Esprit Master

Early Check-in

Peninsula, on Sunday May 12 at 5:30PM

Early check-in for attendees who are fully paid and have pictures that were submitted or from the previous yearbook. The Early Check-in Desk will be just inside the door of the Peninsula Room.

Esprit Master

Sunday Evening Ice Breaker

Peninsula, on Sunday May 12 at 6:00PM

On Sunday evening there will be an icebreaker Cocktail Party for all of the early arrivals at Esprit. Snacks will be provided by Esprit and wine, beer and cocktails will be available from the no-host bar. The party starts early in the evening and is a great time to renew old friendships and see what folks have been up to since the last Esprit.

For first-time attendees this is a fabulous time to meet people and get charged up for the coming week! The party will be held in the Peninsula room.

Years ago, the Icebreaker was held in the patio on the water side of the restaurant. The patio is slightly sunken and has glass all the way around it so that the diners in the restaurant can see the water. The attendees in 2001 promptly named it "The Fishbowl"!

This is the traditional kickoff to the week of Esprit. While this icebreaker is pretty much the same each year, Esprit definitely is not. The week is just getting started and there is a full slate of fun.

Esprit Master

Registration OPEN - Morning

Esprit Lobby, on Monday May 13 at 8:00AM

Esprit Registration Desk is OPEN for checkin, badge photos, badge pickup and general inquiries.

Esprit Master

Registration OPEN - Afternoon

Esprit Lobby, on Monday May 13 at 1:00PM

Esprit Registration Desk is OPEN for checkin, badge photos, badge pickup and general inquiries.

Suzanne Adams

Cross Dressing 101

Presenter: Suzanne Adams

Peninsula, on Monday May 13 at 10:00AM

This is the ideal introduction to cross-dressing for the beginning crossdresser. The class will cover an array of topics in Suzanne's inimitable rapid-fire style. Learn about clothing, sizing, how to discreetly size clothes in the store, basic style advice, recent trends, and more in this popular class.

Presenter Info

Suzanne_Adams has been involved within the TG community since the early 1990's. She has served two years as President of Emerald City in the 1990's and six years as President from 2000 to 2006 and is currently the Secretary of the Board for Emerald City. She was a Facilitator for Pacific Gender Support groups and Treasurer of the parent organization Pacific Gender Institute in 2006 and Vice President of PGI for 2007. Since 2001 she has been Co-Chair and is currently the Chair on the Seattle Chief of Police Advisory Committee for Sexual Minorities. She is also the Seattle Police Firearms Review Board Citizen's Observer, appointed by the Seattle Mayor since 1996. She has served on the Ingersoll Gender Center Board and facilitated groups for 15 years (1993 through 2008). She has been secretary for five Esprit Committee Chairs and is the current Chair of the Esprit committee. Suzanne has been a presenter at Esprit every year since 1993.

Suzanne Adams

Basic Self Defense for Women and Those Who Present Themselves as Women

Presenter: Suzanne Adams

Peninsula, on Monday May 13 at 1:00PM

Suzanne has extensive past and current experience in law enforcement. She will teach you about awareness, avoiding risky situations, moving safely through different surroundings, a variety of self-defense moves, and how to handle interactions with the public and the police. Although this is a self defense course, movement is kept to a minimum and "dressing down" is not necessary.

Presenter Info

Suzanne_Adams has been involved within the TG community since the early 1990's. She has served two years as President of Emerald City in the 1990's and six years as President from 2000 to 2006 and is currently the Secretary of the Board for Emerald City. She was a Facilitator for Pacific Gender Support groups and Treasurer of the parent organization Pacific Gender Institute in 2006 and Vice President of PGI for 2007. Since 2001 she has been Co-Chair and is currently the Chair on the Seattle Chief of Police Advisory Committee for Sexual Minorities. She is also the Seattle Police Firearms Review Board Citizen's Observer, appointed by the Seattle Mayor since 1996. She has served on the Ingersoll Gender Center Board and facilitated groups for 15 years (1993 through 2008). She has been secretary for five Esprit Committee Chairs and is the current Chair of the Esprit committee. Suzanne has been a presenter at Esprit every year since 1993

Jan Jefferies

Stephanie Avion Chix w Stix Pool Tournament

Organizer: Jan Jefferies

Elks Pool Room, on Monday May 13 at 6:00PM

Registration: 6pm
Play starts: 7pm

Pool tables have always gone hand in hand with adventure, vice, and women of mystery. Usually it's the men who own the room, but at Esprit things are a bit different.

