Workshops

We are looking for proposals that are clear, relevant, and well-developed.
Strong session proposals tend to do one or more of the following:

• offer professional development

• provide hands-on learning or practical strategy

• share leading-edge ideas, theory, or practice

• support teaching, artistic, technical, or organizational growth

• invite thoughtful collaboration and exchange

• reflect equity, inclusion, accessibility, and respect in both content and approach

SETC welcomes workshops, panels, presentations, and master classes that challenge routine thinking and help move the field forward. Existing proposal guidance specifically encourages sessions that are innovative, timely, and creatively engaged with the current needs of theatre practice and education.

We encourage submissions from:

• K–12 educators

• college and university faculty

• teaching artists

• theatre administrators

• designers and technicians

• directors, playwrights, and stage managers

• performers

• community-engaged and applied theatre practitioners

• other experienced theatre professionals

If you have an idea, practice, method, or perspective that would serve the wider theatre community, we want to hear from you.

SETC welcomes proposals for a range of session formats, including:

• workshops

• panels

• presentations

• master classes

If you are proposing a master class, your bio should clearly demonstrate advanced expertise in the field. SETC’s existing criteria describe master class leaders as experts whose backgrounds may include advanced degrees, publication, awards, or recognized professional distinction.

The best proposals are specific. They make clear:

• what the session is

• who it is for

• why it matters now

• what participants will gain

SETC’s proposal guidance encourages strong, specific titles and descriptions that get quickly to the point, avoid filler, and communicate the real value of the session. Titles should be clear and compelling, and descriptions should help applicants understand the practical tools, ideas, or approaches attendees will take away.

Presenters are expected to help create an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming learning environment. SETC’s current guidance asks presenters to be mindful of marginalized and vulnerable constituents, use inclusive language and practice, and approach their sessions with equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and respect in mind.

If your session addresses BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disability, or other identity-based topics, you should be prepared to describe your lived experience and/or professional credential for leading that conversation.

Accepted presenters are also expected to follow SETC’s broader presenter behavior standards throughout the convention.

Workshop presenters at SETC receive preferred registration and a significantly discounted convention registration rate (33% discount off full registration). All presenters connected to an accepted proposal must register for the convention by the published deadline in order for the session to remain on the final schedule. SETC's current policy also states that presenters do not receive honoraria for convention workshops.

If an accepted presenter later needs to withdraw their participation, SETC asks for prompt cancellation notice.

Read the entire Proposal and Presentation Guidelines here.

IMPORTANT: Workshop proposals must be educational in nature and may not be used for direct selling, recruiting, auditioning, or marketing an organization, company, product, or service. Organizations wishing to showcase products, services, or resources are encouraged to participate through the SETC Spotlight Series, exhibit opportunities, sponsorships, or other promotional offerings available through the convention. If you are interested in participating in convention in this way, please contact Thomas Pinckney at thomas@setc.org.