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Friday, October 25
 

7:00am EDT

High School Theatre Festival Open Tech Time
Friday October 25, 2024 7:00am - 8:00am EDT
Speakers
CW

Casey Worley

Director of the High School Theatre Festival, Virginia Theatre Association
Friday October 25, 2024 7:00am - 8:00am EDT
E10ABC Theater 1 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

7:00am EDT

High School Theatre Festival Open Tech Time
Friday October 25, 2024 7:00am - 8:00am EDT
Speakers
CW

Casey Worley

Director of the High School Theatre Festival, Virginia Theatre Association
Friday October 25, 2024 7:00am - 8:00am EDT
E11ABC Theater 2 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

7:00am EDT

Check-In and Registration
Friday October 25, 2024 7:00am - 11:00am EDT
When you arrive, you must stop by the Check-In Tables before attending any conference events.
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Pettengill

Sarah Pettengill

Conference Manager, Virginia Theatre Association
Sarah holds a B.S. in Theatre with a minor in Business Management from Radford University. She currently supervises the front desk of the Highlander Hotel in Radford, VA. Sarah's directing credits include The Liddy Plays and Silent Sky. While her sound design credits include The Liar... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 7:00am - 11:00am EDT
B15 Lobby 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

8:00am EDT

High School Design Competition
Friday October 25, 2024 8:00am - 6:00pm EDT
Design Competition
Upon your arrival to the conference, place your design in the alcoves of the E22-E25 Hallway in the designated spots for Costume Designs or Scenic Designs.
Load-in starts Wednesday at Noon and all designs will be on display throughout the entirety of the conference.Your design must be in the Design Display area no later than 5pm on Friday for closed adjudication.
Adjudicator Feedback takes place on Saturday in the alcoves at 11am.
Speakers
avatar for Christopher Otwell

Christopher Otwell

Assoc. Professor of Design/Technical Director, University of Lynchburg
Christopher Otwell is an Associate Professor of Design and the Technical Director at University of Lynchburg. Select scenic designs include: Clue, Pride and Prejudice, You Can't Take it with You, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, The Liar, The Great American Trailer... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 8:00am - 6:00pm EDT
E22-E25 Alcoves 403 North 3rd Street

8:30am EDT

Festival Warm Up and Post Mortem Rooms
Friday October 25, 2024 8:30am - 8:00pm EDT
Expectations for These Rooms:These rooms are provided to give schools a place to gather before your performance and warm up & in the case of groups not staying in the hotel, put finishing touches on costumes and makeup. Although actual costume changing should occur in the restrooms located at the end of the hallways (see map)
  • You may leave items in these rooms as you will be coming back to the room, but you shouldn’t leave valuables as we can’t guarantee we will have interns/volunteers available to monitor rooms.
  • DIRECTORS & CAST/CREW  and REGISTERED CHAPERONES ONLY ARE ALLOWED IN THE ROOM- this is not intended as a gathering space for family/friends coming to see your show!
  • We ask that you closely follow these timelines (even if there isn’t another school coming in immediately before or after your time in the room) in the spirit of fairness.
  • Fifteen minutes before your scheduled performance time your group needs to go line up OUTSIDE the holding room and wait for the Holding Room Manager to bring you in.
  • You will be loading your set out to the same location you loaded in IMMEDIATELY following your performance. You may want to coordinate parent volunteers and crew to assist with this if you have opted to have a Post Mortem as that will take place BACK IN YOUR WARM-UP ROOM, for the last 15 minutes you have the space.
  • MONOLOGUE ROOM IS ON THIS SAME HALL!! PLEASE KEEP NOISE LEVEL IN HALL DOWN


Friday October 25, 2024 8:30am - 8:00pm EDT
E24A 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

8:30am EDT

Festival Warm Up and Post Mortem Rooms
Friday October 25, 2024 8:30am - 8:00pm EDT

Expectations for These Rooms:These rooms are provided to give schools a place to gather before your performance and warm up & in the case of groups not staying in the hotel, put fishing touches on costumes and makeup. Although actual costume changing should occur in the restrooms located at the end of the hallways (see map)
  • You may leave items in these rooms as you will be coming back to the room, but you shouldn’t leave valuables as we can’t guarantee we will have interns/volunteers available to monitor rooms.
  • DIRECTORS & CAST/CREW  and REGISTERED CHAPERONES ONLY ARE ALLOWED IN THE ROOM- this is not intended as a gathering space for family/friends coming to see your show!
  • We ask that you closely follow these timelines (even if there isn’t another school coming in immediately before or after your time in the room) in the spirit of fairness.
  • Ten minutes before your scheduled performance time your group needs to go line up OUTSIDE the holding room and wait for the Holding Room Manager to bring you in. 
  • You will be loading your set out to the same location you loaded in IMMEDIATELY following your performance. You may want to coordinate parent volunteers and crew to assist with this if you have opted to have a Post Mortem as that will take place BACK IN YOUR WARM-UP ROOM, for the last 15 minutes you have the space.
  • MONOLOGUE ROOM IS ON THIS SAME HALL!! PLEASE KEEP NOISE LEVEL IN HALL DOWN

THIS IS A NEW OFFERING! PLEASE RESPECT THESE ROOMS AND THE TIMES!

Friday October 25, 2024 8:30am - 8:00pm EDT
E23B 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

8:30am EDT

Festival Warm Up and Post Mortem Rooms
Friday October 25, 2024 8:30am - 8:00pm EDT
Expectations for These Rooms:
These rooms are provided to give schools a place to gather before your performance and warm up & in the case of groups not staying in the hotel, put fishing touches on costumes and makeup. Although actual costume changing should occur in the restrooms located at the end of the hallways (see map)
  • You may leave items in these rooms as you will be coming back to the room, but you shouldn’t leave valuables as we can’t guarantee we will have interns/volunteers available to monitor rooms.
  • DIRECTORS & CAST/CREW  and REGISTERED CHAPERONES ONLY ARE ALLOWED IN THE ROOM- this is not intended as a gathering space for family/friends coming to see your show!
  • We ask that you closely follow these timelines (even if there isn’t another school coming in immediately before or after your time in the room) in the spirit of fairness.
  • Ten minutes before your scheduled performance time your group needs to go line up OUTSIDE the holding room and wait for the Holding Room Manager to bring you in.
  • You will be loading your set out to the same location you loaded in IMMEDIATELY following your performance. You may want to coordinate parent volunteers and crew to assist with this if you have opted to have a Post Mortem as that will take place BACK IN YOUR WARM-UP ROOM, for the last 15 minutes you have the space.
  • MONOLOGUE ROOM IS ON THIS SAME HALL!! PLEASE KEEP NOISE LEVEL IN HALL DOWN

THIS IS A NEW OFFERING! PLEASE RESPECT THESE ROOMS AND THE TIMES!

Friday October 25, 2024 8:30am - 8:00pm EDT
E23A 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

8:30am EDT

Festival Warm Up and Post Mortem Rooms
Friday October 25, 2024 8:30am - 8:00pm EDT
Warm Up - Post Mortem Room Schedule


Expectations for These Rooms:
These rooms are provided to give schools a place to gather before your performance and warm up & in the case of groups not staying in the hotel, put fishing touches on costumes and makeup. Although actual costume changing should occur in the restrooms located at the end of the hallways (see map)
  • You may leave items in these rooms as you will be coming back to the room, but you shouldn’t leave valuables as we can’t guarantee we will have interns/volunteers available to monitor rooms.
  • DIRECTORS & CAST/CREW  and REGISTERED CHAPERONES ONLY ARE ALLOWED IN THE ROOM- this is not intended as a gathering space for family/friends coming to see your show!
  • We ask that you closely follow these timelines (even if there isn’t another school coming in immediately before or after your time in the room) in the spirit of fairness.
  • Ten minutes before your scheduled performance time your group needs to go line up OUTSIDE the holding room and wait for the Holding Room Manager to bring you in. 
  • You will be loading your set out to the same location you loaded in IMMEDIATELY following your performance. You may want to coordinate parent volunteers and crew to assist with this if you have opted to have a Post Mortem as that will take place BACK IN YOUR WARM-UP ROOM, for the last 15 minutes you have the space.
  • MONOLOGUE ROOM IS ON THIS SAME HALL!! PLEASE KEEP NOISE LEVEL IN HALL DOWN

THIS IS A NEW OFFERING! PLEASE RESPECT THESE ROOMS AND THE TIMES!

