10 Theatre Conferences to Check Out in 2025
Last Updated: May 6, 2025
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. For your convenience, here’s a list of some of the greatest theatre conferences around the world in 2025 and 2026, sorted chronologically!
1. ETC International Theatre Conference
Location: Athens, Greece
Next Dates: April 3-7, 2025
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!
2. NAMT Conferences
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Next Dates: April 9-11, 2025
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!
3. The Stage: Future of Theatre
Location: London, England
Next Dates: April 30, 2025
The Stage: Future of Theatre➝ is a theatre conference focused on addressing any pressing issues that the theatre industry faces. This year’s conference will focus on survival, taking on complicated themes such as free speech and crisis management.
4. Last Frontier Theatre Conference
Location: Valdez, Alaska
Next Dates: June 7-14, 2025
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.
5. IFTR 2025
Location: Cologne, Germany
Next Dates: June 9-13, 2025
At the International Federation for Theatre Research➝ annual conference, different themes are discussed each year – and the theme for 2025 should be announced in the future!
6. EdTA National Conference
Location: Bloomington, Indiana
Next Dates: June 22-24, 2025
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.
7. Black Theatre Network Annual Conference
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Next Dates: July 24-27, 2025
The BTN Conference➝ focuses on strengthening the Black theatre community through the sharing of information, master classes, workshops, and social gatherings. The conference is packed with exciting events and lots of great networking opportunities.
8. ATHE Annual Conference
Location: Atlanta, GA
Next Dates: July 28 – August 1, 2025
The Association for Theatre in Higher Education hosts an annual ATHE Conference➝ in which different themes are explored in depth. At each year’s conference, you can expect an exciting range of discussions, workshops, and key-note speakers that are all designed to move you forward.
9. American Society for Theatre Research Conference
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Next Dates: November 12-15, 2026
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.
10. MATC Mid-America Theatre Conference
Location: TBD
Next Dates: TBD
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.
Want to stay in the loop with all things related to musical theatre?
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!
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 and a TESOL drama certificate, with experience working and interning in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.
