NEW YORK CITY: Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for theatre, has announced that Phoenix will be the location for its 30th annual national conference, on the dates June 4-6, 2020.
“Phoenix is a city of many identities, indigenous and immigrant, all contributing to a cultural scene as abundant as its famed sunshine and natural beauty,” said Teresa Eyring, executive director of TCG, in a statement. “It’s no wonder that Phoenix is the fastest-growing metropolis in the U.S., driven in part by a large student population. We’re excited to engage with the diverse perspectives of Phoenix’s theatremakers and can think of no more fitting place to explore the current and future vitality of our art form.”
The growing list of Phoenix-area host committee organizations contributing to the planning for the National Conference currently includes Arizona Theatre Company, Black Theatre Troupe, Childsplay, iTheatre Collaborative, Theatre and Film Phoenix College, the Phoenix Theatre Company, Southwest Shakespeare Company, and Valley Youth Theatre.
Through its convenings, TCG continues to serve as a connector for theatres to share best practices and new business and artistic models with one another. TCG presents plenary speakers, breakout sessions, workshops, and performances throughout the National Conference. Past keynote speakers have included leading artists and thinkers, such as Edwidge Danticat, Naomi Shihab Nye, Jer Thorp, Stephanie Ybarra, Mona Eltahawy, Jeff Chang, John Maeda, Jane McGonigal, Anna Deavere Smith, and Baratunde Thurston.
“On behalf of the city of Phoenix, we are excited about the opportunity to engage with the national theatre community during TCG’s 30th annual National Conference,” said Mitch Menchaca, executive director of city of Phoenix Office of Arts + Culture, in a statement. “This gathering will allow the region’s artists, administrators, and leaders to learn from their colleagues from around the country and the world while sharing the rich creativity that we have to offer. By hosting the conference in the Valley of the Sun, we will showcase to the theatre field that Phoenix is a great place to live, work, and visit!”
TCG is accepting session proposals and content ideas for the 2020 National Conference through Dec. 16. If you are interested in joining TCG as a sponsor for its upcoming Conference, please contact Kevin Bitterman, director of Institutional Advancement & Partnerships.
