2023 Guide to Theatre Education Conferences
Plus, your weekly round-up of theatre news you may have missed!
Welcome to The Scene, your weekly round-up of theatre news you may have missed. In this week’s email:
THE BROADWAY BEAT: How THE PIANO LESSON Design Team Created Their Instrument; AIN’T NO MO’ To Close On Broadway; and INTO THE WOODS to Bring Broadway Cast to Cities Across America
SHOWS YOU SHOULD KNOW: Discover the Mysterious New Musical FALLING IN LOVE WITH MR. DELLAMORT!
HOT TOPICS: Theatre Accessibility: How To Reach More Theatre Lovers; SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY To Make U.K. Premiere; Keala Settle, Bowen Yang, More Cast in WICKED Films, and more
THE BIG IDEA: The 2023 Guide to Theatre Education Conferences: Part 1
The Broadway Beat
HOW THE PIANO LESSON DESIGN TEAM CREATED THEIR INSTRUMENT - August Wilson had very specific descriptions for this piano, and it included custom carvings. So the Broadway team used a 3D printer.
AIN’T NO MO’ TO CLOSE ON BROADWAY - The show which opened to good reviews will close a little over two weeks after opening.
INTO THE WOODS TO BRING BROADWAY CAST TO CITIES ACROSS AMERICA - The INTO THE WOODS tour begins in February of 2023 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, following preview performances in Buffalo, NY.
Shows You Should Know
DISCOVER FALLING IN LOVE WITH MR. DELLAMORT
If you are looking for something truly unique, with a small cast and wide appeal – be ready to fall in love with FALLING IN LOVE WITH MR. DELLAMORT, A Mysterious New Musical by Jack Feldstein and Paul Doust. This quirky tale with a touch of the Gothic is grand fun with a touch of the serious that will appeal to teens in the manner of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, as well as to adults who love radio shows like PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION, the 1940’s RADIO HOUR or IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY
The story begins when three lost souls receive an unexpected invitation to spend New Year’s Eve at Maison Dellamort: a remote seaside guest house with a peculiar yet magnetic host. With its original take on classic themes of unrequited love, mortality and deception, this distinctive musical experience transports audiences into a world laced with the iconic Theremin, Foley-style effects, and an original pop score.
The show can be cast from a range of age groups, and a diverse talent pool. The characters include the spellbinding Mr. Dellamort, perky Sue Grimshaw, alluring Rhonda Lipson, bemused Mina Thompson, and the hyper-active Barry Scott. The story is amplified by the wry commentary of the Narrator, enhanced by Foley style sound effects, and woven together by the mysterious sounds of a live Thereminist.
When the pandemic scuttled plans to product this live, the producers adapted the show to a radio play. The star-studded full audio recording can be heard on the BROADWAY PODCAST NETWORK. and you can find the distinctive score on the BROADWAY RECORDS CAST ALBUM.
The show is now ready to return to a live setting and the producers, MTTM Theatrics, are looking to partner with an originating theater to stage the show and to set the standard for future production.
More information about FALLING IN LOVE WITH MR. DELLAMORT can be found by clicking on following links or by contacting the producers at TheTeam@MTTMTheatrics.com.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE FOR FALLING IN LOVE WITH MR. DELLAMORT
PLAY THE ESCAPE ROOM GAME
BUY THE CAST ALBUM FROM BROADWAY RECORDS
STREAM THE ALBUM NOW ON SPOTIFY
FULL AUDIO MUSICAL ON THE BROADWAY PODCAST NETWORK
FOLLOW ON: INSTAGRAM @Dellamortmusical
CHECK OUT THE SHOWS PAGE ON FACEBOOK @Dellamortmusical
Hot Topics
THEATRE ACCESSIBILITY: HOW TO REACH MORE THEATRE LOVERS – Learn how making your theatre more accessible can not only extend your revenue, but your impact.
SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY TO MAKE U.K. PREMIERE - Jocelyn Bioh's play will play in 2023 at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
KEALA SETTLE, BOWEN YANG, MORE CAST IN WICKED FILMS - For the first time in the work's history, Nessarose will be played by a wheelchair user, newcomer Marissa Bode
RICE, RAPP, CRAVALHO, AND SPIVEY TO STAR IN MEAN GIRLS MOVIE MUSICAL - The MEAN GIRLS movie adaptation of the Broadway musical is on the way and initial casting has been revealed.
The Big Idea
2023 GUIDE TO THEATRE EDUCATION CONFERENCES: PART 1
It’s hard to believe that 2023 is almost here! To help get your New Year off to a great start, The Scene has put together the following 2023 Guide to Theatre Education Conferences: Part 1. The information listed below includes the most up to details on both state and national theatre education conferences. This guide is listed as Part 1 because many state conferences take place late in the year, those events which may have ended just a few weeks ago, have not selected a 2023 date or location yet. So, while you will have to wait until early summer to receive the second part of this guide, the majority of 2023 events from January thru June are listed below. We hope to see you at one or more of these wonderful events in 2023!
