BroadwayCon 2025: Full Schedule

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9:30am EST

Stage Manager's Stories from Behind the Scenes

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am EST

Murray Hill

Join Broadway stage managers as they share what really goes into making and running the Broadway shows that you love.

Presenters

Matthew Stern

MATTHEW AARON STERN: founder of the Broadway Stage Management Symposium, the annual conference for stage managers & co-founder of Event Training Academy, an online course for event stage managers. Broadway Stage Management credits include: Come From Away, Finding Neverland, On The... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am EST
Murray Hill

Panel

9:30am EST

Within and Without: The Multiverse of Gatsby

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am EST

Gramercy

"Gatsby? What Gatsby?" Hi Old Sports! In the past year and a half, there have been four different Gatsby iterations. Now, for the first time, we are bringing cast members from these productions together to chat about all things Gatsby!

Presenters

Jeremiah Ginn

NYC: The Big Gay Jamboree, A Sign Of The Times, The Great Gatsby (Immersive), Anything Goes, Murder For Two. Tour: Anastasia (1st National), A Chorus Line (dir./chor. Baayork Lee). Regional: Arena Stage, Goodspeed, Ogunquit, Muny, Cape Playhouse, NSMT, and more. @jeremiahmginn ww... Read More →

Dariana Mullen

Dariana Mullen is an NYC-based actress currently making her Broadway debut in The Great Gatsby. She plays Gilda Grey, is in the ensemble, and understudies the roles of Jordan Baker and Myrtle Wilson. Proud graduate of Elon MT '21 and LINK '21. Regional Theatre: The Great Gatsby (Papermill... Read More →

Matthew Amira

Matthew most recently originated the role of Wilson in the American Repertory Theatre's production of Gatsby: An American Myth. He also appeared in the Broadway National Tour of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and the tour of Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage. Favorite... Read More →

Shahzeb Zahid Hussain

Shahzeb was born in Pakistan, grew up in England, and later immigrated to The States with his family. He became interested in performing through breakdancing. He studied performing arts at Frostburg State and University of Iowa. He played Tom Buchanan in the Off Broadway of The Great... Read More →

Jocelyn Mosman

Jocelyn is a theatre content creator, adjunct professor of business law, and immigration lawyer. While her acting days are behind her, she can often be found at the theatre as an audience member and on social media as a theatre blogger. She is no stranger to the world of literature... Read More →

Peter Simpson

Pete's work includes principal roles w/ some of NY’s most lauded theater artists/organizations: Elevator Repair Service (Gatz,"etc.--The Public Theater, NY Theater Workshop, etc.), Annie Baker ("Infinite Life"--NY and London), Tina Satter ("Is This a Room", etc.-The Kitchen, the... Read More →

Laurena Allan

LAURENA ALLAN has appeared in every performance of Gatz since its run at The Wooster Group in 2004. She has also performed With ERS (Elevator Repair Service) in the plays Fondly, Collette Richland (NYTW) and Seagull (Skirball). Other credits include The Sasquatch Rituals (The Kitchen... Read More →

Dan Rosales

Dan Rosales can be seen in Broadway starring in The Great Gatsby. Other credits include: Stage 42, New World Stages, Lucille Lortel, City Center. Selected Regional: Kennedy Center, Old Globe, Goodspeed, Paper Mill. TV: “Evil,” “The Good Fight” (CBS), “Trevor” (Disney... Read More →

Rob Brinkmann

Rob Brinkmann is a Pennsylvania-born Actor and Audiobook Narrator based in New York City. Featured NYC credits include The Great Gatsby Immersive (Nick Carraway), STOMP (Orpheum Theater). Featured Regional Theater: Oklahoma (Jud Fry *Berkie Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am EST
Gramercy

Panel

10:45am EST

Immigrants: We Get the Job Done

Saturday February 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am EST

Beekman/Sutton North

Working on Broadway is a thrilling, soul-stirring journey that demands resilience, passion, and dedication. Now imagine those who have crossed oceans to be part of it. Join panelists Martín Acuña (Colombia), Daniel Assetta (Australia), Giselle Raphaela (Colombia), and Rodrigo Herrera (Mexico) as they bring you along on their inspiring journeys sharing what it took to leave behind their homelands and carve out their place on the world’s most iconic stages.