Friday October 25, 2024 8:30am - 8:00pm EDT
E25B 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

8:30am EDT

Festival Warm Up and Post Mortem Rooms
Friday October 25, 2024 8:30am - 8:00pm EDT
Warm Up - Post Mortem Room Schedule
Expectations for These Rooms:
These rooms are provided to give schools a place to gather before your performance and warm up & in the case of groups not staying in the hotel, put fishing touches on costumes and makeup. Although actual costume changing should occur in the restrooms located at the end of the hallways (see map)
  • You may leave items in these rooms as you will be coming back to the room, but you shouldn’t leave valuables as we can’t guarantee we will have interns/volunteers available to monitor rooms.
  • DIRECTORS & CAST/CREW  and REGISTERED CHAPERONES ONLY ARE ALLOWED IN THE ROOM- this is not intended as a gathering space for family/friends coming to see your show!
  • We ask that you closely follow these timelines (even if there isn’t another school coming in immediately before or after your time in the room) in the spirit of fairness.
  • Ten minutes before your scheduled performance time your group needs to go line up OUTSIDE the holding room and wait for the Holding Room Manager to bring you in. 
  • You will be loading your set out to the same location you loaded in IMMEDIATELY following your performance. You may want to coordinate parent volunteers and crew to assist with this if you have opted to have a Post Mortem as that will take place BACK IN YOUR WARM-UP ROOM, for the last 15 minutes you have the space.
  • MONOLOGUE ROOM IS ON THIS SAME HALL!! PLEASE KEEP NOISE LEVEL IN HALL DOWN

THIS IS A NEW OFFERING! PLEASE RESPECT THESE ROOMS AND THE TIMES!

Friday October 25, 2024 8:30am - 8:00pm EDT
E24B 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

8:30am EDT

Festival Warm Up and Post Mortem Rooms
Friday October 25, 2024 8:30am - 8:00pm EDT
Expectations for These Rooms:
These rooms are provided to give schools a place to gather before your performance and warm up & in the case of groups not staying in the hotel, put fishing touches on costumes and makeup. Although actual costume changing should occur in the restrooms located at the end of the hallways (see map)
  • You may leave items in these rooms as you will be coming back to the room, but you shouldn’t leave valuables as we can’t guarantee we will have interns/volunteers available to monitor rooms.
  • DIRECTORS & CAST/CREW  and REGISTERED CHAPERONES ONLY ARE ALLOWED IN THE ROOM- this is not intended as a gathering space for family/friends coming to see your show!
  • We ask that you closely follow these timelines (even if there isn’t another school coming in immediately before or after your time in the room) in the spirit of fairness.
  • Ten minutes before your scheduled performance time your group needs to go line up OUTSIDE the holding room and wait for the Holding Room Manager to bring you in. 
  • You will be loading your set out to the same location you loaded in IMMEDIATELY following your performance. You may want to coordinate parent volunteers and crew to assist with this if you have opted to have a Post Mortem as that will take place BACK IN YOUR WARM-UP ROOM, for the last 15 minutes you have the space.
  • MONOLOGUE ROOM IS ON THIS SAME HALL!! PLEASE KEEP NOISE LEVEL IN HALL DOWN

THIS IS A NEW OFFERING! PLEASE RESPECT THESE ROOMS AND THE TIMES!

Friday October 25, 2024 8:30am - 8:00pm EDT
E25A 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

9:00am EDT

NEW to VTA Check-In
Friday October 25, 2024 9:00am - 9:30am EDT
Speakers
avatar for Matt Armentrout

Matt Armentrout

Vice President, VTA
Matthew Armentrout teaches theatre at Chancellor High School in Spotsylvania County. He has been teaching for sixteen years which includes three years of teaching theatre at H.H. Poole Middle School in Stafford County. Matthew received his Undergraduate degree in Theatre Education... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 9:00am - 9:30am EDT
B11 Open Studio 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

9:00am EDT

Experiencing Your Voice
Friday October 25, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Through play and experimentation, we will experience voice and speech fundamentals. You will enhance your awareness of vocal anatomy and vocal health, and experience how voice and speech skills can create a foundation for vocal characterization and accents.
Speakers
avatar for Marc Williams

Marc Williams

University of Mary Washington
Marc is an Assistant Professor of Theatre at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA, where he teaches voice, accents, acting, and directing. His professional work includes extensive credits as a director and voice/accent coach. He is an Associate Teacher of Fitzmaurice... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
B12 Classroom 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

9:00am EDT

Leveling Up!
Friday October 25, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
This movement-based workshop will explore Jacques Lecoq’s Seven Levels of Tension. Participants will investigate each level up on their feet, and then explore how the seven levels can help create character, as well as rhythm and dynamics in scene work. Come ready to move and explore!
Speakers
avatar for Molly Hood

Molly Hood

Associate Professor of Theatre, Radford University
Molly Hood is an actress, text coach, director, and educator who currently serves as an Associate Professor of Theatre at Radford University. Her directing credits include: Silent Sky, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Trojan Women, Wonder of the World, The Tragedy of Macbeth, Junie B. in... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
B17 Open Studio 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

9:00am EDT

Secondary Monologue Competitions
Friday October 25, 2024 9:00am - 4:00pm EDT

Friday October 25, 2024 9:00am - 4:00pm EDT
E22A 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

9:00am EDT

Get Your VTA & Conference Merch
Friday October 25, 2024 9:00am - 5:00pm EDT
Pre-Ordered Merchandise can be picked up from the Check-In Tables.
Get your on-site merch from Shirts on Site.
Sponsors
avatar for Shirts On Site

Shirts On Site

Shirts On Site Inc. is a custom apparel company based out of Wayzata, MN. We offer a variety of unique printing and embroidery services to provide you with personalized, quality designs. Partner with us for your event and we will come to you! Visit our website for more info.
Friday October 25, 2024 9:00am - 5:00pm EDT
B15 Lobby 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

9:25am EDT

Fredericksburg Academy Presents: Dark Road
Friday October 25, 2024 9:25am - 10:10am EDT
When Greta, a young girl living in Nazi Germany, reads that the nearby women's concentration camp is hiring guards, she sees it as a chance to find her place in the world and provide for her sister Lise. But soon she learns the reality of her duties, and so too does she learn how to justify her crimes, heading further and further down the dark road laid by the Third Reich. Kind-hearted Lise is shocked at what her sister becomes, and though the two drift apart, their fates remain inextricably and dangerously linked. A powerful drama about the choices that allow evil to become ordinary.

CONTENT WARNING: Slapping, hitting, pushing, derogatory comments, heavy content
Speakers
avatar for Todd Pristas

Todd Pristas

Director, Fredericksburg Academy
Todd Pristas graduated from the University of Waynesburg, PA with a B.A. in Elementary Education and moved to Virginia to begin his teaching career. After spending his early years in the Elementary School, Todd made a change in his career path and has been the Theater Director at... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 9:25am - 10:10am EDT
E11ABC Theater 2 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

9:25am EDT

Monticello High School Presents: An Amateur’s Guide to Questing
Friday October 25, 2024 9:25am - 10:10am EDT
When an odd doctor and a strange professor experiment with creating a life-like dream for a willing volunteer, many hilarious adventures ensue.
Speakers
avatar for Hanna Rahilly

Hanna Rahilly

Drama Teacher, Monticello High School
Greetings! My education includes a BA in Theatre from Scripps College and The Theatre Department for the Claremont Colleges, an MFA in Acting from UC Davis, and one year studying in London through the Marymount London Drama Program. I’ve taught theatre at the community college... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 9:25am - 10:10am EDT
E10ABC Theater 1 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

9:30am EDT

Food Court Open
Friday October 25, 2024 9:30am - 1:30pm EDT
Friday October 25, 2024 9:30am - 1:30pm EDT
Food Court 403 North 3rd Street

