KCACTF Region 1 Conference 57: Full Schedule

7:00pm EST

Opening Ceremony

Tuesday January 28, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm EST

Welte Auditorium

Ceremony, open to all

Speakers

Christie Maturo

Professor of Theatre, Region 1 Vice Chair, Region 1 Ryan's Chair

Christie Maturo is an Assistant Professor of Theatre at Central Connecticut State University where she teaches acting and directing. Christie has worked across the country as an actor, director, and producer. Most recently she worked with Undermain Theatre in Dallas and on the award-winning... Read More →

Emmett Buhmann

KCACTF Region 1 Chair, KCACTF Region 1 Chair

Emmett H. Buhmann (BFA, University of Wyoming, 2002; MFA University of California-Irvine, 2009) is the Lighting Design Faculty Member for the Bridgewater State University Department of Theatre. Freelance Design: Company ONE (peerless), The Un-Common Theater Company (Carrie: The Musical... Read More →

Garrett Olson

Associate Artistic & Technical Director of Watermelon Alligator, Watermelon Alligator Theatre Company

Garrett Olson (he/him) is a professional working actor, director, screenwriter, film maker, song writer, seasoned fight director/stunt coordinator, intimacy director/choreographer captain and safety/accessibility consultant for stage and screen. He is currently the Technical Director... Read More →

Jess Wilson

Managing and Artistic Director, WatermelonAlligator Theatre Company

Jess Wilson (they/she) is a former C-level executive leader with extensive experience as an actor, director, playwright, intimacy director, stage manager, tech, designer, and producer, and is the Managing and Artistic Director of the WatermelonAlligator Theatre Company. They are an... Read More →

Tuesday January 28, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm EST
Welte Auditorium Welte

General

9:00pm EST

Musical Theatre Kick Off

Tuesday January 28, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm EST

Welte Auditorium

Kickoff, MTSA participants

Speakers

Julia Burke

Musical Theatre Vice Chair, KCACTF Region 1 Leadership

Karen Oster

KCACTF boardmemebr region 1, United States

Tuesday January 28, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm EST
Welte Auditorium Welte

MTSA

8:00am EST

SDC Rehearsal

Wednesday January 29, 2025 8:00am - 11:00am EST

Welte Auditorium

Rehearsal, SDC participants

Speakers

Sasha Bratt

KCACTF Region 1 Board, KCACTF Chair, SDC Directing Initiative

Sarah Ploskina

KCACTF Region 1 SDC Vice Chair

Sarah is Theatre maker, director, and educator. She specializes in Forum Theatre, devising, and Shakespeare. At Bridgewater State University, Sarah is an Assistant Professor.

Wednesday January 29, 2025 8:00am - 11:00am EST
Welte Auditorium Welte

SDC

11:00am EST

SDC Preliminary Rounds

Wednesday January 29, 2025 11:00am - 2:00pm EST

Welte Auditorium

Preliminary Round, SDC participants

Speakers

Sasha Bratt

KCACTF Region 1 Board, KCACTF Chair, SDC Directing Initiative

Sarah Ploskina

KCACTF Region 1 SDC Vice Chair

Sarah is Theatre maker, director, and educator. She specializes in Forum Theatre, devising, and Shakespeare. At Bridgewater State University, Sarah is an Assistant Professor.

Moira O'Sullivan

Literary & Artistic Coordinator, Barrington Stage Company

Moira O'Sullivan is a director and dramaturg and the Literary & Artistic Coordinator at Barrington Stage Company. Previously, she worked in the literary department at Portland Stage and was the Director of New Works at Playhouse on Park for two seasons. She has served on the script... Read More →

Eric Ort

Independent Artist

Eric Ort is a freelance director, arts educator, and nonprofit administrator. Formerly an artistic producer at TheaterWorks Hartford, Eric directed THE WOLVES and EVERY BRILLIANT THING and served as line producer for new play workshops. Other directing includes projects at The University... Read More →

