Thespian Lifestyle

9 Theatre Conferences to Check Out in 2024

The theatre world is home to many different conferences and events that are designed to spread information and make you into a better theatre practitioner. It can be hard to get a good overview of the best ones out there. And that’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the greatest theatre conferences around the world in 2023, sorted chronologically!


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1. ATHE Annual Conference

Location: Austin, TX

Next Dates: August 3-6, 2023

The Association for Theatre in Higher Education hosts a yearly conference in which different themes are explored in depth. The theme of this year’s ATHE Conference➝ is “Building from the Rubble: Centering Care”. At this conference, you can expect an exciting range of discussions, workshops, and key-note speakers that are all designed to move you forward.


2. ETC International Theatre Conference

Location: Timisoara, Romania

Next Dates: November 9-12, 2023

The ETC International Theatre Conference➝ is held twice a year in different cities around Europe, and every year follows a different theme. Although this is a “closed” event for members of the theatre network and selected guests, it is possible to experience the conference with an exclusive invite. And if you’re lucky enough to attend, you’ll experience talks from international experts, panel discussions, networking, and performances!


3. MATC Mid-America Theatre Conference

Location: Madison, Wisconsin

Next Dates: March 7-10, 2024

The MATC➝ is an event-packed theatre conference that zones in on a different theme each year. This year’s conference is about “Impossible Theatre” and will focus on making the impossible possible.


4. NAMT Conferences

Location: Oklahoma City, OK

Next Dates: April 3-5, 2024

The National Alliance for Musical Theatre Conferences➝ take place in the spring and in the fall. These generally include a special performance and tour of the area, along with panels, speakers, networking, and parties!


5. Last Frontier Theatre Conference

Location: Valdez, Alaska

Next Dates: June 8 – 15, 2024

The Last Frontier Theatre Conference➝ has been taking place since 1993. Not only do the attendees catch great classes and inspirational stories from successful theatre artists, but they also get to attend special evening performances.


6. IFTR: The Stories We Tell

Location: Manilla, Philippines

Next Dates: July 15 – 19 2024

At the International Federation for Theatre Research➝ annual conference, different themes are discussed each year – and the theme for 2024 should be announced in the future!


7. EdTA National Conference

Location: St. Pete Beach, FL

Next Dates: September 26 – 28. 2024

The annual EdTA National Conference➝ hosts 500+ participants and is held in cities around the USA. The event is home to interesting keynote speakers, workshops, networking, and exciting professional development intensives.


8. American Society for Theatre Research Conference

Location: Seattle, Washington

Next Dates: November 14 – 17, 2024

The American Society for Theatre Research Conference➝ is an annual event in which theatre artists can explore a specific theme or issue. This conference offers a wide range of talks, performances, and activities.


9. Black Theatre Network Annual Conference

Location: TBD

Next Dates: TBD

The BTN Conference➝ focuses on strengthening the Black theatre community through the sharing of information, networking, master classes, workshops, and social gatherings. The conference is jam-packed with exciting events and takes place on a yearly basis.


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Know of any other great theatre conferences?

Or have you taken part in one of the above? We’d love to hear all about it in the comments below. And if you’re looking for other ways to develop your theatrical skills, you can always check out our extensive list of theatre degree and learning programs!


Stacy Karyn, Author of Theatre Conferences.
Author: Stacy Karyn

Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip, author of The Thespian’s Bucket List, and creator of The Cast Album List. She holds a BA in theatre, a TESOL drama certificate, and has worked and interned with Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.


 

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