JANUARY 2023
MISSOURI STATE CONFERENCE
DATES: January 4-7, 2023
LOCATION: Marriott/Music Hall in Kansas City, MO
ABOUT: The 2023 Missouri State Conference will be held January 5th, 6th, and 7th at the Marriott/Music Hall in Kansas City, MO.
KANSAS THESPIAN FESTIVAL
DATES: January 5-7, 2023
LOCATION: Hyatt Regency in Wichita, KS
ABOUT: The Kansas Thespian Festival is a 3-day weekend in January where students participate in a number of activities, shows, and more.
WEB LINK: https://www.kansasthespians.com/
NEBRASKA STATE THESPIAN FESTIVAL
DATES: January 5-7, 2023
LOCATION: Holland Performing Arts Center in Omaha, Nebraska
ABOUT: State Thespian Festival! Shows, Workshops, Improv, Tech Challenge, Thespy Showcase events, College Callbacks and more!
WEB LINK: https://www.nebraskathespians.org/
NEW JERSEY THESPIAN FESTIVAL
DATES: January 7 & 8, 2023
LOCATION: Robbinsville High School in Trenton, New Jersey
ABOUT: New Jersey's LARGEST annual theatre event is the New Jersey Thespian Festival. Over the course of the two days, students are able to participate in various workshops (in areas of performance and technical theatre), compete in a variety of Individual and Group Events, audition for scholarships from colleges & universities, visit information booths and more.
WEB LINK: https://www.njthespians.org/
TEXAS THESPIANS EDUCATOR CONFERENCE
DATES: January 12-14, 2023
LOCATION: Hilton Dallas/Rockwall in Lakefront Rockwall, Texas
ABOUT: The Texas Thespians Educators Conference is an opportunity for Texas Educators to network with other educators, share ideas, attend master classes, and celebrate the excellent work they do as theater educators.
WEB LINK: http://www.texasthespians.org/
OKLAHOMA THESPIAN FESTIVAL
DATES: January 13-15, 2023
LOCATION: Southmoore High School in Moore, Oklahoma
ABOUT: A three-day event featuring workshops, college auditions, all state performance, one acts, play works, and more!
WEB LINK: http://www.okthespians.com/
VIRGINIA THESPIAN FESTIVAL
DATES: January 13-15, 2023
LOCATION: Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia
ABOUT: Event includes opportunities for student performers, designers, and leaders as well as Teacher networking and learning. Virginia's original high school theatre festival includes over 60 workshops delivered by Guest Artists from across the country, the Chapter Select One Act Festival, All-State Production, and mainstage performances.
WEB LINK: http://vathespian.org/
LOUISIANA THESPIAN FESTIVAL
DATES: January 20 & 21, 2023
LOCATION: Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana
ABOUT: Each January, students from across Louisiana attend the Louisiana State Thespian Festival, where they can audition for college scholarships, participate in classes, workshops, one-act performances, and network with 600+ students and directors from across the State. Join us at Northwestern University in Natchitoches, LA!
WEB LINK: http://www.louisianathespians.com/
INDIANA THESPIANS STATE CONFERENCE
DATES: January 20-22, 2023
LOCATION: St. Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana
ABOUT: Join us for our annual celebration of all thing’s theatre! With workshops, competitions, a keynote address, vendors, and more, there's something for every actor, designer, and technician!
WEB LINK: http://www.indianathespians.org/
FEBRUARY 2023
MONTANA THESPIAN FESTIVAL
DATES: February 2-4, 2023
LOCATION: University of Montana in Missoula, Montana
ABOUT: The Montana Thespian Festival includes a 45-minute Play Marathon with multiple workshops for students and adults to attend, including a banquet, scholarship, and awards ceremony.
WEB LINK: https://www.mthespians.com/
ARKANSAS STATE THESPIAN FESTIVAL
DATES: February 9-11, 2023
LOCATION: Russellville High School, in Russellville, Arkansas
WEB-LINK: http://www.arkansasthespians.org/
ALABAMA STATE THESPIAN FESTIVAL
DATES: February 17 & 18, 2023
LOCATION: Vestavia Hills High School in Vestavia Hills, Alabama
ABOUT: Join 1000 attendees on campus for workshops and Thespys!
WEB LINK: http://alabamathespians.com/
MISSISSIPPI THESCON
DATES: February 24 & 25, 2023
LOCATION: The Riley Center in Meridian, Mississippi
ABOUT: Mississippi's Chapter Festival includes Thespys, workshops, special guests, tech challenge, student leadership training, theatre teacher PDs, and a chapter select festival.