Wednesday January 29, 2025 11:00am - 2:00pm EST
Welte Auditorium Welte

SDC

2:00pm EST

Basics of Inclusive Intimacy Practices

Wednesday January 29, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm EST

Welte Auditorium

General, open to all. There are a million ways to tell a story. This workshop will review some basics of consent-based, trauma-informed intimacy practices, with a focus on adaptive techniques, boundary setting, inclusion, equity, communication, and safety! We'll discuss how to evaluate your own boundaries within a performance setting, collaboratively adapt intimacy choreography to accommodate a performer's abilities and boundaries, and communicate when miscommunication or disrespect of boundaries occurs. This course is appropriate for performers, directors, designers, choreographers, intimacy choreographers, and DEI representatives. Bring your questions and ask our experts!

Speakers

Garrett Olson

Associate Artistic & Technical Director of Watermelon Alligator, Watermelon Alligator Theatre Company

Jess Wilson

Managing and Artistic Director, WatermelonAlligator Theatre Company

Wednesday January 29, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm EST
Welte Auditorium Welte

Workshop

3:30pm EST

Auditioning Reimagined

Wednesday January 29, 2025 3:30pm - 5:00pm EST

Welte Auditorium

General, open to all. What might be possible if auditioning felt exciting and not full of doubt? In this workshop you are empowered to show up to your auditions and performances in a way that you can feel capable, playful, and authentic. Gain clarity on your unique contributions to any creative space, so that you are able to stay present and dare I say, enjoy it! Players will be guided through light theater/clown games, written exercises, and discussion that blends observation, reflection, and bubble popping questions. Please bring a journal, pencil, and an open mind/heart. Be prepared to get messy and allow breath filled surprises along the way!

Speakers

Malia'Kekia Nicolini

B4 The Other Creations Co-Founder, B4 The Other Creations

Malia’Kekia Nicolini (‘O ia/she/they) is kanaka maoli (Native Hawaiian), they received their inoa (name) traditionally from an inoa po (mothers dream) that held both an inoa ho’ailona (symbol) and their inoa ulaleo (ancestors voice). Malia’Kekia is an internationally... Read More →

Wednesday January 29, 2025 3:30pm - 5:00pm EST
Welte Auditorium Welte

Workshop

9:30am EST

I Hope I Get It

Thursday January 30, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am EST

Welte Auditorium

General, open to all. "“I Hope I Get It-MTA: Musical Theatre Auditions”
Musical Theatre Audition technique For everyone, everywhere, and all the things!

Ever wonder what the audition is like from the accompanists perspective? Here, we can talk through presentation, 16-32 bar cuts, and what’s REALLY being discussed behind the audition panel table. There are NEVER small questions, as this is a chance for you to ask! Sing! Present!
We will talk about the how to’s of resume, headshots, and most of all, how to get the music to sound the way that will feature you the best.
For this workshop, attendees are encouraged to bring 16/32 bar cuts of their sheet music for auditioning for musical theatre, as the major part of the workshop – be prepared to be on your feet (if you so choose)!

Bring questions, courage, and let’s jam!"

Speakers

Kathryn Krull

Music Director and Artist, Independent Artist

Kathryn Krull,Musical Director, Vocal Director, Conductor, Performer, and Pianist Kathryn Krull Music Directing over 15 years; has appeared in circuses, cruise ships, and stages as a performer and musician, but identifies as a pianist, clown, and collaborator. BA in Music and Theatre... Read More →

Thursday January 30, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am EST
Welte Auditorium Welte

Workshop

12:00pm EST

Musical Theatre Full Rehearsal

Thursday January 30, 2025 12:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Welte Auditorium

Rehearsal, MTSA participants

Speakers

Julia Burke

Musical Theatre Vice Chair, KCACTF Region 1 Leadership

Karen Oster

KCACTF boardmemebr region 1, United States

Correy West

Open Jar Representative, Open Jar Institute

Correy West was last seen on Broadway in Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations. He made his Broadway debut in South Pacific at Lincoln Center. Subsequently, he performed in the Broadway production of Nice Work If You Can Get It at the Imperial Theatre alongside Matthew... Read More →