Their stories reveal how Broadway became a vibrant melting pot, showcasing global artistry and ambition. From the challenges of starting anew to the joy of realizing a dream, this panel highlights how Broadway has become a transformative space that amplifies voices from around the world, reshaping American theatre and bringing fresh perspectives to audiences everywhere. Celebrate the resilience and boundless creativity immigrant artists bring to Broadway as they redefine what it means to succeed in the world of theatre.

Presenters

Martín Acuña

Martín Acuña is a Colombian performing artist and marketing professional. His show, Backstage Talk Podcast, aims to shed light on stories that are often unheard of, and is the only Latin American podcast covering Broadway and the Musical Theatre Industry.

Daniel Assetta

Daniel is an Australian-Italian actor based in NYC, currently performing in Broadway’s & Juliet as ‘Henry’ and u/s ‘William Shakespeare’. Recent US credits include The Light in the Piazza (NY City Center Encores!), West Side Story (The MUNY), and his solo debut The Road... Read More →

Giselle Andrea Raphaela

Giselle Andrea Raphaela is a Colombian born and St. Maarten raised stage manager who is thrilled to be a part of BroadwayCon in collaboration with this incredible panel! She recently made her debut on Broadway as the replacement Stage Manager on Purlie Victorious. Other Broadway credits... Read More →

Rodrigo Herrera

Rodrigo Herrera (he/him) Proudly Mexican. Stage Manager and Industrial Engineer. Select credits include: Broadway: Home (Roundabout), Bob Fosse’s Dancin’; Nat'l tours: Hamilton (Angelica), Hamilton (Philip), Beetlejuice. Regional: Juan Planchard (Miami New Drama), Rent (Paper... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am EST
Beekman/Sutton North

Panel

10:45am EST

You're Invited To My Party: Party Princesses Tell-All

Saturday February 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am EST

Sutton Center

Ever dreamt of having tea with a princess? You can come close to it as two party princess performers spill the tea about the good and the bad of being party royalty. From mishaps to favorite stories to advice, we've got it all. If you ever wanted to know about the people behind your favorite characters at your kids birthday party, now is your chance!

Presenters

Jenny Pautke

Jenny is a performer who loves spreading magic and making people smile. She’s been a Party Princess for six years, entertaining at birthday parties, charity events, balls, immersive dining experiences, and more. When she’s not performing, Jenny keeps busy running the company’s... Read More →

Mandy Padilla

Mandy is an NYC born Puerto Rican actor, model, and undergraduate student of New York City College Of Technology studying Entertainment Technology, as well as a party princess performer. They have published research on the mechanics and aesthetics of the staging of 'Hamilton', which... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am EST
Sutton Center

Panel

12:00pm EST

Autism and Broadway: What It Means To Be A Fan While On The Spectrum

Saturday February 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST

Murray Hill

This panel is for anyone on the spectrum, who knows someone on the spectrum or wants to learn more about the autism spectrum. This will be a safe space to ask questions and to learn more about the spectrum. The presenter will share their experiences with autism and Broadway, and invite participants to do the same

Presenters

Skylar Reiner

Skylar Reiner is a graduate of Adelphi University. She is a big fan of musical theater and is even writing her own musical. She loves learning about cool places all over the world especially restaurants. She is always happy to be at Broadwaycon. She loves collecting Lights of Broadway... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Murray Hill

Panel

12:00pm EST

Broadway Amplified: The Intersection of Theater and Podcasting

Saturday February 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST

Gramercy

Broadway Amplified: The Intersection of Theatre and Podcasting brings together a dynamic group of Broadway podcast hosts who are not only celebrated for their entertaining shows but are also actively working in the theatre industry as creators, performers, producers, and marketers. These multi-hyphenate professionals will share their experiences of navigating both the worlds of podcasting and live theatre, offering a unique behind-the-scenes look at how their careers working in the theatre and behind the mic intersect.

Presenters

Eli Tokash

Eli is a small-town kid from West Virginia. He grew up traveling with his ice hockey team and playing a variety of other sports. At home, he and his siblings loved performing skits, singing, creating characters, and more. When he saw his big sister, Tessie, up on stage at the Pittsburgh... Read More →

Martín Acuña

Spencer Sher

Spencer Sher (he/him) is an up and coming producer. He has produced multiple concerts around NYC including 54 Sings Vulfpeck and Fake Bands/Real Songs at Green Room 42. He is the Creator and Producer of the podcast, “And the EGOT Goes To…”, of which he hosts the Tony Awards... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Gramercy

Panel

12:00pm EST

Entrepreneurship On Broadway - See Something Broken, Create A Solution & Build A New Company

Saturday February 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST

Sutton Center

Join us for a discussion with several of Broadway's leading entrepreneurs. Come learn from the people who see opportunities for fixing what is missing from the industry as they talk about creating new solutions that make the biz continue to evolve and grow.

