of ongoing programs that included panels, meetups, workshops, singalongs, interviews, and even autographs.  Famous people in the theatre world, including Anthony Rapp, who is best known for his part as Mark in Rent, and Darren Criss, who is best known for his part as Blaine in Glee, were huge parts of BroadwayCon.

These stars spent plenty of time signing autographs, taking photographs, and teaching some of their valuable skills to every fan at the event.

People attend BroadwayCon dressed in their costumes from their favorite shows.  This year, participants were chosen for best costumes, and there was a fashion show in which they could show off their costumes on Saturday, giving people an excuse to be creative and original  without feeling embarrassed or judged.

“If I were to go to BroadwayCon, I would go as a cat in full makeup and costume, since Cats is my favorite show,” said junior Sally Fried.

Even for those who were not as interested in the theatrics of the event could find their place at BroadwayCon.  People who are not comfortable singing or acting in front of others could enjoy themselves at seminars, ranging from Feminism in Playwriting to the Art of Sound Design.

On the other hand, people who enjoy being in the spotlight had the opportunity to participate in workshops taught by famous actors to enhance their acting and singing skills.

Meetups with people who share your interests are always excited. Theatre enthusiasts were excited to find other people who enjoy belting out musical lyrics at the drop of a hat.

“My favorite part of BroadwayCon was definitely the Hamilton meetup.  I was happy to find out that I wasn’t the only crazy person who knows every word to every song from the show,” said junior Sarah Finkelstein.

For people who love Broadway, singing and dancing with people who love theatre as much as you do is one of the highlights of the weekend.

BroadwayCon was extremely successful, and both eager fans and incredible stars all felt connected and welcome. Theatre enthusiasts are already looking forward to what BroadwayCon 2018 has to offer!