Elijaih Caldwell

Dori Bryan-Ployer

Artistic Director, Independent Artist

Dori is the Artistic Director and Director of Education for The Mass Arts Center in Mansfield MA. She holds a BFA from The Boston Conservatory, an M.Ed. from Cambridge College, and an MA from Emerson College. She earned her Ph.D. in education through Lesley University. Dori brings... Read More →

Kathleen Castellanos

Collaborative Pianist / Coach, Independent Artist

J. Kathleen Castellanos (she/they) Kathleen is an active music director, vocal coach, and educator working throughout Boston and the greater New England area; her career has taken her throughout North America, as well as Germany and Austria. Kathleen is a proud member of the performing... Read More →

Kathryn Krull

Music Director and Artist, Independent Artist

Natalie Toro

respondent, Independent

Jillian Zack

Guest Artist, Independent Artist

Pianist and music director Jillian Zack has enjoyed a diverse and exciting series of collaborations. From making her Broadway stage debut as the Organist in Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird to being a finalist in London’s Wigmore Hall Song Competition... Read More →

Thursday January 30, 2025 12:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Welte Auditorium Welte

MTSA

3:00pm EST

Musical Theatre Semi Final

Thursday January 30, 2025 3:00pm - 6:00pm EST

Welte Auditorium

Semi Final, MTSA participants

Speakers

Julia Burke

Musical Theatre Vice Chair, KCACTF Region 1 Leadership

Karen Oster

KCACTF boardmemebr region 1, United States

Correy West

Open Jar Representative, Open Jar Institute

Elijaih Caldwell

Dori Bryan-Ployer

Artistic Director, Independent Artist

Kathleen Castellanos

Collaborative Pianist / Coach, Independent Artist

Kathryn Krull

Music Director and Artist, Independent Artist

Natalie Toro

respondent, Independent

Jillian Zack

Guest Artist, Independent Artist

Thursday January 30, 2025 3:00pm - 6:00pm EST
Welte Auditorium Welte

MTSA

9:00pm EST

Drag Show

Thursday January 30, 2025 9:00pm - 10:30pm EST

Welte Auditorium

Show, open to all

Speakers

Emmett Buhmann

KCACTF Region 1 Chair, KCACTF Region 1 Chair

Thursday January 30, 2025 9:00pm - 10:30pm EST
Welte Auditorium Welte

Performance

9:00am EST

Musical Theatre Full Rehearsal

Friday January 31, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm EST

Welte Auditorium

Rehearsal, MTSA participants

Speakers

Julia Burke

Musical Theatre Vice Chair, KCACTF Region 1 Leadership

Karen Oster

KCACTF boardmemebr region 1, United States

Correy West

Open Jar Representative, Open Jar Institute

Elijaih Caldwell

Dori Bryan-Ployer

Artistic Director, Independent Artist

Kathleen Castellanos

Collaborative Pianist / Coach, Independent Artist

Kathryn Krull

Music Director and Artist, Independent Artist

Natalie Toro

respondent, Independent

Jillian Zack

Guest Artist, Independent Artist

Friday January 31, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm EST
Welte Auditorium Welte

MTSA

12:15pm EST

Seize the Stage

Friday January 31, 2025 12:15pm - 1:45pm EST

Welte Auditorium

General, open to all. An incredible opportunity to work with Broadway's Correy West in this motivating dance workshop. Learn original choreography from the Broadway show “Nice Work if You Can Get it.” Work on mastering the skills needed to become a true triple threat and leave a lasting impression where ever you go. All skill levels are warmly welcome.