Presenters

Tim Dolan

Tim moved to the Big Apple shortly after graduating high school to pursue a career in the arts. On the small screen, Tim was featured on Season Two of HBO's Boardwalk Empire. Onstage, Tim was the Dance Captain in the Off-Broadway revival of Once Upon A Mattress starring Jackie Hoffman... Read More →

Matthew Stern

Nicole Johnson

Nicole Javanna Johnson is Founder & Creative Director of the Harriet Tubman Effect Institute www.harriettubmaneffect.com, a human resource center and institute of research and strategy for justice advocacy. The institute seeks to usher in a new era of empathy by producing empathy... Read More →

Hugh Hysell

HUGH HYSELL is a multi-hyphenate theatre professional: Broadway Producer (2 Tonys), Marketer (over 200 Broadway & Off Broadway shows, Open Jar Studios, BWAY Headshots, Stage Door Network, Groupon, NYU Skirball + more), educator (currently UNC Greensboro and runs the PRO Masterclass... Read More →

Jeff Whiting

Jeff Whiting is an award-winning director, choreographer and producer with work on Broadway, TV/Film, and Concerts around the world. BROADWAY (Associate): Bullets Over Broadway, Scottsboro Boys, Hair, Young Frankenstein, Big Fish. CONCERTS: James Taylor Live at Carnegie Hall (with... Read More →

Donna Walker-Kuhne

Donna Walker-Kuhne is an award winning thought leader, writer and strategist for community engagement, audience development and social justice. She is President of Walker International Communications Group, a 30 year old boutique marketing and audience development consulting agency... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Sutton Center

Panel

12:00pm EST

The Next Stage: Playwriting Paths for Student Artists

Saturday February 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST

Beekman/Sutton North

While the spotlight often shines on the impressive rising stars on stage, there's a new generation of writers crafting the stories that will shape the future of theatre. Curious about who they are or how the playwriting journey begins? Join us for a panel featuring representatives (and graduates!) of top national youth playwriting competitions and festivals. Come and learn about the many exciting opportunities available for young theatre enthusiasts and writers to bring their work to the stage. In addition, you'll gain unique insights into what these competitions look for, along with the exciting trends they’re seeing as they nurture the creators of tomorrow!

Presenters

Reva Stover

Reva Stover is a SDC member director, playwright, activist, actress, dramaturg, producer, and teaching artist from Orlando, FL with a BFA in acting from the University of Central Florida. She promotes equity, accessibility, and collectivism through considerate collaboration with activists... Read More →

Bree Pavey

Bree Pavey (she/they) serves as Executive Director at The Blank Theatre and is the Executive Producer of their annual, nation-wide Young Playwrights Festival (now in its 33rd year). Bree is an actor / director / producer who has worked professionally in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles... Read More →

Marlie Kass

Marlie Kass was introduced to playwriting through Stagedoor Manor’s Dramafest when she was 13. At age 20, she’s an internationally recognized playwright studying theater at Princeton University. Marlie is passionate about creating a more equitable theater world not only through... Read More →

Max Friedlich

Max’s career began at age 17 when he was the youngest writer to present at the NY International Fringe Festival. More recently his play JOB (NYTime’s Critics Pick), after 17 weeks sold out Off-Broadway, transferred to The Hayes Theater on Broadway in July of 2024 for a 15-week... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Beekman/Sutton North

Panel

2:00pm EST

Beyond the Stage: Reimagining Broadway Audiences for a More Inclusive Future

Saturday February 8, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST

Gramercy

Join host India Haggins and guests for an inspiring and solutions-focused panel exploring actionable strategies to broaden the diversity of Broadway and Off-Broadway theater audiences. Industry leaders and community partners will share forward-thinking approaches and tangible steps to engage underrepresented groups and build a more inclusive future for theater. Don’t miss this insightful conversation about making Broadway accessible and welcoming to all.

