{"id":2507,"date":"2017-02-15T02:28:33","date_gmt":"2017-02-15T02:28:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/?p=2507"},"modified":"2017-09-25T00:47:03","modified_gmt":"2017-09-25T00:47:03","slug":"should-i-attend-theatre-conferences-as-a-student","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/should-i-attend-theatre-conferences-as-a-student\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I Attend Theatre Conferences as a Student?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Should I Attend Theatre Conferences as a Student?<\/h3>\n \"\"<\/a><\/span>

Written by Ashleigh Gardner<\/p>\n

February 14, 2017<\/p>\n<\/font>

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The answer is yes, of course! But why? We\u2019ve 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll get the chance to take some sick<\/em> workshops.<\/h4>\n
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There\u2019s 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\u2019s always at least one workshop for every type of theatre person. The best part? They\u2019re free with the cost of your conference registration.<\/span><\/p>\n

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You\u2019ll have the opportunity to purchase plays from publishers.<\/h4>\n
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I know I\u2019m not the only person who can wait to get their hands on a new script to read. Publishers like Samuel French<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/span>, Dramatists Play Service<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/span>, YouthPLAYS<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/span>, and Dramatic Publishing<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/span> 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\u2019ll be able to tell you which plays you\u2019d most enjoy based on your personal tastes. Keep adding to your personal script library at home!<\/span><\/p>\n

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You\u2019ll be able to audition for universities and professional theatre companies.<\/h4>\n
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At every conference that welcomes students, there\u2019s 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\u2019re not able to show up for a full season of professional theatre, oftentimes companies will need actors for their summer stock shows.)<\/p>\n

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You\u2019ll have the chance to see theatre from other communities.<\/h4>\n
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If you\u2019re 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\u2019s happening outside your usual sphere of awareness, and it can open your mind to receive inspiration for something you\u2019d like to do in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n

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You\u2019ll meet other theatre-makers.<\/h4>\n
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This one is a no-brainer, but it\u2019s probably the most important aspect of going to conferences. You\u2019ve no doubt heard theatre people say \u201cit\u2019s all about who you know\u201d — and it is! Making — and keeping — connections with other actors, technicians, directors, and producers can open your future possibilities in theatre creation!<\/span><\/p>\n
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Need some advice? We\u2019ve got you covered.<\/h3>\n