ROUNDTABLES & TRAINING
New Jersey Theatre Alliance offers opportunities for staff of member theatres as well as the larger cultural community to learn and network together. The Alliance strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully.
To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Kat Lily, Access Coordinator.
Member Theatre Staff Only
The roundtables listed below are for MEMBER THEATRE STAFF ONLY.
Please Note: If you register for one of the below roundtables and are not on staff at one of our member theatres, you will be removed from the registration list.
Staff Roundtables and Affinity Spaces
Open to staff of Alliance member theatres only. Roundtables and affinity spaces are typically virtual with the exception of a few in-person events (in-person events are noted in the descriptions).
Roundtable – A peer-to-peer resource to learn and network; usually facilitated by a guest speaker, the roundtable chair, or a staff member of the Alliance.
Affinity Space – A brave space to connect with peers where the priority is self-care and community care.
Artistic Staff Roundtables
Open to staff of Alliance member theatres only.
Stronger Together
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
This session will be a supportive conversation among artistic directors and like positions. Together, we will explore how we can support each other on an ongoing basis through challenges, collaborations, and successes. How do we stay artistically fulfilled and inspired even as our positions require administrative duties? How do we fend off feelings of isolation and instead nurture a sustainable community?
Artistic Staff Roundtable #2
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
More info coming soon!
Artistic Staff Roundtable #3
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
More info coming soon!
Development Staff Roundtable
Open to staff and volunteers of Alliance member theatres only
Nuts and Bolts of Fundraising
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
This 90-minute virtual roundtable will provide an opportunity for peer-to-peer conversation around the most important components of a comprehensive fundraising plan, for both large and small theatres.
We are delighted to have Adrienne Feiger, Director of Major Gifts for Paper Mill Playhouse, Megan Powers, Director of Development for Two River Theater and Allison Whitehall, Leadership and Planned Giving Director for McCarter Theatre Company to guide our conversation.
Legacy Giving
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
How to start talking about legacy giving with your donors?
Guest speaker: A representative from FreeWill.org
The Art of Solicitation, Cultivation, and Stewardship
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Tips and tools to better engage donors in the long-term.
Education Staff Roundtables
Open to staff of Alliance member theatres only.
Best Practices for Underserved Communities
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
This session is led by Leese Walker (Producing Artistic Director from Strike Anywhere Performance Ensemble). Attendees will learn how to authentically engage communities through sustainable structures and proven formulas. How do organizations serve their surrounding communities by centering the people’s needs as opposed to prescribing or assuming what they are?
Education Staff Roundtable #2
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
More info coming soon!
Education Staff Roundtable #3
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
More info coming soon!
Emerging Leaders Affinity Space
These affinity space gatherings are open to Alliance Member Theatre Staff who identify with ANY of the following: 35 years old or younger, have been in the theatre/performing arts field for five years or less, recently transitioned into the arts from another sector, and/or are new to the New Jersey theatre community.
Sense & Sensibility at Shakespeare Theatre of NJ
Friday, September 20, 2024 | 7 PM
*In-person event*
This session includes a pre-show mixer onsite at Shakespeare Theatre of NJ’s Treehouse Longe at 7 PM. Attendees will see Jane Austen’s, Sense & Sensibility (Adapted by Jessica Swale), which starts at 8 pm. By registering for this event and receiving confirmation for a spot, each attendee will get a complimentary ticket, food/beverage, and a $25 travel stipend to the show. Please be advised that there are limited spots available and the due date to register is Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
Emerging Leader Affinity Space #2
Date & Time TBD
*In-person event*
More info coming soon!
Emerging Leader Affinity Space #3
Date & Time TBD
*In-person event*
More info coming soon!
General Management Staff Roundtables
Open to staff of Alliance member theatres only
Top of Mind
Friday, October 18, 2024 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What are relevant topics and issues for you? What are your burning questions? This session is an idea-generating space for attendees to shape upcoming roundtable sessions and lean on each other for resources and general support.