Saturday February 8, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST
Gramercy

Panel

2:00pm EST

Crossing Curtains: Latin American Voices and the Broadway Exchange

Saturday February 8, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST

Murray Hill

Experience firsthand stories from trailblazers like the first Latin American Billy Flynn and groundbreaking creators of original musicals from Peru and Mexico. Hear from an esteemed editor for performing arts books, a Grammy nominee, and visionary producers of Broadway cabarets, who have introduced Latinx and international talent to Broadway stages. Discover how their roots shape their storytelling and the ways they blend Broadway techniques with vibrant Latin American culture. Join us to celebrate their journeys, challenges, and triumphs in bringing new perspectives to musical theatre. You may even leave humming one of their new songs.

Presenters

Jaime Lozano

Jaime Lozano, hailed by Lin-Manuel Miranda as the “next big thing on Broadway,” is a celebrated Mexican composer, arranger, and musical director. Jaime blends traditional Latin American sounds with contemporary musical theater, spotlighting Latinx narratives. His acclaimed works... Read More →

Andres Chavez

Andrés Chávez is author of the book El musical en Latinoamérica, an one of a kind study of musical theater abroad in latino countries. He is colombian and has created a publishing house and bookstore specialized on performing arts (@tiendateatral) with current presence on México... Read More →

Marco Zunino

Marco Zunino, a celebrated Peruvian actor and singer, is recognized internationally for his dynamic stage presence. He made history as the first Latin American to portray Billy Flynn in Chicago on Broadway. Trained at New York’s Circle in the Square Theatre School, Zunino has starred... Read More →

Jenny Prada

Jenny Prada: Visionary Networker, Producer, and Consultant Transforming Broadway for Latin American Talent. A devoted Broadway enthusiast for over 20 years, Jenny has tirelessly supported Latin American students entering the New York market, connecting cultures through her extensive... Read More →

Denisse Dibós

Denisse Dibós, a celebrated Peruvian actress, producer, and educator, holds a Master of Fine Arts in Music from the University of Southern California. As the founder of Preludio Asociación Cultural, she has brought musical theater to Peru, producing and starring in acclaimed adaptations... Read More →

Delfina Perret

Delfina Perret is the artist director of Latinx and international cabaret show in NYC Chasing Dreams. She is an actress, singer and educator from Argentina. After graduating as an acting teacher from Andamio 90' (Arg), she moved to NYC to continue her studies in musical theater... Read More →

Camila Figueiras

Camila Figueiras is an actress, singer, dancer, producer, song writer and director born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. At the age of 19 Camila won a merit based scholarship to study in the Musical Theatre Conservatory Program at AMDA NY where she graduated with honors.Some... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST
Murray Hill

Panel

2:00pm EST

Put it in Writing: A Conversation with Broadway Playwrights

Saturday February 8, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST

Trianon Ballroom

On this panel, theatre podcast host Charles Kirsch (Backstage Babble) will be joined by some of the most prolific and lauded playwrights working in theatre today to discuss their craft and what inspires them. Don't miss the exclusive chance to learn from the brilliant authors behind Tony and Pulitzer-Prize winning works of art like I Am My Own Wife, Stereophonic, Kimberly Akimbo, and Prelude to a Kiss.

Presenters

David Henry Hwang

David Henry Hwang’s works include M. Butterfly, Yellow Face (recently revived on Broadway), Soft Power, Aida, Chinglish, and Flower Drum Song, as well as thirteen opera libretti; Ainadamar (music by Osvaldo Golijov) made its Metropolitan Opera debut in Fall 2024. A professor at... Read More →

David Adjmi

David Adjmi was awarded the Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics’ Circle Award, Drama League and New York Drama Critics’ Circle Awards for Stereophonic. He is also the fortunate recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Mellon Foundation grant, the Whiting Writers’ Award, and the Steinberg... Read More →

Charles Kirsch

Charles Kirsch is the 17-year-old host of the theater podcast Backstage Babble, which has presented over 200 in-depth interviews with theater legends such as Lin-Manuel Miranda, Carol Burnett, and Kelli O'Hara. Kirsch has also hosted game night benefits for the non-profit organization... Read More →

Craig Lucas

Craig Lucas wrote the plays Reckless, Blue Window, Prelude to a Kiss, The Dying Gaul, Ode to Joy (among many others). His screenplays include Longtime Companion (Audience Award/Sundance) and The Secret Lives of Dentists (NY Film Critics Best Screenplay). His musicals include The Light... Read More →