Speakers

Correy West

Open Jar Representative, Open Jar Institute

Friday January 31, 2025 12:15pm - 1:45pm EST
Welte Auditorium Welte

Workshop

2:00pm EST

Dynamic Blocking

Friday January 31, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm EST

Welte Auditorium

General, open to all. This workshop explores strategies for working with a cast on collaborative and ensemble-centered approaches to staging using techniques drawn from applied theatre and devised theatre. The focus of this workshop will be on working with pre-existing theatrical texts, as opposed to devised productions in which the company generates the text and staging together. As part of the workshop, I will bring short scene excerpts and devising or staging prompts to demonstrate how directors can use an ensemble-based staging approach to expand their repertoire of blocking techniques, harness the creative potential of the ensemble in developing dynamic staging and stage pictures, and empower their actors in the collaborative process. Actors will gain insights into how to contribute meaningfully to the staging process, develop ensemble awareness, and unlock their creative potential within collaborative settings.

Speakers

Angela Sweigart-Gallagher

Associate Professor of Performance and Communication Arts, St. Lawrence University

As a mother and feminist art maker influenced by intersectional feminist thought, I am deeply committed to diversity and inclusion. I have dedicated much of my teaching and theatre practice to creating theatre that challenges traditional power structures, uplifts marginalized voices... Read More →

Friday January 31, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm EST
Welte Auditorium Welte

Workshop

3:30pm EST

Groove Playground

Friday January 31, 2025 3:30pm - 5:00pm EST

Welte Auditorium

General, open to all. Groove Playground is where we learn how to vocally sing and act Pop/Rock/and RnB music! We will look at many tools to help you dive in to popular music whether it be for an audition for a musical or the voice and beyond!

Speakers

Elijah Caldwell

Guest Artist, Independent Artist

An OBIE Award Winner. Elijah was the original Standby in A Strange Loop at Playwrights Horizon. Elijah began his journey to being the artist he is at 5 years old when he began training piano classically. He continued his journey attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel... Read More →

Friday January 31, 2025 3:30pm - 5:00pm EST
Welte Auditorium Welte

Workshop

7:00pm EST

Musical Theatre Showcase Rehearsal

Friday January 31, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm EST

Welte Auditorium

Rehearsal, MTSA participants

Speakers

Julia Burke

Musical Theatre Vice Chair, KCACTF Region 1 Leadership

Karen Oster

KCACTF boardmemebr region 1, United States

Correy West

Open Jar Representative, Open Jar Institute

Elijaih Caldwell

Dori Bryan-Ployer

Artistic Director, Independent Artist

Kathleen Castellanos

Collaborative Pianist / Coach, Independent Artist

Kathryn Krull

Music Director and Artist, Independent Artist

Natalie Toro

respondent, Independent

Jillian Zack

Guest Artist, Independent Artist

Friday January 31, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm EST
Welte Auditorium Welte

MTSA

8:00pm EST

Musical Theatre Showcase

Friday January 31, 2025 8:00pm - 10:00pm EST

Welte Auditorium

Showcase, MTSA participants

Speakers

Julia Burke

Musical Theatre Vice Chair, KCACTF Region 1 Leadership

Karen Oster

KCACTF boardmemebr region 1, United States

Correy West

Open Jar Representative, Open Jar Institute

Elijaih Caldwell

Dori Bryan-Ployer

Artistic Director, Independent Artist

Kathleen Castellanos

Collaborative Pianist / Coach, Independent Artist

Kathryn Krull

Music Director and Artist, Independent Artist

Natalie Toro

respondent, Independent

Jillian Zack

Guest Artist, Independent Artist

Friday January 31, 2025 8:00pm - 10:00pm EST
Welte Auditorium Welte

MTSA

10:30am EST

SDC Rehearsal

Saturday February 1, 2025 10:30am - 2:00pm EST

Welte Auditorium

Rehearsal, SDC participants

Speakers

Sasha Bratt

KCACTF Region 1 Board, KCACTF Chair, SDC Directing Initiative

Sarah Ploskina

KCACTF Region 1 SDC Vice Chair

Sarah is Theatre maker, director, and educator. She specializes in Forum Theatre, devising, and Shakespeare. At Bridgewater State University, Sarah is an Assistant Professor.

Saturday February 1, 2025 10:30am - 2:00pm EST
Welte Auditorium Welte

SDC