Imagine a roomful of short-skirted hoochies competing fiercely for the prized title of Esprit Pool Tournament Champion. A 20's gangster moll here, a film noir femme fatale there, and a biker chick over by the bar...drop them all into a small pool hall, and you have the Annual Esprit Pool Tournament.

The Naval Elks Lodge hosts the tournament in their private pool room. There will be assistants to help run the tournament. The Elks has a no-host bar and will provide a taco bar for about $17.00.

This is a friendly tournament and everyone has plenty of opportunities to play regardless of skill level. We will follow the Official Rules of the BCA Pool League (with a few changes to better accommodate recreational play) and contact the pool tournament coordinator, if you have other questions.

Back at the Red Lion, many attendees also enjoy hanging out in the hotel bar which truly becomes one of the hottest and most interesting places in town during the week of Esprit.

The tournament was renamed in 2020/2021 in honour of Stephanie Avion, who served for many years on the Esprit Committee.

 

Esprit Master

Day trip to Victoria BC and High Tea at the Empress hotel

Victoria, BC, on Tuesday May 14 at 8:00AM

Meet in Esprit Lobby at 7:30 am. Passport or Enhanced Drivers License is required. This excursion will cost you about $150 which is NOT included in your Esprit fee.

This year we will again travel to beautiful British Columbia for High Tea and a full day of sightseeing. You will want to wear your finest frock (the Empress has a dress code) and of course a beautiful hat. An extra bag is suggested to carry walking shoes. When we disembark from the Coho ferry we can engage one of Victoria's finest horsedrawn carriages and tour the area. After Tea you can sightsee and shop the wonderful downtown Victoria..

The Empress

The Jewel of the Pacific, The Empress is one of Victoria's highlights. Cresting the city's Inner Harbour, this 460-room hotel was built in the Edwardian style and recently restored to its original grandeur, with antique furniture and luxurious decor. Considered to be the most photographed attraction on Vancouver Island, The Empress was originally designed by Francis Rattenbury, and opened in 1908.

Rising regally on the banks of Victoria's Inner Harbour, the Empress is the symbolic centrepiece of Victoria and conveniently located adjacent to the Convention Centre, Parliament Buildings, Royal British Columbia Museum, shops and local sites. The hotel has long been accustomed to entertaining Hollywood celebrities; Rita Hayworth, Jack Benny, Pat O'Brien, Douglas Fairbanks, Katherine Hepburn, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Tallulah Bankhead, Roger Moore, John Travolta, Barbara Streisand, Harrison Ford and a host of others have passed through its lobby.

In true British tradition, the hotel is famous for its elegant Afternoon Tea - served to over 75,000 visitors annually! Savour tea in the finest tradition, accompanied by berries and Chantilly cream, scones, crumpets, preserves, sandwiches, pastries and tarts, all served with silver service in the main lobby!

Due to increased border security requirements, you WILL REQUIRE at least a PASSPORT or an ENHANCED DRIVERS LICENSE for Customs and Immigration. The Coho Ferry fare is about US$18.50 each way. The Empress High Tea is about C$99. A carriage ride is about C$33.00 per person. We will meet in the Registration Area around 7:30 AM. Note that a small US border entry fee may apply to non-US citizens (see Travel Information, Traveling Across the Border).