David Lindsay-Abaire

DAVID LINDSAY-ABAIRE is a playwright, screenwriter, lyricist, and librettist. Broadway: Kimberly Akimbo with composer Jeanine Tesori (five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score); Rabbit Hole (Pulitzer Prize for Drama); Good People (NY Drama Critics Circle Award... Read More →

Doug Wright

Broadway credits include Good Night, Oscar starring Sean Hayes (Chicago’s Joseph Jefferson Award for Best New Play), I Am My Own Wife (Tony Award, Pulitzer Prize, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Award and others), War Paint, Hands on a Hardbody (Drama De

Jen Silverman

Jen Silverman is a playwright, novelist, and screenwriter. Plays include: Spain; Highway Patrol; Collective Rage: A Play in 5 Betties; The Moors; and Witch. Silverman’s plays have been produced off-Broadway (Second Stage Theatre, MCC Theater, The Playwrights Realm), across the US... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST
Trianon Ballroom

Panel

2:00pm EST

The Digital Stage: Social Media and the Future of Theatre

Saturday February 8, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST

Beekman/Sutton North

Many performers and creators turn to social media not just for connection but to hone their skills. In this panel, creators, composers, and directors discuss how platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube became spaces for experimentation, collaboration, and growth. From arranging and orchestrating music to trying out new performance techniques, we'll explore how the virtual world became a stage where we refined our craft, how these skills continue to influence our work today, and where the art of theatre will be going in the future.

Presenters

Joshua Turchin

Joshua Turchin is a performer, composer, music director, and writer. Select credits: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon), Forbidden Broadway: The Next Generation (Original Off-Broadway Cast), two Broadway National Tours, Flounder in The Little Mermaid Live-To-Film at The Hollywood... Read More →

Brandon Powers

Brandon Powers is a creative director + choreographer who creates experiences across physical and virtual space. Blending his background in contemporary dance, theatre, and immersive technology, his work focuses on capturing liveness in the digital, building interdisciplinary communities... Read More →

Thomas Sanders

Thomas is a social media content creator and musician, with a passion for stage performance. Apart from the silly things he enjoys making online, he has also performed as Sweeney Todd (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleetstreet), The Emcee (Cabaret), and JD (Heathers). With the... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST
Beekman/Sutton North

Panel

3:15pm EST

Broadway Goes to the Cabaret

Saturday February 8, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm EST

Gramercy

After the lights go down on Broadway, or even between shows, many stars turn to the smaller, more intimate stages of New York's cabaret scene. Join award-winning cabaret performer and historian Michael Kirk Lane as he moderates a conversation about the art form of cabaret in New York City. How do the artists approach it? What is its pull? What makes this style of performance unique? Come hear why life truly is a cabaret.

Presenters

Michael Kirk Lane

Michael Kirk Lane is the host and producer of 92NY’s award-winning interview series “Cabaret Conversations.” He is also an award-winning cabaret performer, most recently winning Manhattan Association of Cabaret Awards in 2022 and 2020. He was the recipient of the 2018 BroadwayWorld... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm EST
Gramercy

Panel

3:15pm EST

Cosplay: How to Become Your Favourite Broadway Character

Saturday February 8, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm EST

Sutton Center

When your list of dream roles is too long to possibly ever play them all, what do you do? Let pro-cosplayer CosPayton introduce you to the wonderful world of cosplay, a hobby where you can dress up as your favorite characters any time you want. Learn all about planning, how to get the most bang for your buck, and a few anecdotes from CosPayton's time as a Broadway cosplayer.

Presenters

CosPayton

CosPayton is an award-winning self-taught cosplayer, photographer, and pattern maker with over a decade of cosplay and theatre experience under their belt. They've guested at various conventions and helped over 7000 cosplayers create their dream costumes. CosPayton prides themself... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm EST
Sutton Center

Panel

3:15pm EST

Regional Theatre Social Media Support Group: Building an Online Theatre Community

Saturday February 8, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm EST

Beekman/Sutton North

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind session to meet the creative minds behind the screens! Join social media managers from iconic regional theaters like Theatre Under The Stars, Alliance Theatre, Paper Mill Playhouse, Roundabout Theatre, Alley Theatre, and La Jolla Playhouse as they discuss the unique digital stories they craft to amplify each production’s journey from local stages to viral conversations.