10:20am EDT

Amherst County High School Presents: ROMEO AND JULIET : SIX VERY BUSY DAYS
Friday October 25, 2024 10:20am - 11:05am EDT
EVERYONE KNOWS THE STORY OF ROMEO AND JULIET, BUT FEW REALIZE THAT THE “GREATEST LOVE STORY OF ALL TIME” TAKES PLACE ONLY OVER SIX DAYS. THAT’S RIGHT! ROMEO AND JULIET FALL IN LOVE, MARRY AND DIE ALL WITHIN SIX DAYS OF MEETING EACH OTHER! ROMEO AND JULIET: SIX VERY BUSY DAYS REIMAGINES THE ICONIC STAR-CROSS’D LOVERS. FARCICALLY IRREVERENT YET SURPRISINGLY FAITHFUL TO SHAKESPEARE’S LANGUAGE AND STORYLINE, THIS PLAY BLURS THE LINE BETWEEN SLAPSTICK AND EDUCATIONAL DRAMA THE SAME WAY ROMEO AND JULIET BLURS THE LINE BETWEEN COMEDY AND TRAGEDY.
Speakers
avatar for Patricia Emmert

Patricia Emmert

teacher, Amherst County High School
This is my 24th year as a theatre teacher.  I love teaching theatre-however I'm not in love with the direction education is headed.  I believe theatre is one of the few subjects that challenges and prepares students for real life events.
Friday October 25, 2024 10:20am - 11:05am EDT
E10ABC Theater 1 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

10:20am EDT

Lafayette High School Presents: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Friday October 25, 2024 10:20am - 11:05am EDT
Set in the mid – 1920s, this enchanting story follows Edward Tulane, as he embarks on a transformative journey that lasts over two decades. When Edward is accidentally thrown overboard into the sea, his real adventure begins. Encountering a diverse array of people and situations, he learns profound lessons about love, loss and the importance of relationships. It is a poignant tale that invites the audience to reflect on the values that truly matter in life.
Speakers
avatar for Suzan McCorry

Suzan McCorry

VTA Board Member/ Theatre Director, Lafayette High School
Friday October 25, 2024 10:20am - 11:05am EDT
E11ABC Theater 2 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

10:30am EDT

Basic Theatrical Firearms Safety
Friday October 25, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Suitable for a production safety talk or for more hands on training of theatrical firearms. This class is tailor made to your needs and covers the basics of safety and protocol for using functional or nonfunctional theatrical firearms in your theatre.
Exhibitors
avatar for Noble Blades

Noble Blades

The Noble Blades
Ian Claar is a fight choreographer, intimacy choreographer, lighting designer, and teaching artist based in Northern Virginia. He has been actively involved in the performing arts community for the past 17 years throughout Virginia’s educational, community, regional theatres. He... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
B11 Open Studio 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

10:30am EDT

Circus Skills
Friday October 25, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Roll up! Roll up! Did you ever want to learn how to juggle, platespin, unicycle, diabolo and stilt walk? How about all at the same time? NO?? What's wrong with you? Lol. Turn up and leave better than when you arrived, by learning the basics of circus skills. Perhaps leave the conference, hop a train and join a nearby touring troupe. Big Top not included. Warning - you might have fun!
Speakers
avatar for Kenneth Gibson

Kenneth Gibson

Director, Harrisonburg High School
Friday October 25, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
B19 Open Studio 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

10:30am EDT

Creating & Painting with Cut Rollers
Friday October 25, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
When working as a painter, you often need to create repetitive 2D shapes or patterns. We will discuss options and various techniques including cut rollers. Each participant will create and take home a custom cut roller.
Pre-registration is required for participation in the craft portion of this workshop. The first 16 registrants will be provided with materials. Observation seating will be available.
Speakers
avatar for Jessica Hightower

Jessica Hightower

Scenic Design Fellow, Shenandoah Conservatory Theatre Program
Jessica Lynn Hightower has worked as a scenic fabricator and designer in various venues in Texas, South Carolina, Ohio, Montana, Virginia, and New York. Jessica received her Master of Fine Arts in Scenic Design in 2023 and is currently working as the Paint Shop Supervisor & Adjunct... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
B16 Tech & Design Studio 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

10:30am EDT

Lights, Camera, Action - The Screen Test
Friday October 25, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
This workshop will explore the differences between stage acting and film acting through an exploration of the "screen test". A step by step approach will be taught to allow for ease and execution of the technique for students. Please know that students will be recorded and then provided feedback after watching performances on video.
Speakers
avatar for Jonathan Rogers

Jonathan Rogers

Performing Arts Specialist, Loudoun County Public Schools
Mr. Rogers currently serves at the Theatre Arts Supervisor of Loudoun County Public Schools after a successful teaching career that includes teaching in New York, Los Angeles and throughout the DMV he now spends most of his time developing new teachers, teaching masterclasses or performing... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
B17 Open Studio 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

10:30am EDT

Stage Lighting Demystified: Skittles Bring Lights to Life!
Friday October 25, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Lights bring everything to life on stage even skittles but there is much more.  If you are interested lighting this is the workshop for you.  Learn the basics of color theory, LED vs Gel, the transformative power of lighting, and see what lights can do for the actor, props, the set, and much more.
Speakers
avatar for Scott Chapman

Scott Chapman

Associate Professor of Theatre; Resident Scenic & Lighting Designer, Longwood University
About Longwood University Theatre:In the Theatre Program at Longwood University, you will work productively, creatively, and collaboratively in multiple disciplines through educational, professional, and production experiences. Through individualized mentorships with faculty, you... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
B14 U-Shaped 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

10:30am EDT

Storytelling in 3D
Friday October 25, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Speakers
avatar for Steve Paceck

Steve Paceck

Steve Pacek is a multi-hyphenate theatre artist originally from Philadelphia, PA. As an actor, he has appeared off-Broadway, on television and at numerous theaters across the country, from Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia to The Alley in Houston to PCPA in California. Steve... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
B13 Circle of Chairs 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

10:30am EDT

Working With Student Stage Managers
Friday October 25, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
How do I work with my student stage managers in productions?  Am I giving them too much work?  Not enough?  How do I prepare my students for college and life in the profession?  This interactive Q&A workshop will help middle and high school educators empower their young stage managers and give them the best opportunities in rehearsals and performances.
Speakers
SB

Stacy Blackburn

Virginia Tech
Friday October 25, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
B12 Classroom 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

11:00am EDT

Let America Be, A Devised Piece
Friday October 25, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Speakers
RS

Rick St. Peter

Virginia Union University
Exhibitors
Friday October 25, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
E21ABC 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

11:00am EDT

3 Hour Playwriting Festival Workshop
Friday October 25, 2024 11:00am - 2:00pm EDT
What happens when you reduce a 24 hour theatre project to 3 hours?! Genius and chaos! Writers and writing teams will create a 10 minute play (no more than four characters) based on a prompt, then the directors and performers take over to produce these new works, and will deal with some unique team challenges along the way. Sign up as a playwright, director, or performer (or"mixed bag" and see where the fates put you!) and create one of a kind magic that can only happen at VTA!
Speakers
avatar for Corey Holmes

Corey Holmes

Director of Education, The Wayne Theatre

Friday October 25, 2024 11:00am - 2:00pm EDT
B10 Lecture Hall 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

11:15am EDT

EC Glass High School Presents: Our Place
Friday October 25, 2024 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT
Characters from different walks of life encounter big and little life-changing moments on the dock of a lake they think is their own special place.

CONTENT WARNING: This production portrays a staged accident which may be triggering to some.
Speakers
avatar for Allison Daugherty

Allison Daugherty

Director/Teacher, EC Glass High School
Actor, teacher, director for Glass Theatre with kids I love.
Friday October 25, 2024 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT
E11ABC Theater 2 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

11:15am EDT

Warhill High School Presents: THE BALLAD OF MARIA MARTEN
Friday October 25, 2024 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT
A thrilling retelling of a real-life murder mystery. 'It's been a year since I died, and still nobody has found me'. Summer, 1827 In a red barn in Suffolk, Maria Marten awaits her lover. A year later, hidden in a grain sack under the floor of the barn, Maria's body is found, barely identifiable. And the manhunt begins. The Red Barn Murder had all the hallmarks of a classic crime drama: a missing body, a country location, a disreputable squire and a village stuck in its age-old traditions, but whilst
sending shock waves throughout the country, Maria's own story was lost. The Ballad of Maria Marten rediscovers her story, bringing it back to vivid, urgent life.

