With the many restraints on performing arts budgets, which are becoming tighter, the cuts in government funding, which are becoming deeper, and the general lack of participation, which is becoming greater, the convention organizers have dubbed this year’s theme “Taking Action Together”. There’s always greater strength in numbers, and this year’s convention aims to bring as many players into the game as possible.

Speakers will cover such topics as audience development, nurturing educators and performers, innovation for survival, a critic’s role in supporting the arts, and fostering creative cultural leaders.  In all, the four days will be crammed with almost 60 in-depth panel discussions and lectures; over 30 “break-out” sessions airing issues disturbing the cultural waters; and nine sessions that tackle the nitty-gritty issues of stage performance.

The convention is not focused on any single performance activity, but seeks to engage all small and large performance organizations with repertoire from any age. To register see the convention web site: www.performingartsconvention.org