VTA 2024: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: Full Schedule

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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

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

Workshop

Audience High School, Middle School

10:30am EDT

Stage Lighting Demystified: Skittles Bring Lights to Life!

Friday October 25, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

B14 U-Shaped

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

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

Workshop

Audience High School, Middle School

10:30am EDT

Storytelling in 3D

Friday October 25, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

B13 Circle of Chairs

Speakers

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

Workshop

Audience High School, Middle School

11:00am EDT

3 Hour Playwriting Festival Workshop

Friday October 25, 2024 11:00am - 2:00pm EDT

B10 Lecture Hall

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

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

Theatre For Youth Event

Audience High School, Middle School

12:00pm EDT

Create Your Own Gobo

Friday October 25, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

B16 Tech & Design Studio

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

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

Workshop

Audience High School, Middle School

12:00pm EDT

Dance for Musical Theatre

Friday October 25, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

B11 Open Studio

Speakers

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

Workshop

Audience High School, Middle School

12:00pm EDT

Song Improv!

Friday October 25, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

B18 Open Studio

Speakers

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 →

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

Workshop

Audience High School, College, Middle School

1:30pm EDT

Found Object Puppet Creation

Friday October 25, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

B16 Tech & Design Studio

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

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

Workshop

Audience Educators, High School, Middle School

1:30pm EDT

Line Dance Clinic

Friday October 25, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

B11 Open Studio

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

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

Workshop

Audience High School, Middle School

3:00pm EDT

A FISH! Consent and Self-Advocacy for Theater-Makers (Take 5)

Friday October 25, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

B11 Open Studio

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

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

Workshop

Audience College, High School, Middle School

4:30pm EDT

Groove & Flow Hip hop intensive

Friday October 25, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

B11 Open Studio

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

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

Workshop

Audience High School, Middle School, College, Educators, Professional

4:30pm EDT

The Art of the Audition

Friday October 25, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

B10 Lecture Hall

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

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

Workshop

Audience High School, Middle School

6:00pm EDT

Song Improv!

Friday October 25, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT

B18 Open Studio

Speakers

Rachel Dean

Ian LeRoy

Music Director, Creede Repertory Theatre

Friday October 25, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
B18 Open Studio 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, USA

Workshop

Audience High School, College, Middle School

6:00pm EDT

The Fight That Goes Wrong

Friday October 25, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT

B13 Circle of Chairs

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

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

Workshop

Audience High School, Middle School

7:30pm EDT

VCU Presents: Broadway Jamz

Friday October 25, 2024 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT

B10 Lecture Hall

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

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

College Division Performance

Audience High School, Middle School, College

7:30pm EDT

3 Hour Playwriting Festival Showcase

Friday October 25, 2024 7:30pm - 9:00pm EDT

E10ABC Theater 1

Speakers

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

Theatre For Youth Event

Audience High School, Middle School

8:30pm EDT

VTA Karaoke Night

Friday October 25, 2024 8:30pm - 10:30pm EDT

B10 Lecture Hall

This will be a fun time of karaoke for all ages and no pre-registration needed.

Speakers

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

Secondary Division Event

Audience High School, Middle School