CONTENT WARNING: Themes of Domestic Abuse, Themes of Physical/Psychological Abuse, Gore Details, Flashing Lights, Gore Makeup, Sudden Loud Noises
Speakers
avatar for Jacob Noble

Jacob Noble

Theatre Director, Warhill High School
 Jake graduated with a BA in Theatre Education from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Jake  has taught theatre workshops and classes in acting, musical theatre, directing, technical theatre, movement, and Shakespeare with Indiana Repertory Theatre and Cornerstone Center... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT
E10ABC Theater 1 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

12:00pm EDT

Create Your Own Gobo
Friday October 25, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Participants will learn a brief overview of the purpose and use of gobos in live entertainment. They will then make their own gobo in a hands on workshop using Metal sheeting and nails to etch in a design. The projects will be soaked in solution overnight and can be picked up from the conference check in table the next day.
Supplies are limited. The first 12 participants will be able to participate in the hands on project. Additional folks may watch.
Speakers
avatar for Jessica Hightower

Jessica Hightower

Scenic Design Fellow, Shenandoah Conservatory Theatre Program
Jessica Lynn Hightower has worked as a scenic fabricator and designer in various venues in Texas, South Carolina, Ohio, Montana, Virginia, and New York. Jessica received her Master of Fine Arts in Scenic Design in 2023 and is currently working as the Paint Shop Supervisor & Adjunct... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
B16 Tech & Design Studio 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

12:00pm EDT

Dance for Musical Theatre
Friday October 25, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Speakers
avatar for Deon Ridley

Deon Ridley

DEON RIDLEY IS Musical Theatre  VETERAN PERFORMER who has performed both on and off Broadway. His Broadway Credits includes The Lion King  and A Christmas Carol starring Frank Langella at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden  and the Broadway tour of Chicago the Musical ! In 2001... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
B11 Open Studio 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

12:00pm EDT

Dare to Devise: Ensemble-Based Theatre Exploration
Friday October 25, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Dare to Devise' introduces participants to devised theatre, focusing on ensemble-based projects and productions. The workshop guides participants from a single creative impulse, interest, topic, or text to the development of a cohesive narrative shaped from multiple perspectives.

Through physical, vocal, and improvisational exercises, participants engage in artistic exploration that emphasizes constructive dialogue, cultural enrichment, and methods for change or conflict resolution. Whether aimed at community impact or ensemble building, this workshop fosters collaboration and collective storytelling.

The workshop is two-fold: explorative and pedagogical.
Speakers
avatar for Brittney S. Harris

Brittney S. Harris

Assistant Professor of Applied Theatre, Virginia Tech
Brittney S. Harris, M.F.A., is an Assistant Professor of Applied Theatre in the College of Art and Architecture at Virginia Tech. Her expertise encompasses Race and Performance, Performance as Activism, and Devised Community-Engaged Theatre. Her creative scholarship is informed by... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
B13 Circle of Chairs 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

12:00pm EDT

Performing Choreo
Friday October 25, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Focuses on the nuances performers can give to choreography that really brings it to life, even if a nondancer.
Speakers
avatar for Katherine (Katie) Holland

Katherine (Katie) Holland

Adjunct Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University
Katie Holland is an Adjunct Professor at VCU and Brightpoint Community College.  She has 9 years of Summer Stock experience and 21 years of dance training.
Friday October 25, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
B17 Open Studio 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

12:00pm EDT

Song Improv!
Friday October 25, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Speakers
avatar for Rachel Dean

Rachel Dean

Rachel Dean is an NYC-based composer, pianist, and music director. She is a rehearsal pianist for Hamilton and Moulin Rouge on Broadway as well as a staff pianist at NYU Steinhardt. An ASCAP award recipient, Rachel has had her work performed in New York, Tokyo, Miami, Ohio... Read More →
avatar for Ian LeRoy

Ian LeRoy

Music Director, Creede Repertory Theatre
Ian LeRoy is an NYC-based music director, pianist, and vocal coach. Favorite credits include Once Upon a Rhyme (NYU Tisch Drama Stage), She Loves Me (Creede Repertory Theatre), West Side Story (Bigfork Summer Playhouse), Jesus Christ Superstar (Near West Theatre), Spring... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
B18 Open Studio 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

12:00pm EDT

Theatre on a Dime
Friday October 25, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Participants will learn through lecture and conversation about ways to create beautiful works of theatre art with a limited or nonexistent budget. This workshop will offer ideas for lowering costs without sacrificing art or safety, provide local resources, and participants will learn that in stretching a budget, sometimes better art is created. They will also learn how to pull together volunteers and use resources to have a collaborative and DIY nature to their theatre practice.
Speakers
avatar for Heather Wallen

Heather Wallen

Founding Artistic Director, The Roving Peregrine Theatre Company
Heather Lee Wallen is a multidisciplinary theater artist currently residing in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. She is the founder and Artistic Director of The Roving Peregrine Theatre Company at The Black Box Arts Center in Shepherdstown, WV. She is passionate about not only... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
B12 Classroom 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

1:00pm EDT

Check-In and Registration
Friday October 25, 2024 1:00pm - 6:30pm EDT
When you arrive, you must stop by the Check-In Tables before attending any conference events.
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Pettengill

Sarah Pettengill

Conference Manager, Virginia Theatre Association
Sarah holds a B.S. in Theatre with a minor in Business Management from Radford University. She currently supervises the front desk of the Highlander Hotel in Radford, VA. Sarah's directing credits include The Liddy Plays and Silent Sky. While her sound design credits include The Liar... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 1:00pm - 6:30pm EDT
B15 Lobby 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

1:30pm EDT

Atlee High School Presents: Silent Sky
Friday October 25, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
This is the story of Henrietta Leavitt, one of the first female astronomers, as she navigates questions of life, faith, and the actual size of the universe…

CONTENT WARNING: Mild adult language.  Use of laser projectors. (No strobe)
Speakers
avatar for Charles Wax

Charles Wax

Instuctor, Atlee High School
Charles A. Wax has been performing in the Richmond area for nearly 30 years, having most recently appeared in Henrico Theatre Company’s The Outsider as Arthur Vance. Other favorite roles include George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,  Basil in The Diviners... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
E11ABC Theater 2 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

1:30pm EDT

Turner Ashby High School Presents: A Wrinkle In Time adapted from the novel by Morgan Gould
Friday October 25, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
"One of literature's most enduring young heroines, Meg Murry, is back -- stubbornness and all. She's joining forces with Mrs Whatsit, Charles Wallace, Calvin O'Keefe and more to battle the forces of evil so she can rescue her father, save humanity and find herself. In the end, we know two things for sure: 1. Love CAN overcome evil and 2. There IS such a thing as a tesseract."

CONTENT WARNING: Strobe for flashing and sounds that may be triggering
Speakers
avatar for Cecille Deason

Cecille Deason

Theatre Teacher & Director, Turner Ashby High School
Cecille Deason has a BA in Theatre from Tulane University, a Meisner Certificate from The Acting Studio, Inc. in New York City and a Master of Arts in Theatre from UTEP. She spent five years acting, directing and producing theatre in New York City. She has taught high school theatre... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
E10ABC Theater 1 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

1:30pm EDT

Auditioning in NYC and Beyond!
Friday October 25, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Speakers
avatar for Ian LeRoy

Ian LeRoy

Music Director, Creede Repertory Theatre
Ian LeRoy is an NYC-based music director, pianist, and vocal coach. Favorite credits include Once Upon a Rhyme (NYU Tisch Drama Stage), She Loves Me (Creede Repertory Theatre), West Side Story (Bigfork Summer Playhouse), Jesus Christ Superstar (Near West Theatre), Spring... Read More →
avatar for Rachel Dean

Rachel Dean

Rachel Dean is an NYC-based composer, pianist, and music director. She is a rehearsal pianist for Hamilton and Moulin Rouge on Broadway as well as a staff pianist at NYU Steinhardt. An ASCAP award recipient, Rachel has had her work performed in New York, Tokyo, Miami, Ohio... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
B14 U-Shaped 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

1:30pm EDT

Building Scenery on a Budget
Friday October 25, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Join Our Workshop: Building Scenery on a Budget

Mounting a show can be a creative challenge, especially when you're working within a tight budget—something we all face! Building Scenery on a Budget is a hands-on workshop that explores cost-effective strategies for scenic design and construction, offering real-world solutions without compromising on quality.

