Should I Attend Theatre Conferences as a Student?

Written by Ashleigh Gardner

February 14, 2017

The answer is yes, of course! But why? We’ve got five reasons why you should consider going to a theatre conference (including your state Thespian festival!) at least once during your time as a high school or college student.

You’ll get the chance to take some sick workshops.

There’s an endless list of workshops that are offered at conferences. Workshops on stage combat, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, opera, playwriting, lighting, set design, sound design, acting methods, stage management, memorization techniques, auditioning, and headshots are offered at most large conferences, and for smaller events, there’s always at least one workshop for every type of theatre person. The best part? They’re free with the cost of your conference registration.

You’ll have the opportunity to purchase plays from publishers.

I know I’m not the only person who can wait to get their hands on a new script to read. Publishers like Samuel French, Dramatists Play Service, YouthPLAYS, and Dramatic Publishing will often have booths at conferences all over the nation. Looking for a source of inspiration, but not sure which play to choose? Ask the people behind the booth. They’ll be able to tell you which plays you’d most enjoy based on your personal tastes. Keep adding to your personal script library at home!

You’ll be able to audition for universities and professional theatre companies.

At every conference that welcomes students, there’s always an opportunity to sign up for an audition slot with a university. Sometimes, there are chances to audition for a professional theatre company, too. (If you’re not able to show up for a full season of professional theatre, oftentimes companies will need actors for their summer stock shows.)

You’ll have the chance to see theatre from other communities.

If you’re going to a theatre competition festival like your state thespian convention, you can usually view any number of one-act or full-length performances that schools bring to the state level. At a convention like SETC, professional performers bring their shows and perform them like workshops. All of these events give you exposure to theatre that’s happening outside your usual sphere of awareness, and it can open your mind to receive inspiration for something you’d like to do in the future.

You’ll meet other theatre-makers.

This one is a no-brainer, but it’s probably the most important aspect of going to conferences. You’ve no doubt heard theatre people say “it’s all about who you know” — and it is! Making — and keeping — connections with other actors, technicians, directors, and producers can open your future possibilities in theatre creation!



Need some advice? We’ve got you covered.

Ashleigh Gardner received her AA in Theatre/Drama/Dramatic Arts from Valencia College and her Bachelors Degree in English Literature and Masters Degree in Literary, Cultural, and Textual Studies from the University of Central Florida. She is a playwright, an actor, and PerformerStuff.com’s Editor.