In 2004 when the Esprit ladies returned to The Empress after a one year absence, the group was approached at the front door by a sturdy man in a blue blazer and an earphone hanging out of his ear. He inquired "Are you from Emerald City?" and uncertain of his intent, the trip organizer Debra Darling simply answered "yes". He then proceeded to explain how The Empress lamented the ladies' absence the previous year and he escorted the ladies in for a fine afternoon of tea.

Of course, you can simply join the group for the ferry ride to Victoria, spend the day how you like and meet up for the ferry ride back to Port Angeles.

Presenter Info

Stephanie Avion - Trip leader

Esprit Master

Registration OPEN - Morning

Esprit Lobby, on Tuesday May 14 at 10:30AM

Esprit Registration Desk is OPEN for checkin, badge photos, badge pickup and general inquiries.

Esprit Master

Registration OPEN - Afternoon

Esprit Lobby, on Tuesday May 14 at 2:30PM

Esprit Registration Desk is OPEN for checkin, badge photos, badge pickup and general inquiries.

Sandra Finlay

Golfing With Sandra

Presenter: Sandra Finlay

Dungeness Golf, Sequim, on Wednesday May 15 at 9:00AM

Join Esprit's own Sandra Finlay on Wednesday morning for an enjoyable round of golf at the beautiful Dungeness Golf Club in Sequim. Please note that this is NOT a course for inexperienced golfers!

Sign up in the registration area. Please signup early. Price TBA. Meet at registration desk for 9:15, set-up carpools and leave no later than 9:30. Tee times will start around 10:30. Course dress code and regulations in force. Rental clubs available.

If you have never golfed before this is not a course for you.

Presenter Info

Sandra's 2009 debut at Esprit earned her a blue graduation butterfly. Since 2013 I have supported the Esprit conference as a committee member. My main function at Esprit is raising funds for the Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County. I enjoy meeting new people and hearing about their life journey. My vision of Golf: walking in a beautiful park getting fresh air and exercise, enjoying time with friends. If I have a good round that's a bonus!

Esprit Master

Registration OPEN - Morning

Esprit Lobby, on Wednesday May 15 at 9:00AM

Esprit Registration Desk is OPEN for checkin, badge photos, badge pickup and general inquiries.

Esprit Master

Registration OPEN - Afternoon

Esprit Lobby, on Wednesday May 15 at 2:30PM

Esprit Registration Desk is OPEN for checkin, badge photos, badge pickup and general inquiries.

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Croquet on the Lawn

Back Lawn, on Wednesday May 15 at 12:00PM

Please note - this is a signup option only so we can gauge interest and numbers.

Join us for a friendly and oh so elegant game of good old-fashioned croquet on the back lawn. How elegant, you say? You finest finery from last night's Ascot Races would not be out of place. If you want to really take it to another level by dressing the part of an English aristocrat in My Fair Lady clothes!

What? You can't play croquet? It's even easier than cricket!

What? You can't play cricket? Okay, how about tee-ball with a ground-level tee!

But really, come and enjoy the fun even if you don't want to dress up!

Esprit Master

Registration OPEN - Morning

Esprit Lobby, on Thursday May 16 at 9:00AM

Esprit Registration Desk is OPEN for checkin, badge photos, badge pickup and general inquiries.

Esprit Master

Registration OPEN - Afternoon

Esprit Lobby, on Thursday May 16 at 3:30PM

Esprit Registration Desk is OPEN for checkin, badge photos, badge pickup and general inquiries.

Esprit Master

Talent Show Auditions

Peninsula, on Thursday May 16 at 2:30PM

The Esprit Talent Show is a fun and popular event for the performers, attendees and general public. This year’s show is being produced by the combined skills of the Esprit Committee and a number of talented volunteers. We welcome any type of act; acts in the past have included live musical performances, karaoke, stand-up comedy, magic, dramatic performance…the list goes on! We want the show overall to run about 75 minutes, so to ensure as many acts as possible have time on stage we ask that you limit your act to 5 minutes. With this limitation, and allowing for changeover and short bits between acts we hope to have time for 9-11 acts to perform. If you want to perform, here is a general idea of the production schedule and casting process:

First... SIGN UP! A sign-up sheet will be posted in the registration lobby. Tell us who you are, what you want to do, and how to contact you. If your act involves playback of any music or other technical needs, please contact the technical director Julia Lauer by using the contact page as soon as possible and get her your media or special requests. If at all possible, please get Julia your media prior to the auditions.