What You’ll Learn:

Tackling Rising Material Costs
Get tips on how to navigate the ever-increasing costs of building materials while keeping your production on track.

Engineering Scenery on a Budget
Learn to value-engineer your designs without falling into common pitfalls that could impact safety or aesthetic quality.

Balancing Materials vs. Labor
Discover how to find the right balance between material costs and labor investments to maximize your resources.

Exploring Donations, Sponsors, and Building Stock
Find out how to tap into local networks for donations and sponsorships, and how to build and maintain a stock of reusable scenic pieces.

Collaborations and Rentals
Build relationships with other theatres for potential collaborations, scene-sharing, and renting equipment or materials to stretch your budget further.

Hands-On Creative Problem Solving:
Participants will work together to tackle common budget challenges with innovative solutions, applying the lessons from the workshop to real-world scenarios.

Who Should Attend?
This workshop is ideal for set designers, technical directors, production managers, and anyone involved in creating theatre on a budget.

Sign up today and discover how to make your scenic dreams a reality without breaking the bank!
Speakers
avatar for David Steinmetz

David Steinmetz

Technical Director / Associate Professor, Shenandoah University
David Steinmetz has over 35 years of professional experience as a Technical Director in the entertainment industry and education. A lifelong love of learning and building has propelled David to transform vision into reality for a wide variety of client’s time and time again. Some... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
B12 Classroom 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

1:30pm EDT

Come Sing, Come Dance, Come Act
Friday October 25, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
If you are searching for a university where you will have an opportunity to experience the "whole" theatre-take a look at Longwood University.  Come join us for a workshop filled with acting, singing, dancing, and peek into the technical side of theatre.
Speakers
avatar for Ronda Scarrow

Ronda Scarrow

Assistant Professor of Theatre, Longwood University
Dr. Ronda Scarrow is an Associate Professor in the Theatre, Art, and Graphic Design and Animation Department at Longwood University.  She currently serves as the Program Coordinator for Theatre, Theatre Education, and Liberal Studies.  Currently she is the University Representative... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
B13 Circle of Chairs 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

1:30pm EDT

Found Object Puppet Creation
Friday October 25, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
In this workshop participants will have a chance to create a rod puppet out of cardboard and found objects. They will then learn to use the puppet they have created to write and perform short group skits or an independent monologue.
Speakers
avatar for Heather Wallen

Heather Wallen

Founding Artistic Director, The Roving Peregrine Theatre Company
Heather Lee Wallen is a multidisciplinary theater artist currently residing in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. She is the founder and Artistic Director of The Roving Peregrine Theatre Company at The Black Box Arts Center in Shepherdstown, WV. She is passionate about not only... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
B16 Tech & Design Studio 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

1:30pm EDT

Intro to Stage Combat - Swordplay Basics
Friday October 25, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
This is an on-your-feet class that steps through the basics of Single Sword Stage Combat. Based in Italian Fence, this class will teach techniques of swordplay as well as the context of violence in a theatrical setting.
Exhibitors
avatar for Noble Blades

Noble Blades

The Noble Blades
Ian Claar is a fight choreographer, intimacy choreographer, lighting designer, and teaching artist based in Northern Virginia. He has been actively involved in the performing arts community for the past 17 years throughout Virginia’s educational, community, regional theatres. He... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
B17 Open Studio 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

1:30pm EDT

Line Dance Clinic
Friday October 25, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
A fan favorite, this class offers a unique cultural experience through line dancing. You'll not only learn the steps and enjoy the rhythm of this vibrant art form but also delve into its rich history. Discover the joy and excitement that line dancing brings, while gaining an appreciation for its deep-rooted cultural significance. Join us to explore the art of line dancing and the dopamine rush it provides, all while connecting with its historical roots!
Speakers
avatar for Tariq Karriem (He/Him)

Tariq Karriem (He/Him)

Founder/Artistic Director/Managing Director, Black Va Theatre Alliance For Youth
Tariq Karriem is a theatre artist, activist, and advocate committed to making theatre more accessible and equitable, intentionally reflecting life while challenging its historically white supremacist practices. He serves as the Artistic Director and Production Manager for the Blk... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
B11 Open Studio 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

2:00pm EDT

Broadway Slam
Friday October 25, 2024 2:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Broadway Slam Files- Find your sheet music and backing tracks here!!

How Does it Work?

Register your students in the following categories: (each school can register 16 students)
  • Student Choreographer
  • Student Music Director
  • Student Director
  • Student Stage Manager
  • Student Performers (total number will depend on how many groups participate)

Thursday morning of Conference- Student Directors, Student Choreographers and Student Music Directors will be selected and their director will be notified of their musical number. They will receive sheet music and script.

The morning of the Broadway Slam, a random drawing will be held to cast Four Different Numbers from Broadway Musicals. The numbers will include a small bit of dialogue and then a musical number. Directors will be emailed with a list of chosen students and told which cast they have been assigned.

On Friday of the Conference at 2:00, all chosen students will come to the designated place in the conference center. Role will be taken & then casts will be given areas to rehearse. Alternates will also be chosen in case of students not showing or arriving more than five minutes late. 
EACH CAST HAS 1 HOUR TO REHEARSE.
At the end of the rehearsal time, all casts will return to the theater and perform their piece on stage.
 NO REHEARSING MAY TAKE PLACE AFTER THE REHEARSAL TIME HAS ENDED.


Guest artists will be judges. The following awards will be given:
  • OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION
  • Two Leading Performers
  • Outstanding Choreography
  • Outstanding Direction
  • Five All Star Cast
  • Five Honorable Mention Cast
Speakers
avatar for Paula Chanda

Paula Chanda

Director of Theatre, Buford Middle School
Paula has a Masters in Education and all the coursework required for a PhD in Acting/Directing and Arts Administration. She has taught for over 20 years at all levels and has performed and directed more shows than she can count. "I'm a life long lover of theatre! I started as a child... Read More →

Friday October 25, 2024 2:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
E21ABC 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

2:25pm EDT

Liberty High School Presents: I NEVER SAW ANOTHER BUTTERFLY
Friday October 25, 2024 2:25pm - 3:10pm EDT
Over 15,000 Jewish children passed through Terezin, and only about a hundred were still alive when Terezin was liberated at the end of the war. One of the survivors, Raja, having lived through it all, teaching the children when there was nothing to teach with, helping to give them hope when there was little enough reason for hope, creating a little world of laughter, of flowers and butterflies behind the barbed wire, tells the true story of the children. It's her play and it's theirs.
Speakers
avatar for Shayna Crews

Shayna Crews

Director of Theatre & Dance, Liberty High School
Shayna Crews is a native of Miami Florida, earning a BFA in Dance from Wright State University, BA in Theatre from Lynchburg College, and MFA in Dance from Shenandoah University. Production credits include Chicago, Guys and Dolls, A Chorus Line, Anything Goes, Crazy for You, Showboat... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 2:25pm - 3:10pm EDT
E10ABC Theater 1 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

2:25pm EDT

Stuarts Draft High School Presents: THE PRICE
Friday October 25, 2024 2:25pm - 3:10pm EDT

Based on a Hans Christian Anderson fairytale, “The Story of a Mother”. On a frigid winter night, a young mother nurses a sick child, hoping it will live through till morning. A stranger appears at her door, asking for shelter from the cold. She takes him in, but no sooner does she close her eyes, than the man and her daughter are gone.
For the stranger was Death, and he has taken her child. The mother does not give up, but races against Death, trying to reach the other shore before he does. But what price will she be willing to pay to save her daughter?
Speakers
avatar for Amy Bussey

Amy Bussey

Theatre Teacher and Director, Stuarts Draft High School
Friday October 25, 2024 2:25pm - 3:10pm EDT
E11ABC Theater 2 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

3:00pm EDT

A FISH! Consent and Self-Advocacy for Theater-Makers (Take 5)
Friday October 25, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
If you've ever said "yes" because "no" wasn't an option...
If you've swallowed your feelings because you didn't want to be "that actor" (or technician, or usher, or...)...
If you struggle to start difficult conversations with people who have more institutional power than you...

