CONFERENCE SCHEDULE | 8
Preparing Students of Color for Success in Higher Education Theatre Programs Tracks : College / University , High School Presenters : Jo Beth Gonzalez , Joshua Rashon Streeter , Martin Rodriguez & Roxanne Schroeder-Arce Location : Crowne Plaza – Parkside – Second Floor
The past several decades , articles have described ways to make higher ed theatre curricula , programs , institutions , and seasons more reflective of and welcoming to POC individuals , topics , texts , and productions . Many college professors create , describe , advocate for , teach about , evaluate , and critique efforts toward pushing students of color to their greatest capabilities . Yet many educators and programs do not ( nor do all secondary theatre programs ). It is difficult to generalize accurately or compellingly about college and university theatre professors and programs , for the US alone has over 5,000 colleges and universities , most with unique programs . The range of contexts is massive , for on one end are one-faculty theatre " clubs " at rural junior colleges while at the other , advanced conservatories focused on churning out top-notch professional artists . It is , therefore , unrealistic to frame a compelling , accurate one-size-fits-all criticism or set of suggestions . BIPOC theatre teachers can help higher ed theatre programs stretch and adapt by contributing valuable insights to the discussion of inclusion , race , and equity . These educators are at a vantage point because they : talk regularly with parents of future BIPOC students ; understand school politics that support or hinder teens ' access to higher ed paths ; Interact with school counselors who can orient students and help them prepare ; have connections with community organizations that can enhance efforts to prepare teens for majors in college theatre ; know struggles of potential incoming majors and individual family circumstances that may pose barriers to admission ; see the full student , having observed and / or nurtured their growth from young teen to young adult ; offer preparatory advice based on common lived experiences because they can capitalize on frequent opportunities for one-on-one conversations due to the nature of the school day for either impromptu or planned conversations ; and show teens their own potential reflected in their teachers ' success . This session brings high school theatre teachers and college professors together , to jointly advocate for BIPOC students entering university theatre programs .
Shining a Light on Accessibility : Using Inclusive Design to Center ( Dis ) abilities from Day One Tracks : Applied Theatre , PreK-8 , Professional Theatre , Youth Theatre Presenters : Molly Mattaini , A . B . L . E . Creative Associates , Clara Kundin , Lily Lipman , Peter Musante & Katie Yohe Location : Crowne Plaza – Glacier / Sequoia – Lobby Level
Disabled theater-makers across the globe have long been making theater that celebrates the artistry of disabled performers . Their work has pushed the need for accessible practices into mainstream theaters ; yet often attempts at inclusivity miss the mark , focusing on only one facet of accessibility or creating a facade of accessibility . One need only look to the 2019 Tony Award ’ s failure to provide a ramp for Ali Stroker to see the problem with half measures that practice inclusion without accessibility . Companies and artists like E . P . I . C . Players , Petra Kuppers , and Graeae Theatre make work using inclusive practices that make theater-making accessible . In the field of theater for young audiences , theater companies such as Oily Cart and Trusty Sidekick have begun to make work for disabled audience members ; more and more companies now offer sensory-friendly performances and ASL interpretation as audience access measures . What can we learn from these accessible practices when it comes to making all rehearsal rooms and production processes accessible from day one ? In this panel , theater artists and disability-justice advocates will share strategies and practices from their experience making theater with disabled artists . The panelists will share their experiences developing accessible rehearsal practices for artists with developmental disabilities , specific learning disabilities , D / deaf and hard of hearing performers , and performers with Autism Spectrum Disorder , as well as inclusive design techniques . The experiences shared will range from youth to adult , amateur to professional , and will include perspectives from disabled artists sharing their needs in theater spaces . By shining a light on accessible rehearsal practices , this panel hopes to offer practical solutions for theater-makers wishing to make their rehearsal practices accessible for artists of all abilities .
Updated 7.26.23