You must attend the auditions from about 2:00-4:00pm Thursday in the Peninsula Room. You will have a chance to perform your act and update your biographical information. Keep in mind this space is pretty small compared to the Elks stage, so if your act is a big modern dance piece, you might have to pare it down for the audition!

The show will be cast and rehearsal times posted by Thursday evening. Those that are cast will be assigned a 20 minute rehearsal time for Friday afternoon. During this time you will have the chance to rehearse your act a few times, on the Elks stage, and with the sound system so you can get the feel of the stage. Okay, I know what you’re thinking, "20 Minutes to rehearse???!!?!" Keep in mind: Friday afternoon is CRAZY! We will give you 20 minutes of undivided attention to rehearse, but please be punctual, and ready to go! We have to keep on schedule, or the show staff won't have time to change their clothes for the evening! And we don’t want that to happen!

Check in with the show staff before dinner. We need to know everybody's there! Now...relax. Enjoy your dinner. Have fun! You'll need to get ready backstage before dinner ends, especially if you're one of the first acts. Maybe have someone save your dessert! Go out there and break a leg!

General specifications: The stage is about 30' wide X 12' deep. 4 wireless handheld microphones will be available. Straight or boom stands are available. 6 speaker sound system with stage monitor will be provided. If you need props or furniture beyond a chair or maybe a music stand, you are on your own!

Additional needs: 1 or 2 people to volunteer for backstage coordination/stagehand duty would be awesome! Contact the Talent Show Coordinator or the Volunteer Coordinator if you’d like to help out with the show, but don’t want to be onstage. Wear your most fashionable backstage black! You’ll look all cool talking on a headset! No experience necessary!

Presenter Info

For many years the Esprit Talent Show has been produced by Julia Lauer. She brought just the right mix of energy, skill, talent and passion to the production to raise it to a professional-quality production. The town of Port Angeles looks forward to seeing the show every year.

In 2022 due to a sudden emergency just hours before showtime Julia was unable to run the show. However, thanks to her wonderful preparations, her well-trained team carried the evening off without a hitch.

In 2023 we lost our wonderful Julia. Her team couldn't let her down, though, and from rough notes and memories and sheer determination the 2023 Talent Show went on and was as memorable as all the rest. 

Julia looks forward to again producing the Talent Show with Kara Connor, and assisting where she can with other technical issues that arise at Esprit 2022.

Esprit Master

Tribute for Julia

Hollywood Beach, on Thursday May 16 at 5:00PM

Julia Lauer produced the Esprit Talent Show for many years and left her unmistakable stamp on the event. Julia passed away suddenly at Esprit 2023. As a tribute to Julia we are planning a small ceremony in her memory.

Details and dates are still being worked out.

Esprit Master

Esprit Ascot Races

Olympic/Juan de Fuca, on Thursday May 16 at 7:00PM

The horses are real, the races are real, the fun is real! Only the money is play! Dress up in your fanciest hat - yes, there's a hat contest! (Need inspiration? Try here!)

Hone your betting skills and bring all your horse race savvy - and a healthy appreciation for the whimsical - to the Peninsula Room Tuesday night. You don't have to know anything about horse racing to have a great time! Your lovely and talented hoss boss and mistress of ceremonies Stephanie Mitchell will make sure you stay on track, regardless of what the horses get up to.

Our talented and beautiful decorators, coordinators, runners and counters are all Esprit attendees and all volunteer their time. Would you like to volunteer to help? Contact our Volunteer Coordinator now!