You need A FISH.

Learn tools to create spaces where you can stand up for yourself and others, productively and respectfully, creating better theater workplaces for everyone.

(And find out what A FISH has to do with it).
Speakers
avatar for Aili Huber

Aili Huber

Artistic Director, Silk Moth Stage
Aili Huber has been directing for over 20 years. She holds an MFA from Mary Baldwin College/American Shakespeare Center, and is the co-author, with Toby Malone, of Cutting Plays for Performance: A Practical and Accessible Guide, available from Routledge Press. Aili is the founder... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
B11 Open Studio 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

3:00pm EDT

Acting the Song : Dramatic Scoring For Your Musical Score
Friday October 25, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
We will explore the process of building a dynamic and meaningful musical theatre performance using a strategy of line by line "Tactics" along with analysis of dramatic circumstances and musical context. Bring your own music and tracks and we will see how these techniques can help your performance in a live masterclass format.
Speakers
avatar for Douglas Carpenter

Douglas Carpenter

Artist in Residence, Christopher Newport University Theatre
Dr. Doug Carpenter holds Vocal Performance degrees from UNLV (BM, DMA) and UCLA (MM). His doctoral document explored the application of pedagogy by Stanislavski, Meisner, and Chekhov in music performance and its scientific basis in neuroscience and psychology. His other areas of studies... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
B13 Circle of Chairs 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

3:00pm EDT

Canvas, Page & The Stage
Friday October 25, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Through creative collaboration, participants will immerse themselves in theatrical and visual art explorations. Creating an original performance work based on a photograph, painting, sculptured piece, or visual medium, that speaks to current events, social justice, or community needs. Devised theatre stimulates new material or adaptations with the practice of dramaturgy and staging in a physical, non-verbal, suspended reality, and/or a visually dynamic way. Involving soundscapes, live music, projections or video footage, text, playwriting structure with the use of improvisation, acting methods by Augusto Boal and Theatre of the Oppressed, as well as scene structure to aid actors through the creative process of going from canvas, to page, to stage.
Speakers
avatar for Bleu Do'zia

Bleu Do'zia

Selah Theatre Project
BleuJay Do'zia (Bleu) acts as the founder and creative director of Selah Theatre Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and inspiring young actors in various locations across the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. Known as the "Teen Whisperer," Bleu motivates young... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
B17 Open Studio 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

3:00pm EDT

Diversity in Theatrical Arts Talk Back Session
Friday October 25, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Speakers
Friday October 25, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
B14 U-Shaped 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

3:00pm EDT

It’s Not About You! Strategies for centering students in the work
Friday October 25, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
What is student-centered pedagogy and what does it look like in a theatre program? Come explore strategies for centering our students in the work and learn about the benefits it provides to our student artists.  Attendees will leave with proven student-centered projects and methods that can immediately be applied to a variety of different learning environments and classroom types.
Speakers
avatar for Jess Shaw

Jess Shaw

Jessica Joy Satryan Shaw has been teaching and directing Theatre at Mount Vernon High School since August 2016 and one of the Performing Arts Department Chairs since August 2020. She began her full-time teaching career in 2009 at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy in Philadelphia, where... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
B10 Lecture Hall 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

3:00pm EDT

Vectorworks: from Drafting to Building Models
Friday October 25, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Vectorworks is a powerful CAD Modeling tool that can accommodate everything from rendering to creating files to 3D print you models. In this workshop, we will explore creating a workflow from initial ideas to finished model under lights. Participants are encouraged to bring your computer with VW installed.
Speakers
avatar for Michael Benson

Michael Benson

Associate Professor, University of Mary Washington
Michael Benson is an Associate Professor of Theatre at the University of Mary Washington. For over 30 years, Michael has worked as a scenic designer, technical director, sound designer and theatre technician for organizations across the country such as The Cleveland Playhouse, Cleveland... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
B12 Classroom 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

3:20pm EDT

Liberty Christian Academy Presents: TRACKS
Friday October 25, 2024 3:20pm - 4:05pm EDT
A group of strangers find themselves in an unfamiliar subway station. They have limited personal belongings; their watches have stopped and there is no way out of the station. The unfortunate truth soon becomes evident to them: they are all dead. Since subway stations have two sides, they reason the train leaving from one platform goes “up” and the other must go “down. They begin to reveal the details of their misdeeds, their lives and their deaths. As the subway train finally approaches, they must decide whether to stay and ponder their actions further, or to board the train to their final destination.
Speakers
avatar for Ray Jones

Ray Jones

Theatre Director and Teacher, Liberty Christian Academy
Ray Jones is the acting and theatre teacher at Liberty Christian Academy where he has taught for the past 36 years. He is the Director of both the LCA High School, and Middle School Theatre Programs. He was a television sports broadcaster for 25 years on networks such as FSN and ESPN... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 3:20pm - 4:05pm EDT
E10ABC Theater 1 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

3:20pm EDT

Woodson Highschool Presents: ESSENTIAL SELF DEFENSE
Friday October 25, 2024 3:20pm - 4:05pm EDT
In this surreal contemporary dark comedy, the question is asked, “how do we develop a self-defense from the constant barrage of fear we encounter in our everyday lives?” Sadie is living her life, working as a children's book publisher, taking self-defense classes, and singing at the karaoke bar down the street. Sadie, like everyone in the town of Blogg’s, is reeling from the disappearance of 12 kids from the local Middle School. Her life is turned upside down when, while taking her self-defense class, she knocks out Yul’s tooth. Yul is a strange man, paranoid and conspiracy-minded. But is there more to Yul than meets the eye? In this story a Butcher, a librarian, a custodian, a book publisher, and a loner must figure out how to stop the big bad wolf haunting their town and taking their children. Combining a quick wit, dark comedy, live rock and roll karaoke, and fairy tale elements Essential Self Defense is a show that shouldn’t be missed!

CONTENT WARNING: Show contains cursing, violence, loud music, and themes of existential dread.
Speakers
avatar for Christopher Rushing

Christopher Rushing

Woodson Highschool

Friday October 25, 2024 3:20pm - 4:05pm EDT
E11ABC Theater 2 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

4:00pm EDT

High School Junior/Senior Portfolio Reviews
Friday October 25, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Speakers
JF

Jennifer Flitton Adams

Associate Professor, Shenandoah University
Friday October 25, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
B14 U-Shaped 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

4:30pm EDT

Advocating for You, Your Students, and Theatre Education!
Friday October 25, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Have a question on how to best advocate for a need at your school or for your theatre program? Would you like to be part of our efforts to advocate for Theatre Education in Virginia and beyond? Join VTA members and arts administrators Linda Gallant, Dr. Tara Taylor, and Dr. Annamarie Bollino as they answer questions and share perspectives on how to advocate both within and outside of your school building to advance your theatre program. We will also brainstorm and collaborate as a community on how we might better mobilize to advance theatre education in Virginia. Whether you are a seasoned advocate or just beginning your journey, there is something in this session for everyone!
Speakers
avatar for Linda Gallant

Linda Gallant

Virginia Theatre Association, President
President, Linda Gallant, holds an M.A. in Theatre— Acting and Directing from Regent University. Mrs. Gallant served on the Virginia Department of Education Theatre SOL Review Board, Fine Arts Resource Teams, and Fine Arts Steering Committee. She has served on the Board of Directors... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
E21ABC 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

4:30pm EDT

Are you ready to call a show??
Friday October 25, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Do you get nervous when you have to call cues for a show?  What even is a standby?  And how can I call a musical if I don't read music?  This workshop for stage managers will answer questions about getting and placing cues, standbys, and how to effectively call a show from top to bottom.
Speakers
SB

Stacy Blackburn

Virginia Tech
Friday October 25, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
B12 Classroom 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

4:30pm EDT

Groove & Flow Hip hop intensive
Friday October 25, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Dive into the vibrant world of hip hop dance in our energetic workshop, "Groove & Flow." Perfect for all skill levels, you'll learn foundational moves, explore rhythm, and unleash your creativity in a supportive environment. Join us for a fun-filled session that will have you dancing with confidence!
What to Wear: Dress comfortably in athletic wear—think breathable t-shirts, joggers, or shorts. Don’t forget to bring your favorite sneakers with good grip to keep you moving smoothly on the dance floor!
Speakers
MP