General Management Roundtable #2
Friday, January 10, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
More info coming soon!
General Management Roundtable #3
Friday, April 11, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
More info coming soon!
Marketing Staff Roundtables
Open to staff of Alliance member theatres only
Marketing Staff Roundtable #1
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
More info coming soon!
Marketing Staff Roundtable #2
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
More info coming soon!
Marketing Staff Roundtable #3
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
More info coming soon!
New Jersey Arts and Culture Community Offerings
The roundtables listed below are open to the larger New Jersey Arts & Culture Community.
Roundtables and Affinity Spaces
Roundtables and affinity spaces are typically virtual with the exception of a few in-person events (in-person events are noted in the descriptions).
Roundtable – A peer-to-peer resource to learn and network; usually facilitated by a guest speaker, the roundtable chair, or a staff member of the Alliance.
Affinity Space – A brave space to connect with peers where the priority is self-care and community care.
Cultural Access Network Virtual "Access Thursdays"
The Cultural Access Network Project is a project of The New Jersey State Council on the Arts and New Jersey Theatre Alliance.
To request an access service or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Kat Lily, Access Coordinator.
Target Marketing and Websites: Keys to Building Audiences for Your Access Programs and Services
Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM via Zoom
Developing a target marketing campaign and an accessible website where the public can easily find information on your access services and programs are key in building an audience. Tips on building a target marketing plan, best practices on website accessibility, and an overview on how to upload accessible events to the New Jersey Theatre Alliance calendar will be offered.
Please note: should you require an access service, please complete your event registration, outlining your requirement at least two weeks prior to the event.
Expanding Access in Dance
Thursday, January 8, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM via Zoom
This roundtable will look at ways dance organizations can increase accessibility for disabled audiences and participants.
Discussion will include considerations for venues, communications, ticketing, and program design to reduce barriers and create more inclusive experiences.
Please note: should you require an access service, please complete your event registration, outlining your requirement at least two weeks prior to the event.
Contracting Audio Describers and Sign Interpreters
Thursday, February 5, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM via Zoom
This session focuses on best practices for hiring and working with audio describers and sign language interpreters for arts and cultural events. We’ll cover contracting, budgeting, and collaboration tips to ensure performances and events are accessible and provide the highest quality experience for patrons.
Please note: should you require an access service, please complete your event registration, outlining your requirement at least two weeks prior to the event.
Improving Arts Access for Community Arts Participation
Thursday, March 5, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM via Zoom
Not everyone pursuing the arts seeks a professional career. This roundtable will explore how venues and organizations can support individuals who want to engage in the arts recreationally or as a personal passion. Panelists will share successful accessibility programs, strategies for inclusive community engagement, and ways to ensure that artistic spaces remain welcoming to all, regardless of career aspirations.
Please note: should you require an access service, please complete your event registration, outlining your requirement at least two weeks prior to the event.
Topic TBD
Thursday, April 2, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM via Zoom
Please note: should you require an access service, please complete your event registration, outlining your requirement at least two weeks prior to the event.
Wrap Up/Check in Session
Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM via Zoom
Join us for a wrap-up session to reflect on this year’s roundtables, discuss challenges, share progress in accessibility efforts, and exchange strategies for engaging colleagues in this work.
This is an opportunity to reflect, ask questions, and gain insights from peers as we continue working toward greater inclusion. We will also invite participants to share ideas and recommend topics for future roundtables.
Please note: should you require an access service, please complete your event registration, outlining your requirement at least two weeks prior to the event.
Creating Change Virtual Roundtables
Open to the full arts and culture community of New Jersey
Check back soon for FY25 Offerings!
2024-2025 Creating Change Virtual Roundtables will be announced in September.
In the meantime, we encourage you to register for the in-person Creating Change Summit on October 23, 2024.
Learn more about the Creating Change Summit here.
You can also view many recorded sessions in our Creating Change Archives.