How it works:

We'll have a big screen onto which a series of professionally packaged, actual horse races and steeplechases will be shown (completely new races this year!). Everyone will be provided a starting amount of betting funds. In between races, you'll study the horses, check the odds, watch the horses parade before the race, and place your bets. The races are real, as is the excitement! Assorted prizes will be awarded to the evening's big winners and non-winners alike and there will be special prizes for the most outrageous and glamorous hats!

What to wear:

For fun, we encourage you to dress in the spirit of the Royal Ascot Racecourse. Think "My Fair Lady" and you'll be on the right track.

If you really want to be a stickler for the fashion police, here's how it's done: Ladies wear formal day dress and a hat that covers the crown of the head (since this is an evening event, evening wear is perfectly fine as well). Shoulders and midriff are traditionally covered and hems shouldn't be more than 2" above the knee. Stockings or tights are most proper. The Ascot is timeless and you may pick something stylish from any era.

And in our private room, you don't have to worry about your heels sinking into the turf!

Esprit Master

Registration OPEN - Morning

Esprit Lobby, on Friday May 17 at 9:00AM

Esprit Registration Desk is OPEN for checkin, badge photos, badge pickup and general inquiries.

Esprit Master

Registration OPEN - Afternoon

Esprit Lobby, on Friday May 17 at 3:00PM

Esprit Registration Desk is OPEN for checkin, badge photos, badge pickup and general inquiries.

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Fashion Show and Luncheon

Olympic/Juan de Fuca, on Friday May 17 at 12:00PM

The Fashion Show is another of Esprit's many traditions. Enjoy a lovely lunch while your fellow attendees model everything from sportswear to casual attire to formal evening gowns. You can even sign up to be one of the models!

You don't need to have any modelling experience - just a desire to wear beautiful clothes and look gorgeous!

Make sure you've signed up by Thursay morning in the Esprit Lobby! See more information at the Fashion Show.

Esprit Master

The Julia Lauer World-Famous Talent Show!

Elks Ballroom, on Friday May 17 at 6:00PM

The Friday Talent Show is our home grown variety show featuring the various talents of Esprit’s attendees. It is the highlight of an evening that begins with cocktails and a full meal served in the Ballroom of the elegant and historic Naval Elks Lodge, a short distance from the Red Lion. Since Esprit 2000, hundreds of attendees have taken to the stage to sing a song, do a skit, maybe some standup comedy or even magic. If you would like to perform, please see the performer guidelines below. We look forward to a fun and entertaining evening for all!

The cocktail hour and dinner are for Esprit attendees only, and then we will open the doors to the general public for the Talent Show at approximately 8:00 pm. A $5.00 donation will be requested at the door, all proceeds will benefit Hospice of Clallam County. There will be a no-host bar serving alcohol, so guests must be 21 years of age. Esprit staff and a local security guard will provide security and screen local guests.

After the talent show you are welcome to linger at the Elks as you ponder the rest of the evening. Our very own DJ ICY ALY will be spinning dance tunes for us to dance the night away.

Presenter Info

For many years the Esprit Talent Show has been produced by Julia Lauer. She brought just the right mix of energy, skill, talent and passion to the production to raise it to a professional-quality production. The town of Port Angeles looks forward to seeing the show every year.

In 2022 due to a sudden emergency just hours before showtime Julia was unable to run the show. However, thanks to her wonderful preparations, her well-trained team carried the evening off without a hitch.

In 2023 we lost our wonderful Julia. Her team couldn't let her down, though, and from rough notes and memories and sheer determination the 2023 Talent Show went on and was as memorable as all the rest. 

Esprit Master

Registration OPEN - Morning

Esprit Lobby, on Saturday May 18 at 9:00AM

Esprit Registration Desk is OPEN for checkin, badge photos, badge pickup and general inquiries.

Esprit Master

Registration APPT ONLY

Esprit Lobby, on Saturday May 18 at 2:00PM

Esprit Registration Desk is OPEN by appointment ONLY. Text 425-736-4013.

