BLOCK 5:
9 am to 10:30 am
Devising Theatre Workshop: Why Theatre Matters
presented by Leah Page, Flagler College, and Emily Freeman, Orlando Family Stage (Devised Theatre Co-Chairs, Florida Theatre Conference)
Location: TWH Mat Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School (pre-registered)
Imagine a world without theatre. What would be lost? What will influence politicians, communities, and funders to keep the arts alive?
FTC is offering high school students two new workshops to create original devised theatre responding to state cuts in arts and culture funding. Each workshop will culminate in a short performance open to the entire conference. Calling talented and passionate performers, movers, and playwrights.
NOTE: Participants should have pre-registered through their High School teachers. But all are welcome to observe the process.
PRESENTER BIO: Leah Page is an Associate Professor at Flagler College in St Augustine, FL. She has worked at a number of regional theaters and community-based organizations across the country including Asolo Repertory Theatre, Two River Theater, McCarter Theater Center, viBe Theater Experience, Making Books Sing, and CAT Youth Theatre. Some of her favorite directing experiences include Streetlight Woodpecker (Flagler College), A Doll’s House Part II (Limelight Theatre), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Flagler College and Limelight Theatre) Sideways Stories from Wayside School (Daytona Stage College), The Giver (Flagler College), and Edges (Flagler College). She has an MA in Applied Theatre from CUNY and an MFA in Musical Theatre from UCF.
Emily Freeman is the Senior Director of Development at Orlando Family Stage in Orlando, FL. She received her MFA from University of Texas at Austin in Drama and Theatre for Youth and Communities and her BA in Theatre from Northwestern University. She's worked for The John F. Kennedy Center, Adventure Stage Chicago, Imagination Stage, and Asolo Repertory Theatre. She is an applied theatre artist, director, playwright, and arts administrator. She is thrilled to join the FTC Board this year.
Vowel Movements!
presented by Silas Hoover, New World School of the Arts
Location: TWH Cabaret Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College, Adult/Professional Development
Workshop attendees will explore the sounds in their prepared material using the phonetic vowel ladder. Students may work with text from their audition pieces or scenes in their one-acts. The work begins with a warmup, exploring resonant centers in the body as they correspond to the vowel sounds-u oʊ ɔ ɑ ɑ ʌ æ e ɪ and i. Prior knowledge of IPA is not required. The work has students on their feet and engaged with their peers throughout the duration of the workshop.
PRESENTER BIO: Silas Hoover is an award-winning educator recognized for his contributions to theatre, including the 2023 Outstanding Contribution to High School Theatre Award from the Florida Theatre Conference, a 2023 Tony Awards Honorable Mention for Excellence in Theater Education, and the 2018 US Presidential Scholars ‘Most Influential Teacher’ designation. He has directed numerous productions at New World School of the Arts, including The Book of Will, which represented Florida at the Southeastern Theatre Conference in 2024, and he will be directing Hadestown at New World this Spring. His one-act productions, including as Batard, Women of Troy, Much Ado About Nothing, and The Tragedy of Doctor Faustus, have earned top honors at District Thespians and the Florida Theatre Conference. As the coordinator of the New Playwrights Festival, Silas provides students a platform to present original work, and he has sponsored Thespian Troupe 3598 since 2016. He teaches Acting, Voice & Speech, Stage Combat, Movement, and Theatre History at both high school and college levels, and has coached numerous students, including US Presidential Scholars Finalists and Young Arts National Finalists. Silas also coordinates Young Arts applications for New World and maintains a partnership with French Woods Festival in Hancock, NY, directing nine productions over the past three summers, offering students valuable performance opportunities. Committed to broadening students' horizons, he has sponsored the field trip to the Florida Theatre Conference for eight years and led workshops on phonetic resonance and Michael Chekhov technique, helping students develop skills and audition for college programs.
The Doofer Challenge
presented by Sara Brunow, University of Montevallo (Inclusion Division Chair, Florida Theatre Conference), and Hanna Hagerty, Asolo Repertory Theatre.
Location: TWH Large Art Room
Appropriate Age Group: Middle School, High School, College, Adult/Professional Development
The Doofer Challenge: Oh no! The director needs that prop for rehearsal TODAY?!?! How can you spark creativity and make something that will DO FOR now? In this hands-on art-making experience, participants communicate, collaborate, and create to solve problems that arise when making theatre together. Designed by Asolo Rep Stage Management and Education staff, The Doofer Challenge is a great way to challenge young artists to adapt and think outside of the box.
PRESENTER BIO: Sara Brunow (she/her) is a theatre maker, teaching artist, and arts administrator who has worked within education and community engagement departments of professional theatre companies around the country (Orlando Family Stage, Nashville Children’s Theatre, Theatre Under The Stars, and Asolo Repertory Theatre). She has a BFA Music Theatre (Shenandoah Conservatory) and an MFA Theatre for Young Audiences (University of Central Florida) and is currently an Adjunct Professor of Theatre at University of Montevallo. Producing Credits: Tommy Tune Awards (2016-2019, Theatre Under The Stars); Public Works Houston (2019, Theatre Under The Stars), Asolo Rep On Tour (2019-2023, Asolo Repertory Theatre). Awards: Tom Behm Professional Development Award (SETC, 2016), Emerging Leader in Arts and Culture (Glasser-Shoenbaum Foundation, 2024). Sara is a member of the Florida Theatre Conference Board where she serves as the Chair of the Inclusion Division. Theatre is for Everyone!
Hanna Hagerty (she/her) is a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University, where she got her BA in Theatre Arts with a focus in Stage Management and Acting. Her professional credits include: SM Intern at Drury Lane Theatre (The 39 Steps, Ring of Fire) and SM Apprentice at Asolo Repertory Theatre (Crazy For You, Dial M for Murder). She is currently serving as the Stage Manager for Asolo Rep/FSU Conservatory’s Much Ado About Nothing on tour. When not stage managing, you can find her reading, scrapbooking, or baking. She looks forward to sharing Much Ado About Nothing and her love for all things theatre with Florida Theatre Conference!
Hanna Hagerty (she/her) is a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University, where she got her BA in Theatre Arts with a focus in Stage Management and Acting. Her professional credits include: SM Intern at Drury Lane Theatre (The 39 Steps, Ring of Fire) and SM Apprentice at Asolo Repertory Theatre (Crazy For You, Dial M for Murder). She is currently serving as the Stage Manager for Asolo Rep/FSU Conservatory’s Much Ado About Nothing on tour. When not stage managing, you can find her reading, scrapbooking, or baking. She looks forward to sharing Much Ado About Nothing and her love for all things theatre with Florida Theatre Conference!
"Mean Girls: A Broadway Dance Workshop"
presented by Jake Swain, Open Jar Institute
Location: TWH Game Room
Appropriate Age Group: Middle School, High School, College, Adult/Professional Development
A unique opportunity to work with Jake Swain from Smash Broadway Hit “Mean Girls". Learn original choreography from the show. Discover the secrets to mastering dance combinations swiftly. Elevate your dance abilities in this inclusive workshop. All levels are warmly welcome. Jake will be awarding a $500 Open Jar Institute tuition scholarship to one of the students in his workshops.
PRESENTER BIO:
The Psychology of Laban's 8 Effort Actions
presented by Nicole Perry, Momentum Stage
Location: TWH Ballet Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College, Adult/Professional Development
Many theatre and dance professionals are familiar with the 8 Effort Actions of Laban (punch, float, slash, glide, dab, wring, flick, press). But, understanding the psychological interpretations that correlate with the movement can bring another level of depth to your/performers character work. Each Effort Factor in L/BMS has a correlating Jungian psychological factor! Use the Effort Factors to express how your character invests their mental and/or physical energy, or to coach your performers to do so.
Through this session participants will explore the 3 Effort Factors that contribute to the 8 Effort Actions, and their Jungian psychological interpretations. Participants will develop a sense of their own movement baseline, and knowledge on how to use this information to make different character choices in performance, or adapt their coaching techniques/vocabulary for improved performance from their cast/class. Discoveries will be applied to the piece of text or character description students bring with them.
Through this session participants will explore the 3 Effort Factors that contribute to the 8 Effort Actions, and their Jungian psychological interpretations. Participants will develop a sense of their own movement baseline, and knowledge on how to use this information to make different character choices in performance, or adapt their coaching techniques/vocabulary for improved performance from their cast/class. Discoveries will be applied to the piece of text or character description students bring with them.
PRESENTER BIO: Nicole Perry, MFA, CLMA, CID/C is an award-winning intimacy director, as well as intimacy coordinator and dance choreographer. Career highlights include 2 Broward County Artist Investment Grants for KINesphere (site-inspired dance), intimacy coordination for God Forbid (Hulu), and a Carbonell nomination for the intimacy direction of To Fall in Love (Theatre Lab).
She is currently the Miami Unit Intimacy Coordinator for two new series filming in South Florida. She is on the SAG-AFTRA Intimacy Coordinator pre-registry.
Nicole has taught Movement and Dance for several South Florida institutions including the Palm Beach County School District, NYFA: Miami Beach, and the University of Miami. She teaches Intimacy and Movement for Intimacy Professionals Education Collective. She is a founding member of Intimacy Direction in Dance and Florida Intimacy Professionals and the founder of Momentum Stage, a professional development company for dance and theatre educators.
She is currently the Miami Unit Intimacy Coordinator for two new series filming in South Florida. She is on the SAG-AFTRA Intimacy Coordinator pre-registry.
Nicole has taught Movement and Dance for several South Florida institutions including the Palm Beach County School District, NYFA: Miami Beach, and the University of Miami. She teaches Intimacy and Movement for Intimacy Professionals Education Collective. She is a founding member of Intimacy Direction in Dance and Florida Intimacy Professionals and the founder of Momentum Stage, a professional development company for dance and theatre educators.
Building Your Resume
presented by Rachel Kelsey, National Theater Institute at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center
Location: Fieldhouse Meeting Room G
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College
Program Representative and Teaching Artist, Rachel Kelsey, draws upon her personal and professional experience to bring you this workshop on building a theatrical resume. In this session, we will take a look at common resume layouts of industry professionals, examine what should be included on a resume, and craft our own. If time allows, we will deep-dive into headshots and websites as well. The intention of this session is to assist performers in creating tools to help them have successful careers and auditions. Here we will work on crafting strong, professional, and unique resumes. The session is taught from the lens and personal experience of Rachel Kelsey as she has attended professional auditions with individuals such as Alison Franck (Casting Director), Jeff Whiting (NYC Director/Choreographer), Kristian Charbonier (Casting Director), Sue Frost (Broadway Producer), etc. Things we will cover include:
- What to include within a theatrical resume (Physical Details, Contact Information, Experience (Stage, Film/Television, etc.), Education/Training, Awards/Honors, and Special Skills) as well as common formatting.
- Organization of theatrical credits.
- Headshots - specifically how the individual would like to represent and market themself.
- What should be included within a performer, director, playwright and/or multi-hyphenate website.
- What to include within a theatrical resume (Physical Details, Contact Information, Experience (Stage, Film/Television, etc.), Education/Training, Awards/Honors, and Special Skills) as well as common formatting.
- Organization of theatrical credits.
- Headshots - specifically how the individual would like to represent and market themself.
- What should be included within a performer, director, playwright and/or multi-hyphenate website.
PRESENTER BIO: Rachel Kelsey (She/Her) is an actor, singer, dancer, and creative artist originally from Omaha, NE. Additionally, serves as program representative and a teaching artist for the National Theater Institute (NTI) at the two-time Tony award winning, Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. Here, she travels across the country to offer workshops in a variety of artistic disciplines as well as bring awareness to the institution, otherwise known as the launchpad of the American theater.
She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and Business minor from Drake University, in Des Moines, IA. In addition to studying at Drake, she also spent the Fall of 2022 in Connecticut, studying with NTI’s Music Theater program. While traveling for the O'Neill and teaching at various conferences, festivals, and institutions throughout the nation, Rachel is actively involved in the theatre scene as well as seeking additional theatrical opportunities. To get in touch, email ntirep@theoneill.org or itsrachelkelsey@gmail.com.
She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and Business minor from Drake University, in Des Moines, IA. In addition to studying at Drake, she also spent the Fall of 2022 in Connecticut, studying with NTI’s Music Theater program. While traveling for the O'Neill and teaching at various conferences, festivals, and institutions throughout the nation, Rachel is actively involved in the theatre scene as well as seeking additional theatrical opportunities. To get in touch, email ntirep@theoneill.org or itsrachelkelsey@gmail.com.
BLOCK 6:
11 am to 12:30 pm
Disney Auditions: A World of Opportunity
presented by Disney Live Entertainment Casting Directors
Location: TWH Blackbox Theatre
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College
Unlock your Disney Performance Potential in this exclusive workshop with Disney Live Entertainment.
Step into a world of opportunity with a unique chance to learn alongside Disney Live Entertainment Casting Directors. If you've ever dreamed of performing at Disney, this is your moment. These exclusive classes will guide you through essential skills, including mastering character work, refining your audition techniques, and exploring the wide range of performance possibilities available at Disney destinations worldwide. You'll gain firsthand insight into the qualities and abilities Disney looks for in its performers, dive deep into the audition process, and apply your newfound knowledge in practical, real-world exercises.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE CLASSES…
Mock audition experience
The chance to hear first-hand audition knowledge from Disney Casting Directors.
Advice around characterization and storytelling
Disney development experience
Lights Up on the Dark: Audio Description for Blind Audiences
presented by Brian Smith and Chad Lewis, Central Florida Audio Description Initiative
Location: TWH Cabaret Room
Appropriate Age Group: Middle School, High School, College, Adult/Professional Development
Discover how theatre is brought to life for the low vision and blind community through the words and descriptions of an audio describer. This 90-minute workshop will open your eyes to how your theatre, your performance and your community can be transformed by making the performing arts accessible to this underserved audience. Learn the what’s and how’s of Audio Description with a trained audio describer, hear the perspective of a member of the low vision/blind community that is also a performer and practice the skills to create an audio described piece!
PRESENTER BIO: Brian Smith is the Director of Partner Development for The Audio Description Initiative. After losing the majority of his vision to the effects of diabetes, he never thought he would get on the stage again to perform which he had been doing since the age of 14, but has recently concluded his 29th production. The ability to join his two passions of theatre and advocacy for the low vision blind community into one project has made his time with ADI both fulfilling and inspirational. He is excited to bring the message of ADI to FTC, and share it’s vision with you!
Chad Lewis has been a part of the central Florida Arts Scene nearly 30 years. He has worked both on and off the stage in a variety of roles: Actor, Director, Producer, Projections Designer, Production Manager, and Teaching Artist. During an eight-year hiatus to his home state of California (2009-16), Chad worked as a coordinator and teacher for a day program serving adults with developmental disabilities, that was entirely Theatre, Art, Music, and Dance: 7th St. Centre for the Arts. His work there fueled his passion for Accessibility and the notion of Arts for All. When offered the opportunity 3 years ago to take part in a training for an audio description program for the Orlando Fringe, he jumped at the chance. Now he is a coordinator and trainer for the Central Florida Audio Description Initiative. To date he has described 65 productions, including large scale musicals, solo shows, concerts, and ballet.
Chad Lewis has been a part of the central Florida Arts Scene nearly 30 years. He has worked both on and off the stage in a variety of roles: Actor, Director, Producer, Projections Designer, Production Manager, and Teaching Artist. During an eight-year hiatus to his home state of California (2009-16), Chad worked as a coordinator and teacher for a day program serving adults with developmental disabilities, that was entirely Theatre, Art, Music, and Dance: 7th St. Centre for the Arts. His work there fueled his passion for Accessibility and the notion of Arts for All. When offered the opportunity 3 years ago to take part in a training for an audio description program for the Orlando Fringe, he jumped at the chance. Now he is a coordinator and trainer for the Central Florida Audio Description Initiative. To date he has described 65 productions, including large scale musicals, solo shows, concerts, and ballet.
Devising Theatre Workshop: Why Theatre Matters
presented by Leah Page, Flagler College, and Emily Freeman, Orlando Family Stage (Devised Theatre Co-Chairs, Florida Theatre Conference)
Location: TWH Mat Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School (pre-registered)
Imagine a world without theatre. What would be lost? What will influence politicians, communities, and funders to keep the arts alive?
FTC is offering high school students two new workshops to create original devised theatre responding to state cuts in arts and culture funding. Each workshop will culminate in a short performance open to the entire conference. Calling talented and passionate performers, movers, and playwrights.
NOTE: Participants should have pre-registered through their High School teachers. But all are welcome to observe the process.
PRESENTER BIO: Leah Page is an Associate Professor at Flagler College in St Augustine, FL. She has worked at a number of regional theaters and community-based organizations across the country including Asolo Repertory Theatre, Two River Theater, McCarter Theater Center, viBe Theater Experience, Making Books Sing, and CAT Youth Theatre. Some of her favorite directing experiences include Streetlight Woodpecker (Flagler College), A Doll’s House Part II (Limelight Theatre), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Flagler College and Limelight Theatre) Sideways Stories from Wayside School (Daytona Stage College), The Giver (Flagler College), and Edges (Flagler College). She has an MA in Applied Theatre from CUNY and an MFA in Musical Theatre from UCF.
Emily Freeman is the Senior Director of Development at Orlando Family Stage in Orlando, FL. She received her MFA from University of Texas at Austin in Drama and Theatre for Youth and Communities and her BA in Theatre from Northwestern University. She's worked for The John F. Kennedy Center, Adventure Stage Chicago, Imagination Stage, and Asolo Repertory Theatre. She is an applied theatre artist, director, playwright, and arts administrator. She is thrilled to join the FTC Board this year.
Sketch Comedy
presented by Hunter Diaz, New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts
Location: Fieldhouse Meeting Room G
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College
Learn the basics of writing sketch comedy! From idea generation to sketch structure, this workshop will go over the basic fundamentals of writing sketch comedy!
PRESENTER BIO: A New York Conservatory alum, Hunter has been performing comedy all over New York City since graduating. Currently involved in several sketch comedy troupes, Hunter has also studied sketch comedy writing at UCB theater and Second City!
Playwrighting: Structure, Submissions, and Staging "Oh, My!"
presented by Gretchen Suarez-Pena, Florida Atlantic University
Location: TWH Large Art Room
Appropriate Age Group: Middle School, High School, College, Adult/Professional Development
An introduction to playwriting structure and characters, how to submit your work, and get it up on the stage.
PRESENTER BIO: Gretchen Suárez-Peña is a Puerto Rican playwright with an MFA in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University (2024), a board member of Conch Shell Productions (NYC), an Assistant Professor at Florida Atlantic University, and a proud Dramatist Guild member. Awards and Recognitions: Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Tampa Bay Theatre Festival, Voices of Women Theatre Festival, Downtown Urban Arts Festival, SheATL and the Straz Center.
5, 6, 7...8 and Left No Crumbs! - Dance Auditions with Broadway’s Ilda Mason
presented by Ilda Mason, New York Film Academy College of Performing Arts
Location: TWH Game Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College, Adult/Professional Development
Feeling nervous about that dance call after your vocal audition? Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just love to move, Ilda is here to help! From dancing at the Tony Awards, winning Panamá’s Dancing with the Stars to Spielberg’s West Side Story, Ilda knows how to transform those audition jitters into confidence.
Expect a class that’s about more than just technique—it’s all about building confidence and having fun! We’ll start with a warm-up and dive into a dance combo to a favorite Broadway tune. Ilda will share insider tips and tricks to help you stand out, focusing on embodying characters and making the dance your own. Embrace your uniqueness, let your creativity flow, and connect with the joy of movement and storytelling.
Don’t miss the chance to learn from a performer who’s dazzled on Broadway and the big screen. Come dressed comfortably and ready to dance!
Expect a class that’s about more than just technique—it’s all about building confidence and having fun! We’ll start with a warm-up and dive into a dance combo to a favorite Broadway tune. Ilda will share insider tips and tricks to help you stand out, focusing on embodying characters and making the dance your own. Embrace your uniqueness, let your creativity flow, and connect with the joy of movement and storytelling.
Don’t miss the chance to learn from a performer who’s dazzled on Broadway and the big screen. Come dressed comfortably and ready to dance!
PRESENTER BIO: ILDA MASON is a professional dancer who made her feature film debut as Luz in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story and her Broadway debut in the same production, directed by Ivo Van Hove. Her TV/film credits include the upcoming feature musical Kiss of the Spider Woman starring Jennifer Lopez, and appearances in CBS’s The Equalizer. Born and raised in Panamá, Ilda began her career and won Season 2 of Panamá’s Dancing with the Stars as a professional dancer. Her theater credits include On Your Feet! (National tour), Cinderella (National tour), Legally Blonde (China tour), Evita (A.R.T., Shakespeare Theater Company), Come Fall in Love (The Old Globe Theater), and West Side Story (Paper Mill Playhouse, Signature Theatre). Early roles that launched her career include Peter Pan (Peter Pan), Beauty and the Beast, A Chorus Line (Bebe), and Hello Dolly (Minnie). Ilda is deeply grateful for the opportunity to tell stories on stage and screen and is a proud NYFA alumna.
Follow her at www.ildamason.com and on Instagram @ildamason.
Follow her at www.ildamason.com and on Instagram @ildamason.
Acting Shakespeare's Language
presented by Stewart Hawley, University of Mobile
Location: TWH Ballet Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College, Adult/Professional Development
In this workshop we investigate Shakespeare’s language and synthesize it to line intentions where we see every line of Shakespeare is either a Question, Order or Explanation. then we progress to studying oppositions and flights in lands in the plays of Shakespeare,
PRESENTER BIO: Stewart Hawley is the Chair of the University of Mobile’s Theatre Department. He works ad an actor, director and fight choreographer. His work has been seen at Houston Shakespeare Festival, Rome Shakespeare Festival, Ensemble Theatre and Actor’s Theatre.
BLOCK 7:
2 pm to 3:30 pm
Your Passport to Careers in Live Entertainment
presented by Disney Live Entertainment
Location: Fieldhouse Meeting Room A
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College
Join members of the Disney Live Entertainment Team for this action-based introduction to the world of careers available in technical theatre and live event production.
DLE Team Members will guide you through a series of hands-on activities while offering insights from their own career journeys, so you can better plot and understand the journey you may already be on. With stops including Technical Design, Creative Development, and Production, members of our team will help you connect the skills you’re gaining today to the path that awaits you tomorrow.
Movement Matters
presented by Neka Zang, AMDA College of the Performing Arts
Location: TWH Cabaret Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College
This workshop is designed to equip young thespians with the tools to enhance their
storytelling through movement and dance. Whether you 're a seasoned dancer or
someone with limited experience, this class will teach you how to use dance as a
powerful tool to develop characters, build stage presence, and elevate your
performance.
storytelling through movement and dance. Whether you 're a seasoned dancer or
someone with limited experience, this class will teach you how to use dance as a
powerful tool to develop characters, build stage presence, and elevate your
performance.
PRESENTER BIO:
Neka Zang is a 20- year Broadway veteran who has performed in numerous productions (Wicked, Mary Poppins Rock of Ages , American Psycho) , including the recent Broadway revival of "Bob Fosse' s Dancin' ." In addition to her performance career, Neka is a sought-after educator and coach , offering workshops in over 14 countries . Her approach to teaching is grounded in her belief that movement is a crucial part of storytelling, and she is passionate about helping actors unlock their full potential through dance.
Neka Zang is a 20- year Broadway veteran who has performed in numerous productions (Wicked, Mary Poppins Rock of Ages , American Psycho) , including the recent Broadway revival of "Bob Fosse' s Dancin' ." In addition to her performance career, Neka is a sought-after educator and coach , offering workshops in over 14 countries . Her approach to teaching is grounded in her belief that movement is a crucial part of storytelling, and she is passionate about helping actors unlock their full potential through dance.
Creative Solutions for Stage Managers
presented by Jen Nelson Lane, University of Montevallo
Location: TWH Large Art Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College, Adult/Professional Development
This workshop will offer a variety of tips and tricks for stage managers at any stage of their training and career. Topics will include putting together a blocking script, line notes, and others. There will also be time for questions.
PRESENTER BIO: Jen Nelson Lane is an Assistant Professor of Theatre at the University of Montevallo where she teaches Stage Management and Arts Administration courses and is currently developing a new BFA track in Theatre Management. As an Equity stage manager, Jen has worked all over the nation for more than 25 years. Her favorite credits include the Broadway productions of THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA and THE RIVALS, both for Lincoln Center Theater; Several seasons as the Production Stage Manager for the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, where she continues to work whenever she is able; New York Classical Theatre; NYSF/Shakespeare in the Park; Epic Theatre Ensemble; and many more. In her free time, Jen enjoys thrifting and searching for sea shells with her husband, Marcus, and son Dean.
5, 6, 7...8 and Left No Crumbs! - Dance Auditions with Broadway’s Ilda Mason
presented by Ilda Mason, New York Film Academy College of Performing Arts
Location: TWH Game Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College, Adult/Professional Development
Feeling nervous about that dance call after your vocal audition? Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just love to move, Ilda is here to help! From dancing at the Tony Awards, winning Panamá’s Dancing with the Stars to Spielberg’s West Side Story, Ilda knows how to transform those audition jitters into confidence.
Expect a class that’s about more than just technique—it’s all about building confidence and having fun! We’ll start with a warm-up and dive into a dance combo to a favorite Broadway tune. Ilda will share insider tips and tricks to help you stand out, focusing on embodying characters and making the dance your own. Embrace your uniqueness, let your creativity flow, and connect with the joy of movement and storytelling.
Don’t miss the chance to learn from a performer who’s dazzled on Broadway and the big screen. Come dressed comfortably and ready to dance!
Expect a class that’s about more than just technique—it’s all about building confidence and having fun! We’ll start with a warm-up and dive into a dance combo to a favorite Broadway tune. Ilda will share insider tips and tricks to help you stand out, focusing on embodying characters and making the dance your own. Embrace your uniqueness, let your creativity flow, and connect with the joy of movement and storytelling.
Don’t miss the chance to learn from a performer who’s dazzled on Broadway and the big screen. Come dressed comfortably and ready to dance!
PRESENTER BIO: ILDA MASON is a professional dancer who made her feature film debut as Luz in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story and her Broadway debut in the same production, directed by Ivo Van Hove. Her TV/film credits include the upcoming feature musical Kiss of the Spider Woman starring Jennifer Lopez, and appearances in CBS’s The Equalizer. Born and raised in Panamá, Ilda began her career and won Season 2 of Panamá’s Dancing with the Stars as a professional dancer. Her theater credits include On Your Feet! (National tour), Cinderella (National tour), Legally Blonde (China tour), Evita (A.R.T., Shakespeare Theater Company), Come Fall in Love (The Old Globe Theater), and West Side Story (Paper Mill Playhouse, Signature Theatre). Early roles that launched her career include Peter Pan (Peter Pan), Beauty and the Beast, A Chorus Line (Bebe), and Hello Dolly (Minnie). Ilda is deeply grateful for the opportunity to tell stories on stage and screen and is a proud NYFA alumna.
Follow her at www.ildamason.com and on Instagram @ildamason.
Follow her at www.ildamason.com and on Instagram @ildamason.
Acting Shakespeare's Language
presented by Stewart Hawley, University of Mobile
Location: TWH Ballet Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College, Adult/Professional Development
In this workshop we investigate Shakespeare’s language and synthesize it to line intentions where we see every line of Shakespeare is either a Question, Order or Explanation. then we progress to studying oppositions and flights in lands in the plays of Shakespeare,
PRESENTER BIO: Stewart Hawley is the Chair of the University of Mobile’s Theatre Department. He works ad an actor, director and fight choreographer. His work has been seen at Houston Shakespeare Festival, Rome Shakespeare Festival, Ensemble Theatre and Actor’s Theatre.
Shakespeare Alive: A New Way to Engage with the Bard
presented by Kaitlin Henderson, University of Florida
Location: TWH Mat Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College, Adult/Professional Development
Shakespeare's characters exclaim their love, spew their hate, embody their sorrow, and always speak what they feel! So why do most students dislike Shakespeare? How can they interact with his work in a new and more exciting way?
This workshop will introduce students to a new way of engaging with Shakespeare's text. Through rehearsal techniques and exercises created by the world renowned Shakespeare & Company, this highly active workshop will get students up on their feet and introduce them to Shakespeare as his work was intended: Not plays to be studied, but Plays to be Played!
This workshop will introduce students to a new way of engaging with Shakespeare's text. Through rehearsal techniques and exercises created by the world renowned Shakespeare & Company, this highly active workshop will get students up on their feet and introduce them to Shakespeare as his work was intended: Not plays to be studied, but Plays to be Played!
PRESENTER BIO: Kaitlin Henderson is an actor, director, voice and dialect coach, singer, and Shakespeare enthusiast. Originally from Massachusetts, Kaitlin became a company member with the world renowned Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, MA in 2005, and has maintained that artistic home for 18 years. Under the mentorship of Tina Packer and Kevin Coleman, Kaitlin worked at Shakes & Co. as an actor, a director, a teacher, most recently spearheading their national teacher training program, which introduces school teachers and professors to new ways of approaching Shakespeare in the classroom.
Kaitlin is currently an Assistant Professor of Acting at the University of Florida with a specialization in Classical Acting, and has held faculty positions at Northern Illinois University, Monterey Peninsula College, and Southern Oregon University, as well as adjunct appointments at several other institutions. She is an experience Voice and Dialect coach and has trained extensively in Linklater Voicework and Knight-Thompson Speechwork.
She holds an MFA in Acting from Northern Illinois University, a BA in Theatre Arts (with a Vocal Performance concentration) from Gordon College, and is a proud member of Actor's Equity Association, Voice and Speech Trainers Association, and the Shakespeare Association of America.
Kaitlin is currently an Assistant Professor of Acting at the University of Florida with a specialization in Classical Acting, and has held faculty positions at Northern Illinois University, Monterey Peninsula College, and Southern Oregon University, as well as adjunct appointments at several other institutions. She is an experience Voice and Dialect coach and has trained extensively in Linklater Voicework and Knight-Thompson Speechwork.
She holds an MFA in Acting from Northern Illinois University, a BA in Theatre Arts (with a Vocal Performance concentration) from Gordon College, and is a proud member of Actor's Equity Association, Voice and Speech Trainers Association, and the Shakespeare Association of America.
Side by Side: A Singing Actor's Workshop
presented by Dr. Erik DeCicco and Dr. Jay Ivey, Jacksonville University
Location: Fieldhouse Meeting Room G
Appropriate Age Group: High School
This workshop focuses on connecting the dots between acting, singing, and the music underlying it all. Participants should come prepared to sing a 16-32 bar audition cut (please bring sheet music). Drs. DeCicco and Ivey will work together to help you enhance your audition performance both in acting and singing. This is a great and rare opportunity to work with an acting specialist and music specialist simultaneously.
PRESENTER BIO: Dr. DeCicco was born and raised in Jacksonville. He graduated from Stanton College Prep, Jacksonville University, earned an M.F.A. in Acting at The University of Louisville, and an Ed.D. from The University of New England. Erik has acted and directed throughout the Northeast Florida area and has been seen at the Alhambra as Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast and King in Big River. His credits include: Jump Man! A Mario Musical (2014 NYC Fringe Best Musical Winner), Amadeus, Seminar, Phantom, Next to Normal. TV: AMC’s Making of the Mob, Mysteries at the Museum. Directing: The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Metamorphoses, In the Heights, Legally Blonde, Urinetown, Little Women, The 39 Steps, Weird Romance, Into the Woods, Little Shop of Horrors, Once on This Island, Xanadu. He co-starred in the upcoming feature film, Albert and Claude, which is streaming now on Amazon.
Dr. Jay Jay Ivey has been seen in such operatic roles as Rigoletto, Lescaut (Manon), the title roles of Don Giovanni and Gianni Schicchi, Morales (Carmen), and Maximillian in Candide with Jerry Hadley. Most recently he performed the role of British Ambassador in the world premiere of the new performing edition of The Ghosts of Versailles by John Corigliano with the Opera Theatre of St. Louis. Other roles performed with Opera Theatre of St. Louis include Spalanzani (Tales of Hoffmann), The Imperial Commissioner (Madama Butterfly),and Priest (Troilus and Cressida). Jay has also performed a number of oratorio and chamber works including Carmina Burana, the Fauré Requiem, the Brahms Requiem, Händel’s Messiah, Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast, and Stravinsky’s Pulcinella. On the other side of the stage, he is an active music director, pianist, composer, and author. His book FEUER UND EIS has been placed on the recommended reading list of Winterreise.net.
BLOCK 8:
4 pm to 5:30 pm
Introduction to Production Management using Propared
presented by Ryan Kirk, Propared
Location: TWH Large Art Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College, Adult/Professional Development
As production managers, stage managers, and arts administrators, scheduling is one of the most complex, time-consuming, and important parts of our work. Propared is being used by many schools and arts organizations to address these challenges. Join Propared co-founder, Ryan Kirk, for an introduction to production management and to learn how Propared is being used in professional theatre, education, and live event production to efficiently schedule theatrical productions, university theatre departments, venues, festivals and large scale performances.
PRESENTER BIO: Ryan Kirk is the co-founder and CEO of Propared which builds production management & scheduling software for arts organizations. He held management positions in theater, TV, fashion, corporate events, and venue operations for 20 years. Ryan co-founded Tinc Productions, a Broadway production management company based in New York City. He holds a BA in Theatre Arts from Virginia Tech and a MBA from NYU. Ryan cherishes the time he spends working with event organizations to improve their workflows; enabling them to continue their missions. Ryan also loves to cook, ski, run, play piano, and travel.
Funny Girl: Rat-a-Tat-Tat
presented by Danielle Jolie Dale-Hancock, Lynn University
Location: TWH Game Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College
An exciting tap class with choreography from Funny Girl and Rockette style choreography.
PRESENTER BIO: DANIELLE JOLIE DALE-HANCOCK started as a Star Search Dance Finalist and member of Hubbard Street Dance Company Chicago after attending the “Fame” Performing Arts High School in NYC. As a graduate from the University of Michigan. While being a Radio City Rockette, Dance Captain, Choreographer, and Director for 18 years she earned an MFA from NYU Tisch on a Full Merit Scholarship. In addition, Danielle has performed in numerous musicals, including the Original Broadway Cast of Saturday Night Fever, the World Premiere Tour of Contact, and the World and American Premiere of Ragtime working with such renowned Broadway choreographers as Susan Stroman, Daniela Graciela, Kathleen Marshall, and Jerry Mitchell. Besides performing for the Rockettes at the Flamingo Hilton in Las Vegas, Danielle has also performed in countless television productions: such as the Tony Awards, Oscars, and over 10 Thanksgiving Day Parades and Today Show appearances. Currently Mrs. Dale-Hancock is an Assistant Professor and Director of the Dance Program in the Drama Program at Lynn University.
Laban Techniques for the Actor
presented by Landon Green, University of South Florida
Location: TWH Ballet Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College, Adult/Professional Development
Use Laban Technique (a Dance philosophy) to map out, block, and illustrate a character's, or characters', journey. Understand defined qualities of movement through space and apply them to the use of the voice. Beneficial for novice and veteran actors and directors.
PRESENTER BIO: Landon Green is a Tampa-based actor and entertainer; graduating from USF, receiving his MFA from West Virginia University. His stage work has been seen at Stageworks, Jobsite Theater, Next Generation Ballet, The Tampa Repertory, Think Tank Theatre, Silver Meteor Gallery, St. Pete Shakespeare Festival, and others. As a clown and stilt walker, Landon's character work has been found at The Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa, The Franklin Vault, and at various other venues through Odd-O-T's Entertainment, Bay Breaks Entertainment, and Aerial Dragons Entertainment companies. He has also taught, designed, and directed with a number of those companies and with The Patel Conservatory and American Stage. Landon currently instructs courses and workshops in Scene Study, Movement, and Voice at the University of South Florida.
Pieces of Mind: A Theatre-Based Mental Wellness Initiative for Teens
presented by Emily Freeman and Horn
Location: TWH Cabaret Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College, Professional Development
Mental health matters. Theatre explores a wide range of characters and circumstances. How can we use our tools as theatre artists to better understand these issues, and to build our own resiliency? Presented by University of Central Florida and Orlando Family Stage, come learn about "Pieces of Mind," a brand-new anthology of 10-minute plays for high school students, now available through YouthPLAYS. High school theatre students and educators alike will benefit from this participatory workshop where we will read a play from the anthology, engage in theatre-based activities from the “Pieces of Mind” curriculum guide, and share a peek into our process developing this project. Please note, we will read a script exploring issues of mental health and wellness. Content warning for: stress, anxiety and depression.
PRESENTER BIO: Emily Freeman is the Senior Director of Development at Orlando Family Stage. Elizabeth Brendel Horn is an Associate Professor Theatre at the University of Central Florida.
The Application of AI in Stage Management Practice and Education
presented by Tom Zhang, The University of Florida
Location: Fieldhouse Meeting Room G
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College, Adult/Professional Development
An interactive workshop to present Professor Zhang's research about the application of AI in stage management practices and education. This workshop is largely based on an article Professor Zhang wrote and published for USITT's magazine, Theatre Design & Technology.
PRESENTER BIO: Tom Zhang is a stage manager and educator originally from China. He is currently a Lecturer in Stage Management in the School of Theatre & Dance at the University of Florida. His favorite stage management credits include: The Threepenny Opera (UM Department of Theatre Arts), Something Rotten (Post Playhouse), and Turn of the Screw (Lyric Theatre at Illinois). His ASM credits include: Urinetown (Illinois Theatre), and The Adventures of Little Sharp-Ears (Lyric Theatre at Illinois). His current interest of research is the application of database and generative A.I. in stage management practices. He received his MFA in stage management from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.