Saturday, October 21

10:45 am -12:00pm

Keynote Speaker: Peggy Shaw

Theatre Puget Sound is honored to welcome world renowned performer, playwright and producer Peggy Shaw as this year's keynote speaker. Ms. Shaw will speak to issues of diversity both on and off the stage.

4:30 - 6pm

Down 'n' Dirty Debates / Reception

We cap off the first day of our conference with the usual spirits and appetizers AND throw in a little healthy conflict. Often in this community, we shy away from controversial issues - whispering our complaints and wisdom over drinks and not engaging in constructive public discussion. The Down 'n' Dirty Debates aim to get past this passivity and have good healthy arguments about important issues in order to promote growth.

The debates will function as a structured open forum. So, if you've got a beef, bring it and be ready to debate!

Sunday, October 22

11:30am - 12:45pm

Architects of Value: How Artists, Arts Administrators, Marketers and Board Members Create Value

Speaker: Alan Brown, Principal, Alan S. Brown & Associates LLC

What good are you? We need better language and a solid framework for communicating our value in today's marketplace.

How are people bettered in some way from doing arts activities? What benefits accrue to communities with vibrant arts offerings? Alan Brown will present a framework for understanding value creation, drawing on new research including the RAND Corporation's Gifts of the Muse report commissioned by The Wallace Foundation. The session will conclude with an interactive discussion about how arts groups might use the framework to better articulate the value of their programs in marketing and development efforts, and to think about how to achieve higher levels of relevance in their communities.

1:00 - 2:15pm

Theatre Puget Sound Annual Meeting

We invite you to join your fellow colleagues and the staff and board of Theatre Puget Sound in a show of solidarity and celebration. Theatre Puget Sound is more vibrant and stronger than ever! Come hear about our progress and provide feedback on our current and future programming.

4:00 - 5:15pm

Cultural & Gender Specific Theatre

Moderator: Mayumi Tsutakawa - Washington State Arts Commission
Panel: Kathy Hsieh (SIS Productions), Maria Glanz (Rainier Valley Youth Theatre), Marc Kenison (WET, Queer Teen Ensemble), Valerie Curtis-Newton (Hansberry Project/ ACT), Meghan Arnette (Live Girls!), Tyrone Brown (BROWNBOX Theatre), Roger Tang (Pork Filled Players) and Jose Eduardo Gonzalez (Miracle Theatre Group)

A roundtable discussion on the growth and sustainability of our region's cultural and gender specific theatres.

Where are we as a theatre community in regards to diversity? What does authentic diversity look like and how do we get there? In this forward-thinking roundtable discussion we will discuss these questions and strategize ways to achieve a more balanced and diverse community both on and off stage.