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Graduation Ceremony

Elks Lodge Room, on Saturday May 18 at 4:00PM

Your first time at Esprit is a very big step, no less significant than graduation from school. At Esprit Graduation we recognize and honor those who have made this step in a formal ceremony. Everyone is invited to attend Graduation in the Elks Ceremonial Room and welcome their new sisters. First-timers who have been at Esprit since at least Wednesday are eligible to be part of the Stage Ceremony.

We especially encourage Big Sisters and spouses to attend. Spouses can also be first-timers - after all, it's a big step for you too!

Esprit Master

The Saturday Night Gala!

Olympic/Juan de Fuca, on Saturday May 18 at 6:00PM

Saturday night is the night we celebrate New Friends, Old Friends and all that has happened during the past week. Where better to enjoy ourselves than the Red Lion Ballroom, transformed into a luxurious banquet room and dance hall!

Dara Vink

Slumber Party

Organizer: Dara Vink

SO Lounge, on Saturday May 18 at 11:59PM

The Saturday night slumber party is a longstanding Esprit tradition. The Hospitality Suite begins to fill with ladies in nighties as the Saturday night graduation dinner and party draws to a close. Some snacks and pizza are usually available (as are a lot of leftover beverages that come crawling out of people's rooms). The room is usually filled to capacity and the evening is filled with lively moderated conversation, backrubs and footrubs, and more. A few diehards haul blankets and pillows to the room and stay as late as they can. The slumber party sets aside some time to share your experiences in a warm and respectful setting.

And who knows who else might show up? In 1999, a barbershop quartet was passing through the hotel late at night and stumbled onto the Saturday night slumber party. Doing what any gentlemen would do, they politely greeted the ladies in the hall and then proceeded to serenade the ladies with an impromptu performance.

You're welcome to wear anything in good taste and reason to the party. Some ladies simply pop in after the Saturday night party in their party outfits, chat for a few minutes, and disappear. Some choose to attend the slumber party in makeup; others choose to be comfortable and get cleaned up and dispense with the bra, wig, and other accessories they normally use when dressed. You may wish to lean somewhat to the more practical side if you plan on staying a while. Most of the seating consists of simple upright chairs, the floor, a counter, pillows/blankets, and perhaps a few seats on a sofa. You may be standing up and sitting down and shifting position frequently depending on how crowded the room gets and the activities that are going on. In addition, you may want to wear or bring something (such as a robe) that allows you to comfortably walk the length of the hotel to get back to your room for supplies or blankets.

Esprit Master

Farewell Sunday Gathering

Peninsula, on Sunday May 19 at 11:00AM

This is the wind-up to Esprit. It's a time for goodbyes, of course, but also for "see you next year!" It's also a great opportunity to reminisce with your friends. There will be a continental breakfast item with coffee, tea and juice.

Ginger Chien

Storytime with Ginger

Organizer: Ginger Chien

Peninsula, on Sunday May 19 at 11:45AM

As a great closing to our week together, Ginger Chien entertains us with a story or two. Her tales are always funny, touching and thought-provoking, and her engaging, personal style will captivate you from the outset. Please stay for this special treat and the end of our Farewell Brunch.

Presenter Info

I attended my first Esprit in 1999 and spent subsequent years trying new things. This has included volunteering at the Registration Desk, being a Big Sister, performing in the Talent Show, maintaining the Esprit website for a number of years, serving on the Scholarship Committee, and helping to plan Esprit each year. My main excitement at Esprit is rocking out with The Nasty Habits on the final weekend.

My other interests range from the dark to the sublime. On my shelves you'll find dark, disturbing movies and light-hearted children's books side by side. I love costumes, Play-Doh, and blowing into my dog's mouth to make her lips flap. I'm an open-mic storyteller and my stories about life, love, and being have been presented at professional and technical conferences around the country.

I transitioned in 2011 and am proud to work at AT&T Mobility, a company that has earned top honors from Diversity Inc. and 100% rating from HRC year after year, even against constantly evolving best-in-class measures of transgender benefits. If you're curious about how a best-in-class company carries out diversity policies, take a look here and here.