Hear how regional theaters are using digital platforms to build dedicated fan communities, spotlight emerging talent, and elevate groundbreaking stories that fuel Broadway's creative pipeline. Panelists will be hosting a Q and A, where you’ll have the chance to dive deeper into the ways regional theatres are pushing productions into the national spotlight and transforming the theatre community through social media.

Presenters

Elizabeth Gentry

Elizabeth Gentry is a seasoned digital content creator with extensive experience collaborating with leading nonprofits and organizations across Texas. As the Assistant Manager of Marketing & Communications at Theatre Under The Stars, Elizabeth manages organic and paid digital media... Read More →

Ashley Elliott

I’m a strategic communications and marketing professional with a passion for the arts and a commitment to building authentic, impactful connections between arts organizations and their communities. With a strong foundation in theatre and community engagement, I focus on assisting... Read More →

Jenna Craig

Jenna Craig (she/her) has worked at Roundabout Theatre Company for over three years on the digital marketing team, starting off as an assistant and now serving as Assistant Digital Manager, where she manages Roundabout’s organic social media and website content. Some of her favorite... Read More →

Caroline Austin

Caroline Austin is the PR & Communications Manager at Alley Theatre, where she has led dynamic social media growth and broadened regional and national media coverage since 2021. With extensive experience in publicity strategy and audience engagement, she has secured coverage for the... Read More →

Rachel E. Roberts

Rachel E. Roberts is a content creator, marketer, and professional theater kid. As the Social Media and Communications Manager at Paper Mill Playhouse, she’s created a rapidly growing digital space for fans and artists that drives engagement and inspires audiences. She’s collaborated... Read More →

Samantha Laurent

Samantha Laurent is the Social Media and Content Manager at La Jolla Playhouse (@lajollaplayhouse) in San Diego, California. As a life-long theatre kid, Samantha was an avid performer in community theatre programs from elementary school through college. By combining her BA in English... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm EST
Beekman/Sutton North

Panel

4:30pm EST

Back to Basics: The Importance of Arts Education and Community Theatre

Saturday February 8, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm EST

Gramercy

Arts education and community theatre are vital pathways to a career in the arts, providing essential skills, experiences, and connections. Through participation, mentorship, and networking, young people gain opportunities develop their craft and build collaborative, problem-solving, and management skills essential in any artistic career. Join Ed “Tiger” Verdin, an award-winning playwright, director, and lyricist, and his 10-year-old daughter Ryleigh, a dancer with the 2022 Streetz National Dance Championship team, in a conversation that aims to highlight how early arts exposure can shape a child’s creative journey.

Presenters

Ryleigh Verdin

Ryleigh Verdin began her stage career "in utero" with her parents and officially joined them at 6 months old along with her three brothers onstage. A dedicated theatre performer ever since, she has become a true "triple threat." In 2022, Ryleigh’s competition dance troupe with Cara's... Read More →

Ed "Tiger" Verdin

Ed "Tiger" Verdin, a nationally recognized playwright and member of the Dramatist Guild and Gulf Coast Playwrights, serves as Franklin’s Main Street Director, Public Relations Director, Cultural District Liaison, Economic Development Director, and Executive Director for the Louisiana... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm EST
Gramercy

Panel

4:30pm EST

Theater Library

Saturday February 8, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm EST

Beekman/Sutton North

Most of us die-hard theatre lovers have home libraries the size of the National Archives! On this panel, podcast host Charles Kirsch (Backstage Babble) will be joined by the authors of upcoming books that every fan will want to add to their collection, who also happen to be some of the most knowledgeable and prolific minds in theatre scholarship today.

Presenters

Jennifer Ashley Tepper

Jennifer Ashley Tepper is the Creative and Programming Director of 54 Below, a position she has held for over a decade. At 54 Below, Tepper has curated or produced over 7000 shows. She is the producer of the musicals Be More Chill, Broadway Bounty Hunter, and Love In Hate Nation... Read More →

Todd Almond

TODD ALMOND is a performer, songwriter, and playwright. His latest musical, I’M ALMOST THERE, directed by David Cromer, premiered at the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Todd was in the acclaimed the Conor McPherson/Bob Dylan musical, GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY, at the Public Theater... Read More →