WEB LINK: https://www.msthespians.org/what-we-do
SOUTH CAROLINA THESPIAN FESTIVAL & PALMETTO DRAMATIC ASSOCIATION
DATES: February 24-26, 2023
LOCATION: University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg, South Carolina
ABOUT: A Combination of two festivals. Palmetto Dramatic Association One Act Play Festival and the South Carolina Thespians Festival.
WEB LINK: http://www.pdascits.org/
MARCH 2023
NEVADA THESPIAN STATE CONFERENCE
DATES: March 1-4, 2023
LOCATION: KO Knudson Academy of Arts in Las Vegas, Nevada
ABOUT: State Conference with workshops, Thespys Showcase, mainstage performances, guest artist performances, and more.
WEB LINK: http://www.nvthespians.org/
SOUTHEAST THEATRE CONFERENCE (SETC)
DATES: March 1-5, 2023
LOCATION: Central Bank Center in Lexington, KY
ABOUT: Southeast Theatre Conference (SETC) is one of the strongest and broadest network of theatre practitioners in the United States. SETC which covers Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, provides extensive resources and year-round opportunities including publications, products, career development opportunities, and its annual conference.
WEB LINK: https://www.setc.org/
NORTH CAROLINA THESPIAN FESTIVAL
DATES: March 10-12, 2023
LOCATION: East Carolina University in Greensboro, North Carolina
WEB LINK: http://www.ncthespians.org/nc-thespian-festival.html
March 30, 2023 @ 12:00 am - April 1, 2023 @ 12:00 am
UNITED STATES INSTITUTE FOR THEATRE TECHNOLOGY ANNUAL CONFERENCE & STAGE EXPO
DATES: March 15-18, 2023
LOCATION: America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis
ABOUT: USITT was founded in 1960 as an organization to promote dialogue, research, and learning among practitioners of theatre design and technology. USITT’s Annual Conference & Stage Expo draws together practitioners from all corners of entertainment and performing arts -- and with all levels of experience.
WEB LINK: https://s7.goeshow.com/usitt/annual/2023/about_USITT.cfm
CALIFORNIA STATE THESPIAN FESTIVAL
DATES: March 30 – April 1, 2023
LOCATION: Upland High School in Upland, California
ABOUT: Get ready for the best three days of high school theatre in California. The California State Thespian Festival features numerous performances presented by high school students from throughout the state. Students may participate in a variety of workshops led by theatre professionals, perform or view individual performance and tech events, audition for scholarships, shop for theatre merchandise, and hang out with 1000 other California Thespians.
WEB LINK: http://cetoweb.org/cst_festival/
WEST VIRGINIA THES-FEST
DATES: March 30 – April 1, 2023
LOCATION: West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia
ABOUT: West Virginia Thespians celebrates the best of high school theatre with One Acts, Performance and Technical Thespys, scholarships, workshops, and more!
WEB LINK: http://www.wvthespians.org/
APRIL 2023
OREGON THESPIANS STATE FESTIVAL
DATES: April 13-15, 2023
LOCATION: Salem Convention Center in Salem, Oregon
ABOUT: The State Festival is the signature event for Oregon Thespians. It is attended by over 1500 theatre students and teachers from around the state and features several main stage productions, dozens of one act plays, workshops and presentations.
KENNEDY CENTER AMERICAN COLLEGE THEATRE FESTIVAL
DATES: April 17-21, 2023
LOCATION: The Kennedy Center in Washington DC
ABOUT: The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) is a national theater program involving 18,000 students annually from colleges and universities across the country. KCACTF aims to: Encourage, recognize, and celebrate the finest and most diverse work produced in university and college theater programs; Provide opportunities for participants to develop their theater skills and insight, and achieve professionalism; Improve the quality of college and university theater in the United States; and Encourage colleges and universities to give distinguished productions of new plays, especially those written by students; the classics, revitalized or newly conceived; and experimental works.
JUNE 2023
AACT-FEST NATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
DATES: June 12-17, 2023
LOCATION: Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in Louisville, Kentucky
ABOUT: The American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) is pleased to announce AACTFest 2023, a celebration of theatre and a learning experience for those who take part, will be held in Louisville, Kentucky, June 12 – 17, 2023.
WEB LINK: https://aact.org/aactfest-2023
2023 INTERNATIONAL THESPIAN FESTIVAL
DATES: June 19 – 23, 2023
LOCATION: Indiana University at Bloomington, Indiana
ABOUT: The International Thespian Festival is an annual week-long theatre festival that brings together U.S. high school theatre clubs, thespian troupes, and programs from around the country.
WEB LINK: https://itf.schooltheatre.org
I'm curious why the listing of theatre conferences does not include any of the regional KCACTF conferences