Marlon Proverbs

Buford Middle School
Marlon Proverbs was born and raised in Harlem, New York. Since the age of 17 he has been gracing stages from New York to Miami with his choreography and excellent dancing abilities. He has also opened up for established music artists such as Trey Songz and Chris Brown. Marlon has... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
B11 Open Studio 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

4:30pm EDT

Scaffolding your season for growth! (both Student and Financial)
Friday October 25, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
How to organize your season to maximize growth while keeping the workload manageable? This workshop will help both education departments and community theatres learn how to collaborate with other organizations, and plan a season or classes, events, and shows to draw in an audience and performers, while keeping everything else as low maintenance(and budget) as possible!
Speakers
avatar for Corey Holmes

Corey Holmes

Director of Education, The Wayne Theatre
Friday October 25, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
B13 Circle of Chairs 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

4:30pm EDT

The Art of the Audition
Friday October 25, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Auditioning well is one of the most crucial elements in the success of any performer. It can also be the most stressful. The Art of the Audition is a fully comprehensive casting workshop for performers, which emphasizes a variety of key concepts that artists can use to make the most of the Audition process. NYFA Senior Outreach Specialist Kenneth Huitt will lead this session focusing on how Actors can Audition Successfully and book more roles.
Speakers
avatar for New York Film Academy

New York Film Academy

Undergraduate Outreach Specialist, New York Film Academy
Kenneth Huitt is an Actor, Producer, Alumni of the New York Film Academy. He attended both the New York City and Los Angeles Campus. Kenneth worked on numerous independent projects, MTV productions, & produced his own short film “Right Your Wrongs”. While still auditioning & producing... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
B10 Lecture Hall 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

4:30pm EDT

Variety Is the Spice of... Physicality!
Friday October 25, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
How do we give each of our characters a different physical life?  One way is through the Effort Shapes of Rudolf Laban.  Explore "Floating," "Flicking," "Slashing," "Gliding," and more to explore creating distinct physicalities that are still "You."

Students should be prepared to MOVE and make some noise!
Speakers
avatar for Gregg Lloyd

Gregg Lloyd

Professor of Acting & Stage Combat, Christopher Newport University
Prof. Lloyd is an award-wining Director, Fight Director, and Actor who specializes in Stage Combat, Acting, and Musical Theater Performance and Directing with over 125 professional production credits.  He received the MFA in Acting from Western Illinois University and is a Certified... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
B17 Open Studio 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

4:40pm EDT

Appomattox Regional Governor's School Presents: Phillida & Gallathea
Friday October 25, 2024 4:40pm - 5:25pm EDT
Each year, a small village that has greatly displeased the god Neptune must sacrifice the most beautiful girl in the village to a terrifying sea monster. Fearing such a fate, Phillida and Gallathea each escape into the nearby forest in disguise as boys, and begin to fall in love with one another, neither one knowing the other is a girl. But what to love...or the Gods of Love...is impossible?
Speakers
CW

Claire Wittman

Appomattox Regional Governor's School
Friday October 25, 2024 4:40pm - 5:25pm EDT
E11ABC Theater 2 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

4:40pm EDT

Freedom High School Presents: Us and Them
Friday October 25, 2024 4:40pm - 5:25pm EDT
Societies are formed, developed, flourish and fall. It is a cycle that humanity continues through the ages. Why? Because, in some ways, humanity never changes.
Speakers
avatar for Rachel Wickham

Rachel Wickham

Freedom High School
Friday October 25, 2024 4:40pm - 5:25pm EDT
E10ABC Theater 1 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

5:35pm EDT

Charlottesville High School Presents: ANDERSEN
Friday October 25, 2024 5:35pm - 6:20pm EDT
What happens when a playwright, hoping for creative freedom, has to pitch a new play to a mean, penny-pinching Board of Directors? It's a story as old as theatre itself!  Find out what happened to the great story-teller Hans Christian Andersen in this new play, imagined by renowned performance artist Claudia Stevens.  Set in Denmark almost 200 years ago, it could be happening right now: Andersen wants to express himself as a gay man. But the Board wants what will sell- maybe even a repeat of Shakespeare's Hamlet!  So, Andersen has to trick them with an alternative play about toys, hiding himself in the character of a tin soldier with only one leg who cannot find love. Everyone tries to get in on this fantasy play: the performers, members of the Board, even an egotistical "director" highjack Andersen's play. It ends in disaster and murder!  But Andersen has found new courage. He promises the Board a glorious new play about freedom. Its hero is a Black man on a Caribbean island who is free. This will become his most successful play and move all of Denmark to end slavery in their colonies.
Speakers
avatar for David Becker

David Becker

Theatre Director and Educator, Charlottesville High School
David Becker hails from Richmond, Virginia. Apart from voice dialect coaching, he is the theatre director and technical theatre director at Charlottesville High School where he has taught for the past 9 years. He has also appeared in summer opera and musical theatre productions throughout... Read More →

Friday October 25, 2024 5:35pm - 6:20pm EDT
E10ABC Theater 1 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

5:35pm EDT

York County School of the Arts Presents: THE MARVELOUS PLAYBILL
Friday October 25, 2024 5:35pm - 6:20pm EDT
A down-and-out theatrical producer in 16th-century Spain plays on the vanity of the Castilians by announcing The Marvelous Playbill, an entertainment so unusual that only a pure-blooded Castilian can see it. The announcement brings people pouring in.

CONTENT WARNING: Screaming and shouting.
Speakers
avatar for Kerri DiFiore

Kerri DiFiore

Teacher/Director, York County School of the Arts
Friday October 25, 2024 5:35pm - 6:20pm EDT
E11ABC Theater 2 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

6:00pm EDT

Banquet Performance Workshop
Friday October 25, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Speakers
avatar for Deon Ridley

Deon Ridley

DEON RIDLEY IS Musical Theatre  VETERAN PERFORMER who has performed both on and off Broadway. His Broadway Credits includes The Lion King  and A Christmas Carol starring Frank Langella at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden  and the Broadway tour of Chicago the Musical ! In 2001... Read More →
avatar for Steve Paceck

Steve Paceck

Steve Pacek is a multi-hyphenate theatre artist originally from Philadelphia, PA. As an actor, he has appeared off-Broadway, on television and at numerous theaters across the country, from Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia to The Alley in Houston to PCPA in California. Steve... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
B19 Open Studio 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

6:00pm EDT

Creating Connection: Partner Exercises
Friday October 25, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
The ability to be present with another human being is essential for an actor’s success as a storyteller.  We do scenes with other actors all the time, and are asked to share love, anger, fear, injury and heartbreak, and so much more, when we are performing.  How are we present, open and confident to tell these stories with our scene partners?  It starts one moment at a time.  In this workshop we will lead you through a series of exercises with a partner, some physical, some textual, to create opportunities for you to strengthen the skills it takes to be present and open with another.  Be prepared to work in pairs and we will partner you when you arrive.
Speakers
avatar for Ingrid DeSanctis

Ingrid DeSanctis

Associate Professor, Playwriting, James Madison University
Ingrid De Sanctis teaches playwriting at James Madison University in VA. She earned the Distinguished Teacher Award in 2020. At JMU she teaches playwriting and acting classes and is a director. Most recently she directed Dance Nation at JMU.  She is director of Madison New Works... Read More →
JM

James Madison University

James Madison University
Haley Davis is an actor, director, educator, and artist based in Staunton, Virginia. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi and Her Master of Letters and Master of Fine Arts in Shakespeare and Performance from Mary Baldwin University. Haley’s... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
B17 Open Studio 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

6:00pm EDT

Dynamic Auditions
Friday October 25, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Auditions are about showing as much of your skill as possible, but you only have 60 seconds!  This workshop will introduce tools you can use to get the most bang for your buck in any monologue (or song!) in that short span of time.  If you can dare to be a terrible actor (in order to be a better one), then this workshop is for you!  Students should be prepared to be loud (and quiet) and huge (and tiny)!  Having a printed monologue and pen/pencil will be very helpful.
Speakers
avatar for Gregg Lloyd