Charles Kirsch

Kristin Stultz Pressley

Two-time BroadwayCon presenter Dr. Kristin Stultz Pressley is a Broadway historian and frequent lecturer at theatres and universities across the Southeastern United States. Her first book, "I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Baby: Dorothy Fields and Her Life in the American Musical... Read More →

Peter Filichia

Peter Filichia's books include Brainteasers for Broadway Geniuses; The Biggest Hit – and Flop -- of the Season; Broadway Musicals’ MVPs; Strippers, Showgirls, and Sharks: Musicals That Lost the Tonys; The Great Parade: The 1963-64 Season; Broadway Musical Disputes, Debates and... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm EST
Beekman/Sutton North

Panel

4:30pm EST

This is the Life: An Introduction to New York's Indie Theater Scene

Saturday February 8, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm EST

Sutton Center

So you want to make theatre in New York, but don’t know where to start? Well, chances are it’ll be where even some of the biggest names on Broadway started: in New York’s incredibly active Off and Off-Off Broadway theatre scene.

Join members of the indie theatre community as they share their own experiences carving out a theatre career away from the lights of Broadway, separate from both the commercial and non-profit theatre worlds—though often while still having a foot in those worlds. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the NYC theatre community and insight on a feasible, accessible path to making theatre in NYC, without some of the more common barriers of entry.

Presenters

emily/BUBECK

emily/BUBECK is a Queer, Catholic, Appalachian theatre practitioner who facilitates the development and consumption of new works by traditionally underrepresented artists. She is drawn to projects that allow us to expand our ideas on how we tell stories and who those stories serve... Read More →

Paige Esterly

Paige Esterly is an NYC based playwright-producer-director. A grad of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in Dramatic Writing, Paige’s plays have been developed with Theater for the New City (NYC), The Space at Irondale (NYC), SERIALS (NYC), The Tank (NYC... Read More →

Cristina Angeles

Cristina Angeles is an Afrolatina director, writer, and theater maker whose mission is to create empathy and conversation by directing new plays, musicals, and socially conscious adaptations of classics that place people of color at the forefront. Today, Cristina is the Founding Artistic... Read More →

Kristin McCarthy Parker

Kristin McCarthy Parker is a New York-based director and producer whose work has been seen across the US, the UK and Australia. They are the Co-Founder of critically acclaimed comedy company Recent Cutbacks, with whom they’ve directed FLY YOU FOOLS, KEVIN!!!!!, NEXT DAY THRONES... Read More →

Michael Ortiz

Michael Ortiz (he/him) is a multi-hyphenate theater artist hailing from the state of Florida. He is one of the Co-Artistic Directors of the Brooklyn-based Breaking & Entering Theater Collective, and he currently produces and hosts SERIALS, a late-night episodic short play competition... Read More →

Kenjiro Lee

Kenjiro Lee is a Korean/Japanese-American playwright, puppeteer, director and occasional performer. He has had work produced through Pan Asian Rep, Paper Kraine Productions, The Fled Collective, and the Road Theatre Company in Los Angeles. He is an alum of the Under Construction 3... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm EST
Sutton Center

Panel

4:30pm EST

Yellow Face, Not Yellowface

Saturday February 8, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm EST

Grand Ballroom

Join host Erin Quill in a conversation with Tony Award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang, Drama Desk winner Francis Jue, and actress Shannon Tyo about the recent revival of Yellow Face at The Roundabout Theatre Company.

Presenters

David Henry Hwang

Erin Quill

Erin Quill holds a BFA from CMU, and was also a OBC of Avenue Q. In addition to appearing in shows such as The King and I, Flower Drum Song and DAVE, the musical- she has been writing the blog, The Fairy Princess Diaries for the past 12 years, helping amend casting issues in America... Read More →

Francis Jue

Francis Jue most recently appeared in Yellow Face on Broadway, after earning Lortel and Obie Awards for the NYC debut of Yellow Face at the Public Theater. Other Broadway: Pacific Overtures, Thoroughly Modern Millie, M. Butterfly. Recent theatre includes Cambodian Rock Band (Lortel... Read More →

Shannon Tyo

SHANNON TYO Broadway: Yellow Face. Off-Broadway: The Comeuppance (Signature; Obie Award, Special Citation- Ensemble), Regretfully, So the Birds Are (Playwrights), The Far Country (Atlantic), peerless (Primary Stages), The Chinese Lady (Ma-Yi at The Public; Lortel Award, Theater World... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm EST
Grand Ballroom

Panel