We are honored and proud to have Mark Valdez, Executive Director of the Network of Ensemble Theaters (NET), deliver this year’s keynote address. NET was created by and for artists to support those who have dedicated their life’s work to creating theater through the ensemble process. Their work is committed to the unique event of the living stage, where the imagination of the artist and audience is linked in social communion and mutual creativity.
We have designed four afternoon break-out sessions to discuss specific themes/areas based on survey results from last year’s attendees, which include LGBTQ Performance, Spanish Language Theater, Theater for Young Audiences, and Designing for the Stage. More detailed descriptions on each break-out below:
{LGBTQ | Performance=Activism: Exposing our community to the New Normal}
Is creating work that shares LGBT narratives inherently an act of social activism? Our cross-generational panel will be discussing the role that activism plays in their own work, as well as the challenges that continue to persist when exploring LGBTQ topics, themes, and political issues. Together, we can discuss how we can be allies in support of each other’s work.
{SPANISH LANGUAGE | Teatro en Español… un animal en extincción”? O “Los Olvidados”?}
Join us in a formal collective exploration of the state and potential of Spanish Language Theater in Los Angeles. We’ll examine the past, present, and future viability of producing Spanish-Only and/or Bilingual Theater for such a large and culturally diverse urban audience. We will ask ourselves: Do we really need Teatro en Español? What are the political, social, and cultural implications of awakening our Bilingual “voice”?
{TYA | Telling the Stories that Need Telling}
Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) needs to be at the forefront of conversations around audience and artistic development in the theater. Hear from and mingle with current trendsetters in the Los Angeles TYA scene as we explore strategies on how to redefine the norm for quality family programming that tackles necessary and vital issues on stage. We will wrap-up the session by discussing the key role of TYA in communities and developing future audiences. The session will provide a resource list that includes articles exploring these topics in more depth and links to organizations currently producing TYA across the country.
{DESIGN | Make it Work: Achieving a Synergistic Creative Team}
In the world of theater, one day you’re IN the spotlight and the next day you’re OUT in the wings! In this year’s team challenge, Designers, Directors and Producers will have the opportunity to experience the trials and misconceptions of each other’s roles. You will have 2 hours to create a cohesive and well-articulated concept while considering multiple perspectives and parameters (time, money, resources) without compromising story or vision. It’s time to “make it work” and strut down the catwalk!
The Convening will close with a one time only performance of ¡GAYTINO! written and performed by Dan Guerrero at 5pm. ¡GAYTINO! is a remarkable life journey from 1950s East LA to New York’s Great White Way in the 60s and 70s and back to Hollywood. A gay Chicano moves from the back of the bus to the front of American pop culture in this autobiographical play with music. The solo piece is driven by Dan’s lifelong friendship with the late Chicano artist Carlos Almaraz and by Dan’s father, Chicano music legend, Lalo Guerrero. The 90-minute performance travels through decades of Mexican-American history and the gay experience from a unique and personal perspective. Touching, provocative, hilarious and absolutely one-of-a-kind, Dan Guerrero brings his two fascinating worlds together in a riveting solo show.
**Lunch is on-your-own with many options available nearby at Atlantic Square**
**Coffee and other refreshments will be available throughout the day**
Where:
East Los Angeles College
1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez
Monterey Park, CA, CA 91754
United States
When:
August 2nd, 2014 10am – 6:30pm (Registration/Check-In begins at 9:30am)
How much:
Conference ONLY: $25
¡GAYTINO! ONLY: $25
Conference + ¡GAYTINO!: $40
Register online at: www.LTALA.org
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The Latino Theater Alliance/Los Angeles is an ad hoc group of theater artists and professionals led by a steering committee of practitioners based in Los Angeles and Orange County. Our goal is to share our rich culture on a national stage by fostering collaboration and empowering our local artistic communities.