Gregg Lloyd

Professor of Acting & Stage Combat, Christopher Newport University
Prof. Lloyd is an award-wining Director, Fight Director, and Actor who specializes in Stage Combat, Acting, and Musical Theater Performance and Directing with over 125 professional production credits.  He received the MFA in Acting from Western Illinois University and is a Certified... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
B14 U-Shaped 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

6:00pm EDT

Literacy Alive: Student-led Devising
Friday October 25, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Learn about the tools, structures, and processes that led a group of 25 students to devise a new TYA play based on a children’s book, Abuelita’s American Dream: a Puerto Rican Migrant Story. Leave ready to create something new with your students!
Speakers
avatar for Taylor Bernard

Taylor Bernard

Theatre Teacher, Thomas Dale High School
Taylor Bernard graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BFA in Theatre Education and received the Bobby Chandler Award for Theatre from VCU.  She later received her MA in Educational Theatre from NYU.  She is in her fifth year as a Theatre teacher at the Specialty Center for the Performing... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
B10 Lecture Hall 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

6:00pm EDT

Song Improv!
Friday October 25, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Speakers
avatar for Rachel Dean

Rachel Dean

Rachel Dean is an NYC-based composer, pianist, and music director. She is a rehearsal pianist for Hamilton and Moulin Rouge on Broadway as well as a staff pianist at NYU Steinhardt. An ASCAP award recipient, Rachel has had her work performed in New York, Tokyo, Miami, Ohio... Read More →
avatar for Ian LeRoy

Ian LeRoy

Music Director, Creede Repertory Theatre
Ian LeRoy is an NYC-based music director, pianist, and vocal coach. Favorite credits include Once Upon a Rhyme (NYU Tisch Drama Stage), She Loves Me (Creede Repertory Theatre), West Side Story (Bigfork Summer Playhouse), Jesus Christ Superstar (Near West Theatre), Spring... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
B18 Open Studio 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

6:00pm EDT

The Fight That Goes Wrong
Friday October 25, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Examine and practice bailouts, falls, defenses, and consent practices that actors and performers can have in their bag of tricks to help keep themselves and others safe.
Exhibitors
avatar for Noble Blades

Noble Blades

The Noble Blades
Ian Claar is a fight choreographer, intimacy choreographer, lighting designer, and teaching artist based in Northern Virginia. He has been actively involved in the performing arts community for the past 17 years throughout Virginia’s educational, community, regional theatres. He... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
B13 Circle of Chairs 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

6:00pm EDT

Reserved as Green Room
Friday October 25, 2024 6:00pm - 8:30pm EDT
Friday October 25, 2024 6:00pm - 8:30pm EDT
B11 Open Studio 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

6:00pm EDT

High School Design Competition Closed for Adjudication
Friday October 25, 2024 6:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Design Competition
Upon your arrival to the conference, place your design in the alcoves of the E22-E25 Hallway in the designated spots for Costume Designs or Scenic Designs.
Load-in starts Wednesday at Noon and all designs will be on display throughout the entirety of the conference.Your design must be in the Design Display area no later than 5pm on Friday for closed adjudication.
Adjudicator Feedback takes place on Saturday in the alcoves at 11am.
Speakers
avatar for Christopher Otwell

Christopher Otwell

Assoc. Professor of Design/Technical Director, University of Lynchburg
Christopher Otwell is an Associate Professor of Design and the Technical Director at University of Lynchburg. Select scenic designs include: Clue, Pride and Prejudice, You Can't Take it with You, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, The Liar, The Great American Trailer... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 6:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
E22-E25 Alcoves 403 North 3rd Street

7:30pm EDT

VCU Presents: Broadway Jamz
Friday October 25, 2024 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
The VCU Musical Theatre Department invites you to come hear some of our favorite Broadway Tunes, Attendees get a chance to speak with Head of Musical Theatre Desiree Dabney and current students, Attendees also get a chance to join the Musical Theatre Students and learn a song to sing together. 
Speakers
avatar for Desiree Dabney

Desiree Dabney

Secondary Festival Judge, Virginia Commonwealth University
Desirée Dabney is an experienced professional actor, singer, director, producer, and theatre educator/ activist.  In May 2014, Desirée received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting (B.F.A.) from Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia. She received... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
B10 Lecture Hall 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

7:30pm EDT

Every Brilliant Thing
Friday October 25, 2024 7:30pm - 9:00pm EDT
The story blends comedy, improv, and audience interaction to tell one individual's story of growing up in the shadow of their mother's struggle with suicidal depression. Surprisingly charming and delightful, Every Brilliant Thing provides a life-affirming jolt of humanism, reminding us that hope comes from the miracles of life’s minutiae.
Thanks to the generosity of Sentara, Virginia Stage Company’s exhilarating production of Every Brilliant Thing will hit the road coming to VTA 2024!
Exhibitors
avatar for Jordan Setzer

Jordan Setzer

Director of Enrichment, Virginia Stage Company
The premier professional theatre in southeastern Virginia, Virginia Stage Company was founded in 1978 by members of the Hampton Roads community who had a deep desire to make live theatre a part of the area’s cultural life. For its home, VSC chose the Wells Theatre in downtown Norfolk... Read More →

Friday October 25, 2024 7:30pm - 9:00pm EDT
E21ABC 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

7:30pm EDT

3 Hour Playwriting Festival Showcase
Friday October 25, 2024 7:30pm - 9:00pm EDT
Speakers
avatar for Corey Holmes

Corey Holmes

Director of Education, The Wayne Theatre
Friday October 25, 2024 7:30pm - 9:00pm EDT
E10ABC Theater 1 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

8:30pm EDT

VTA Karaoke Night
Friday October 25, 2024 8:30pm - 10:30pm EDT
This will be a fun time of karaoke for all ages and no pre-registration needed.
Speakers
avatar for Linda Gallant

Linda Gallant

Virginia Theatre Association, President
President, Linda Gallant, holds an M.A. in Theatre— Acting and Directing from Regent University. Mrs. Gallant served on the Virginia Department of Education Theatre SOL Review Board, Fine Arts Resource Teams, and Fine Arts Steering Committee. She has served on the Board of Directors... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 8:30pm - 10:30pm EDT
B10 Lecture Hall 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

9:00pm EDT

Lip Sync Battle
Friday October 25, 2024 9:00pm - 11:00pm EDT
APPLY HERE

Rules and Registration Information
  1. Registration opens September 1st, 2024 and closes October 11th, 2024. Here is the registration form.
  2. There are 24 performance slots and only those 24 individuals/groups will compete.
  3. You are allowed up to 6 participants per act.
  4. At registration, you will need to give the following information: your group name, number of participants, song selection, and your school (if applicable).
  5. You are responsible for all your own props. This includes instruments, microphones, costumes, etc. While we encourage all of these things, please make sure that both props and costumes are school appropriate!
  6. The maximum time limit for your performance will be 90 seconds. All music must be cut (Garageband is a great tool for this, along with many others). The file must be emailed to vtalipsyncbattle@gmail.com. Please make sure all music is clean and appropriate.
  7. As participants begin registering, we will keep an updated list of all song selections available, to prevent any repeats! 
  8. The Lip Sync Battle will be held in room E11ABC Theatre 2 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center on Friday at 9:00pm until 11:00pm. There will be a person at the door to check in performers, so please arrive on time!
  9. At the conclusion of all acts, the judges will pick up the top 2 based on the criteria below. The top 2 performers will be asked to LIP SYNC FOR THEIR LIFE! :) There will be a song predetermined for the final number. Be ready to perform this song, should you make it to the final round!
  10. Please invite all your friends! A lip sync battle is no fun without a crowd! Audience response is part of the judging criteria! So, register, rehearse and most importantly, HAVE FUN!

Judging/Scoring
Each category will be worth 10 points each. The judges’ decisions will be final!
  1. Lip Sync Abilities: How well the performer(s) lip sync the lyrics of the song.
  2. Creativity: How original and creative the performance is. Instead of just standing on stage and lip syncing a song, you are encouraged to use props, choreography, and costumes to impress the judges!
  3. Stage Presence: Again, don’t just stand there! Engage the audience, dance, smile, make eye contact with the judges and the crowd!
  4. Audience Response: Engage the audience, get them clapping, cheering, and singing along.
Speakers

Friday October 25, 2024 9:00pm - 11:00pm EDT
E11ABC Theater 2 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA