KCACTF Region 5 Festival 57: Full Schedule

Add sessions to your personal schedule to register your attendance (Check-In).

12:30pm CST

How to be a Respondent for Region 5

Monday January 20, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CST

New to Region 5 or need a refresher on responding. Join the Region 5 leadership to learn best practices of responding. You will learn how to respond to regional productions and get to see some amazing student work!

Festival Leadership

Laura Chaney

RED Vice Chair, Cottey College

Laura Chaney serves as the Vice Chair of RED and is a theatre generalist at Cottey College. She earned her Master of Fine Arts degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. At Cottey, Laura works as a director, designer, and technical director, and she is currently the... Read More →

Haidee Heaton

Region 5 Co-Vice Chair, Culver-Stockton College

Haidee Heaton is a Professor of Theatre at Culver-Stockton College where she serves as Associate Division Chair of Fine, Applied, and Literary Arts and Director of the Honors Scholars Program. Haidee teaches performance, directing, critical theory, and voice. Recent directing credits... Read More →

Deidre Mattox

Region 5 Co-Vice Chair, Hutchinson Community College

Deidre is the current Co-Vice-Chair of Region 5, having previously served as the Region 5 National Playwriting Programs Vice-Chair, Coordinator of the Institute for Theatre Journalism and Advocacy, and Co-Coordinator of Dramaturgy. Deidre is also a recipient of the Region 5 Road Warrior... Read More →

Monday January 20, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CST
Marriott Sioux City (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops, Faculty

Audience Faculty Only
Area Talking about Theatre

3:30pm CST

Launch. Relaunch. Quarantine. Zoom. Re-Re-Launch. Hiatus. Fly. Starting a theatre in the time of the plague

Monday January 20, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm CST

Marriott Sioux City (3rd Floor)

TheatreMidwest, a professional non-profit theatre, was founded in 2018. After a brief anecdotal run-down of how the process has brought us to 2025, please bring your questions for some discussion. We can talk about starting a theatre 'in general' or focus on specific strategies gleaned through the last 5ish seasons...benefits, pitfalls, all the stuff you are eager to talk about.

Presenters

Tom Woldt

TheatreMidwest

TOM WOLDT is Founding Artistic Director of TheatreMidwest (2018.) As a Theatre Educator, he was Professor and Chair at Doane College, Simpson College, and University of South Dakota, and had other part-time/guest-artist activities. For KCACTF, Tom is a former Region 5 Chair, National... Read More →

Monday January 20, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm CST
Marriott Sioux City (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Faculty Development, Talking about Theatre, Representation Equity and Diversity

12:30pm CST

What's Your Status

Tuesday January 21, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST

Renaissance Savery Capitol

In a production, the status you are given is not always what is earned. As actors, it is imperative to begin with an analysis of character. Who are you? Who is above you? Who is below you? What does that mean in terms of your relationships with the characters around you? This workshop is designed to understand what we mean when we talk about status, how to both demonstrate and observe it, and how to put that into practice onstage through a series of interactive exercises and active observation.

Presenters

Cara Phipps

Irene Ryan Coordinator, Graceland University

Cara is a queer director, educator, and writer based in Saint Paul, MN and Lamoni, IA. She recently directed the world premiere musical, THROUGH THE SUNKEN LANDS, by Avi Amon and Tim J. Lord for the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Cara's national work includes credits with... Read More →

Tuesday January 21, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Renaissance Savery Capitol 401 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Audience Students Only
Area Acting and Directing, Talking about Theatre

2:00pm CST

How to be a Respondent for Region 5

Tuesday January 21, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST

Marriott Salon G (2nd Floor)

Festival Leadership

Laura Chaney

RED Vice Chair, Cottey College

Haidee Heaton

Region 5 Co-Vice Chair, Culver-Stockton College

Deidre Mattox

Region 5 Co-Vice Chair, Hutchinson Community College

Tuesday January 21, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST
Marriott Salon G (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops, Faculty

Area Talking about Theatre

11:00am CST

Get the Job! - Developing your Resume and Polishing it for Success

Wednesday January 22, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST

Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor)

This workshop is for actors, designers, and technicians. Whether you are learning to write a resume or polishing your current resume, this is the workshop for you. If you have a resume, bring it with you.

Presenters

Billy Wilburn

Prof. Audition/Interview Coord., South Dakota State University

Billy is an Associate Professor of Theatre at South Dakota State University. He is also the Artistic Director of Prairie Repertory Theatre in Brookings, South Dakota, and serves as coordinator of Professional Auditions and Technical Interviews KCACTF 5. He earned his B.A. in Theatre... Read More →

Wednesday January 22, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST
Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Audience Students Only
Area Talking about Theatre

12:30pm CST

Road to Hollywood

Wednesday January 22, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST

Marriott Salon B (2nd Floor)

Do you want to break into the exciting world of film acting but aren’t sure where to start? Whether you're an aspiring actor with no prior experience or someone looking to take your passion to the next level, The Road to Hollywood workshop is designed to guide you to begin your journey in the film industry. This workshop will provide students with essential tools, insider knowledge, and practical steps to help them navigate the path to success. The Road to Hollywood will cover crucial topics every new actor must understand when starting. We will demystify the steps needed to launch your career. By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of the steps needed to start your acting career in film, from securing the right headshots to approaching agents and nailing your auditions. You’ll gain valuable industry insights, network with fellow aspiring actors, and walk away with a roadmap to help you achieve your Hollywood dreams.

Presenters

Darrell Bailey

University of Missouri

Darrell Bailey is a Stage and Film Actor, Artist, Director, and Instructor from Kansas City, Missouri. He trained in Los Angeles at the New York Film Academy to obtain his Master of Fine Arts in Acting for Film.

Wednesday January 22, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Marriott Salon B (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Audience Students Only
Area Talking about Theatre

12:30pm CST

What do YOU want? Use your KCACTF experience to catapult your career!

Wednesday January 22, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST

Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor)

How to kick your performance experiences up a notch!

What do YOU want? Use your KCACTF experience to catapult your career!

Join Symonne Sparks, Musical Theatre Artist, Professional Singer, and recipient of the 2023 Region 5 and the National KCACTF Musical Theatre Intensive top recognition, for her tips on moving to the next level. She will share important lessons she learned in her week with Open Jar Studios in New York City.

The workshop will focus on how to focus on your experiences and desires. Bring your questions about a career in the field and receive expert advice.

Presenters

Symonne Sparks

University of Missouri

Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Performer, Playwright, and Mother. Symonne SPARKS trained first with Opera Theatre of St. Louis, then studied Music: Vocal Performance at The University of Missouri and recently received her master's degree from MU in Theatre and Performance Studies. Sparks... Read More →

WHAT DO YOU WANT Workshop Affirmations png

Wednesday January 22, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Audience Students Only
Area Talking about Theatre, Musical Theatre and/or Voice

2:00pm CST

Staging Resistance: Historical & Contemporary Queer Theatre in the United States

Wednesday January 22, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST

Renaissance Savery Roosevelt

Are you familiar with queer theatrical traditions in the United States? Have you questioned what you know about the theatrical canon and tradition? Are you aware of the various queer shows making waves through performances? Well, if any of these questions have struck you, this is a session you’ll want to attend. In this interactive and discussion-based workshop, we will discuss the historical traditions of queer performances in the United States and what shows are happening contemporarily.

Presenters

Cody Allyn Page

Assistant Professor of Theatre, Cottey College

Dr. cody allyn page earned his Bachelor of Humanities in Communications from Penn State, his Master of Arts in Educational Theatre for Colleges and Communities from NYU Steinhardt, and his Ph.D. in Theatre with a Graduate Certificate in Performance Studies from BGSU.Their research... Read More →

Wednesday January 22, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST
Renaissance Savery Roosevelt 401 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Faculty Development, Talking about Theatre, Representation Equity and Diversity

3:30pm CST

Opening and Closing Practices for the Theatre

Wednesday January 22, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm CST

Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor)

In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore simple and effective routines for “opening” and “closing” creative spaces in theatre—whether in rehearsal, class, or on stage. You’ll learn how to be fully present in the work, while also creating space to transition back to your personal life and process the emotional energy of the scene. These practices help maintain balance and well-being for everyone involved in the creative process, no matter the intensity of the work.

Presenters

Jenise Cook

U of Central Missouri

Jenise Cook is a Kansas City-based movement artist, storyteller, and intimacy director. She holds an MFA in Acting and Directing from the University of Missouri -Kansas City Conservatory. Her work spans acting, directing, movement choreography, and intimacy direction with companies... Read More →

Wednesday January 22, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm CST
Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Talking about Theatre

3:30pm CST

The Genius of Being Stupid Post Show Q & A

Wednesday January 22, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm CST

Marriott Sioux City (3rd Floor)

Presenters

Miguel Torres Cruz

R8 NPP Chair, CSU Fullerton

Miguel Torres Cruz is an actor, director, producer, and educator. He trained at the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA), CSU Bakersfield (BA Theatre Arts), and CSU FULLERTON (MFA in Acting). He is a faculty member at CSU Fullerton, Chair of National Playwriting Program for the Kennedy... Read More →

Brandon V. Riley

University of Missouri

Brandon is an ADB PhD student in Theatre and Performance Studies. Brandon holds an MA in Theatre and Performance Studies, BA in Speech and Theatre and BS(s) Middle Education and Secondary Education. Previously he taught Theatre and served as Theatre Dept. Head at Grand Center Arts... Read More →

Guest Artists

Keenan Scott II

University of Missouri

Keenan Scott II is a playwright, poet, actor, director, and producer of original work from Queens, New York. His work has been workshopped and produced at notable theaters such as National Black Theater, New York Theater Workshop, Arena Stage, and Woolly Mammoth. His critically acclaimed... Read More →

Wednesday January 22, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm CST
Marriott Sioux City (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops, Special Event

Area Talking about Theatre

9:30am CST

Equity and Inclusion within the Costume Shop

Thursday January 23, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST

Renaissance Savery Roosevelt

This is a continuation of the workshop on diversity and inclusion within the costume shop. After attending USITT, there is more to be discussed about equity and inclusion of all in the costume shop. That includes the costume shop, costume shop management, costume employees, makeup and hair department, and the fitting rooms. This will be a lecture-based workshop with discussion so be sure to bring your notebooks and thoughts as we go on this journey together.

Presenters

Kylie McDonald

University of North Dakota

Kylie McDonald is currently a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Theatre Arts Department and Costume Shop Manager at the Burtness Theatre. She holds an MFA in Costume Design with a secondary in Lighting Design. Her areas of discipline include costume design, patterning, draping... Read More →

Thursday January 23, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST
Renaissance Savery Roosevelt 401 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Design Technology & Management, Talking about Theatre, Representation Equity and Diversity

11:00am CST

Thinktank: Theatre Equipment Uprgades

Thursday January 23, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST

Renaissance Savery Roosevelt

This intensive thinktank workshop addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing technical theatre programs today: managing and modernizing technical resources within realistic budget constraints. The session brings together technical directors, production managers, and theatre administrators to develop practical strategies for equipment management, upgrades, and financial planning.

Presenters

Tetta Askeland

Southwest Minnesota State U

Tetta M. Askeland is a scenic designer and educator currently based in Minnesota. She received her undergraduate degree from Northwestern College and received her MFA in Scenic Design and Technology from Kent State University. In addition to freelance work, Askeland teaches theatrical... Read More →

Nadine Schmidt

Professor of Theatre, Theatre Program Coordinator, Producer, Southwest Minnesota State U

Nadine Purvis Schmidt is Professor of Theatre, Producer, and Program Coordinator at Southwest Minnesota State University. Acting credits include The Tempest (Prospero), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Titania), Macbeth (First Witch, Malcolm) and Hamlet (Gertrude), with Bare Bodkins... Read More →

Sheila Tabaka

Southwest Minnesota State U

Sheila Tabaka is a theatrical director and costume designer, teaching at Southwest Minnesota State University. She attended the kilt making apprenticeship at the Kiltmakery in Edinburgh, Scotland and is now the owner of Caledonia Kilts. Tabaka is a past chair of KCACTF Region 5 Design... Read More →

Thursday January 23, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST
Renaissance Savery Roosevelt 401 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Audience Faculty Only
Area Design Technology & Management, Faculty Development, Representation Equity and Diversity, Talking about Theatre

12:30pm CST

Drama Therapy: The Career You Didn’t Know Actually Existed (Until Now)

Thursday January 23, 2025 12:30pm - 3:00pm CST

Marriott Salon B (2nd Floor)

Ever felt theatre has the power to transform in life-changing ways? In this interactive workshop, we’re not just talking about drama therapy– we’re putting it into action! With our focus on consent-based practices, you’ll experience firsthand how theatrical concepts like storytelling, theatre games, and performance can empower personal growth in advocacy, autonomy, and emotional expression. Come explore this growing career field through play and experience how theatre can make meaningful change.

Presenters

Alivia Holkesvig

Kansas State University

Alivia Holkesvig (BS, BA) is a third-year graduate student in the drama therapy program at Kansas State University. With a unique background in healthcare and theater, she’s found purpose in merging these fields and enacting social, political, and systemic change. Alivia’s recent... Read More →

Sabrina Rodriguez

Kansas State University

Sabrina Rodriguez (M.A., P-RDT, NADTA Member) has participated in over 40 productions taking on various roles as an actor, light designer/electrician, scenic designer/painter, carpenter, stage manager, director, freelance stagehand, and intimacy director. She has worked with elementary... Read More →

Drama Therapy KCACTF 2025 pdf

Example Group Norm Community Agreement Ideas pdf

Thursday January 23, 2025 12:30pm - 3:00pm CST
Marriott Salon B (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Talking about Theatre

2:00pm CST

How to get involved in Region 5 Leadership

Thursday January 23, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST

Marriott Dubuque (3rd Floor)

Want to get involved in Region 5 leadership or just learn more about how things work. Join us for an informal chat.

Festival Leadership

Haidee Heaton

Region 5 Co-Vice Chair, Culver-Stockton College

Deidre Mattox

Region 5 Co-Vice Chair, Hutchinson Community College

Thursday January 23, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST
Marriott Dubuque (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops, Faculty

Area Talking about Theatre

3:30pm CST

Directors & Teachers: Collaborating with Intimacy Choreographers

Thursday January 23, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm CST

Marriott Salon B (2nd Floor)

Have you been hearing talk about intimacy choreography and been wondering, what does that mean? Have you wondered what constitutes intimacy in the theatrical world? Is it just for nudity and very “spicy” scenes, like Spring Awakening? Have you thought about how you would work with someone on this content as a director? Or if theatres should even bother with the practice? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this is the workshop for you!

Presenters

Cody Allyn Page

Assistant Professor of Theatre, Cottey College

Thursday January 23, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm CST
Marriott Salon B (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Acting and Directing, Faculty Development, Stage Movement and Combat, Talking about Theatre

9:30am CST

Building Spaces of Acceptable Risk: Mental Health Coordination in Theatre

Friday January 24, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST

Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor)

This workshop will introduce students and faculty to the burgoning field of mental health coordination in theatre and film. Attendees will learn how to cultivate rehearsal and performance practices that establish and respect individual boundaries and allow actors to do challenging work without causing mental or emotional harm to themselves. Other topics will include ways to self advocate, character de-rolling, and exercises for regulating the body in the rehearsal space.

Presenters

Carrie Pozdol

Intimacy Director

Carrie Pozdol is an actor, director, intimacy choreographer, and mental health coordinator based in eastern Iowa. Carrie has her BA in theatre from Simpson College and has extensive training in intimacy choreography and coordination with Theatrical Intimacy Education (TIE) and Intimacy... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST
Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Faculty Development, Acting and Directing, Representation Equity and Diversity, Talking about Theatre

9:30am CST

Building your Resume

Friday January 24, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST

Marriott Salon G (2nd Floor)

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.

Presenters

Rachel Kelsey

NTI Program Representative and Admissions Manager, National Theatre Institute

I understand and acknowledge that I teach these workshops through the lens of my own background, culture, and experience. It is neither my goal nor my desire to foist my lens upon students, but to facilitate an understanding and skill set when approaching these works that enhances... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST
Marriott Salon G (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Audience Students Only
Area Acting and Directing, Playwriting, Design Technology & Management, Musical Theatre and/or Voice, Talking about Theatre

9:30am CST

What's Your Vision? Conceptualizing, Communicating, and Collaborating as a Production Team

Friday January 24, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST

Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor)

This panel discussion focuses on ways to develop and communicate production concepts and visualize early ideas from the standpoint of both directors and designers. We will offer insights into our personal processes with perspectives from a director, a scenic designer, and a lighting designer. Additionally, we will take a look at common challenges that occur in this process and how to overcome them.

Presenters

Jacee Casarella

Co-Volunteer Coordinator, Augustana University

Jacee Casarella is an Assistant Teaching Professor, Resident Designer, and Technical Director at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD. She is also the Co-Volunteer Coordinator for Region 5, VP of Social Media & Publications for USITT Northern Boundary, and Production Manager for... Read More →

Jayna Gearhart Fitzsimmons

Augustana University

Drs. Jayna Gearhart Fitzsimmons (theatre) and Richard W. Swanson (classics, religion, and philosophy) teach at Augustana University and have developed an interdisciplinary approach to developing and collaboratively staging new work. Together, Jayna (director and dramaturg) and Richard... Read More →

Lucas Granholm

Portfolio Review Coord, U of Minnesota Morris

Lucas Granholm is an Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts at the University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris), Chair for The United States Institute for Theatrical Technology Northern Boundary Section, and Program Director of the Minneapolis Green Theatre Alliance. At UMN Morris, Granholm... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST
Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Acting and Directing, Design Technology & Management, Talking about Theatre

11:00am CST

How to be a Respondent for Region 5

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Marriott Rock River Grill

Festival Leadership

Laura Chaney

RED Vice Chair, Cottey College

Haidee Heaton

Region 5 Co-Vice Chair, Culver-Stockton College

Deidre Mattox

Region 5 Co-Vice Chair, Hutchinson Community College

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Marriott Rock River Grill 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops, Faculty

Area Talking about Theatre

11:00am CST

All In On Chekhov At 10-to-1! Producing THE GULL

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST

Marriott Waterloo (3rd Floor)

Join the (1) Actor and the Producer/Director to find out more about developing a 1-woman, 10-character World Premiere (and special Festival Performance) of THE GULL; A TRAGICOMEDY FOR ONE, AFTER CHEKHOV, by Zachary Cohn. We will talk about the process for choosing the piece and dig into some of the challenges and rewards we found in the development journey and in facing the daunting task of producing a deconstruction of one of the most popular plays of the last 2 centuries--Anton Chekhov's THE SEAGULL. If you have seen the show (Thursday matinee at festival), or even if you're just curious about how a small professional theatre company functions in these times, please bring your questions and we'll have a lively discussion!

Presenters

Joan Korte

TheatreMidwest

As an actor, director, and teacher, Joan Korte is enthusiastic to share her passion for storytelling. She has most recently been involved with TheatreMidwest (IA) where she has appeared in THE GULL; A TRAGICOMEDY FOR ONE--AFTER CHEKHOV, WHEN THE MESSENGER IS HOT, and ATLAS OF MUD... Read More →

Tom Woldt

TheatreMidwest

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST
Marriott Waterloo (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Acting and Directing, Playwriting, Talking about Theatre

11:00am CST

Building Spaces of Acceptable Risk: Mental Health Coordination in Theatre

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST

Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor)

Presenters

Carrie Pozdol

Intimacy Director

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST
Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Audience Faculty Only
Area Faculty Development, Acting and Directing, Representation Equity and Diversity, Talking about Theatre

11:00am CST

Non-Production Careers for the Theatre Major

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST

Marriott Salon G (2nd Floor)

While university education often centers around how to do various jobs in producing theatre, this class will take a look through some of the industry that supports production. For every actor on stage there are 10 people supporting them on the production. For all of those, there are hundreds in different industries supporting them. Lets take a look at what is out there.

Presenters

Matt Carroll

Electronic Theatre Controls

An alum of Emporia State University here in region 5, Matt has taken many different paths in his professional career; both in and out of production. He has worked as a Master Electrician, Freelance Designer, Sales Consultant for a Dealership, Tech Support and now management for ETC... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST
Marriott Salon G (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Design Technology & Management, Faculty Development, Talking about Theatre

12:30pm CST

AI in Theatre Panel

Friday January 24, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST

Marriott Salon G (2nd Floor)

Join us for a groundbreaking panel discussion that examines the intersection of artificial intelligence and theatre. This comprehensive workshop brings together theatre practitioners, technologists, accessibility advocates, and audiences to explore how AI is reshaping the landscape of theatrical creation and experience.

Presenters

Tetta Askeland

Southwest Minnesota State U

Jacee Casarella

Co-Volunteer Coordinator, Augustana University

Colin Hogan

Des Moines Area CC

Carl Lindberg

College Fair Coordinator, Des Moines Area CC

Carl Lindberg (he/him) is an actor, director, and Professor and Chair of the Theatre & Acting Programs at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). He has also served DMACC as a District Chair and a Director of Guided Pathways. He has worked at regional theatres (Steppenwolf (upcoming... Read More →

Festival Leadership

Emily Cherry Oliver

Region 5 Co-Chair, University of North Dakota

Emily Cherry Oliver is the Professor and Chair of the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of North Dakota, as well as the Co-Director of the UND AI and Human Innovation Initiative. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre and an MFA in Directing, seamlessly integrating both disciplines... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Marriott Salon G (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Acting and Directing, Design Technology & Management, Faculty Development, Playwriting, Representation Equity and Diversity, Talking about Theatre

2:00pm CST

Open Discussion: How do we Balance life in the theatre world?

Friday January 24, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST

Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor)

This is an open discussion or form about how people balance their work/life situations and help others who struggle with that burnout. This is an open discussion, so it is lead by the people in attendance.

Presenters

Kylie McDonald

University of North Dakota

Friday January 24, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST
Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Talking about Theatre

2:00pm CST

Safety in the Theatre: The Importance of the Prep Week for Stage Management

Friday January 24, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST

Marriott Salon G (2nd Floor)

This is an in-depth workshop on the importance of prep week for the stage Management team and how it keeps our artists safe. How can you as a developing stage manager be the best prepared to start your production with safety as the priority? This workshop will give you tangible paperwork, layout expectations and help you and your stage management team to be prepared for your upcoming production.

Presenters

Iris D. Dodge

U of Northwestern St Paul

IRIS DODGE received her Theatrical training from University of Wisconsin River Falls and holds an MFA in Theatre-Stage Management from Yale University. As an Equity Stage Manager she has spent most of her theatrical career on the east coast working in Broadway and Off-Broadway Theatre... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST
Marriott Salon G (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Audience Students Only
Area Design Technology & Management, Talking about Theatre

2:00pm CST

Working in the Industry- Ask Me Anything

Friday January 24, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST

Marriott Waterloo (3rd Floor)

There is a difference between knowing how to do a job and know how to get hired to do it! Lets sit down and talk about working professionally. I'll share insight from my time as a Master Electrician in regional theatre, Freelance Designer, Sales Associate with a Dealership and with ETC, a major manufacturer of lighting equipment.

Presenters

Matt Carroll

Electronic Theatre Controls

Friday January 24, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST
Marriott Waterloo (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Design Technology & Management, Faculty Development, Talking about Theatre