Member Theatre Staff Roundtables & Affinity Spaces
The events 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.
Roundtables and affinity spaces are typically virtual with the exception of a few in-person events (in-person events are noted in the descriptions). All staff members, (full-time, part-time, and interns/apprentices) of theatres within the New Jersey Theatre Alliance membership are welcome to attend any roundtable that is of interest to them.
Roundtables are peer-to-peer resources to learn and network; usually facilitated by a guest speaker, the roundtable chair, or a staff member of the Alliance. Affinity Spaces are brave spaces to connect with peers where the priority is self-care and community care.
Affiliate Theatre Sessions
Stay tuned for information on the next session!
Artistic Staff Roundtables
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 Check-In
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
An opportunity for artistic staff to discuss current happenings and updates at their respective theatres (i.e. season selection, box office, etc.). This is a great space to be in community with one another as well as gain insight, resources, and support.
The Artistic Director & the Artist: Uncovering Their Relationship
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
This session will be a peer-led conversation that unpacks the following questions: Do artistic directors have a responsibility to artists and if so, what is it? What does their relationship look like? Is it an ongoing one throughout the season? For actors, what is the difference between working with an artistic director who has an artist-focused mindset vs working with theatres that do not prioritize this way of thinking? Attendees will be joined by Olga Levina (artistic director of Jersey City Theater Center and chair of this roundtable), Laura Ekstrand (producing artistic director of Vivid Stage), and Scott McGowan (resident acting ensemble member of Vivid Stage).
Visionary Theatre: The Future, Innovation, & Global Citizenship
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Attendees will be joined by Mark Russell, the visionary festival founder and director of Under the Radar Festival (UTR). UTR is New York City’s premier annual festival of experimental theater that features cutting-edge performances from around the world and across the U.S. Discussion will center on the current landscape of theatre, our industry’s future, and how local theatre is connected to our global citizenship. Furthermore, we will explore ways to embody innovation, equity, and diversity in programming. Attendees are invited to come with questions.
Associate Gathering
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
In-Person at the Oakeside Bloomfield Cultural Center (in the Solarium), 240 Belleville Ave, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
These offerings are an opportunity for associate member theatres to connect to discuss their specific needs, interests, and challenges.
This gathering will have a focus on fundraising and collaboration. We will discuss resources, challenges, and solutions for funding your programs, shows, and seasons. Additionally, attendees will informally talk about their theatre (i.e. values, interests, etc.) with each theatre taking approximately five minutes to do so. This is an opportunity to learn more about your fellow associate members and organically identify where synergies lie.
Development Staff Roundtable
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.
Engaging Your Board in Fundraising
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
The Art of Solicitation, Cultivation, and Stewardship
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
This 90-minute virtual roundtable will provide an opportunity for peer-to-peer conversation around the art of donor solicitation, cultivation and stewardship. This conversation will address strategies for both large and small theatre companies.
We are delighted to be joined by Jacqueline Brendel, Director of Development for George Street Playhouse and Lori Aleixo-Howard, Director of Development for the Ritz Theatre Company to jumpstart our conversation.
Education Staff Roundtables
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?
Politics and the Classroom
Wednesday, January 8, 2024 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
This session will explore the link between education, activism, and politics. How do politics and current events shape our educational programming? What is the role of educators during turbulent political times? Are they inherently intertwined? We invite you to come prepared with a question you would like to pose to the group, related or unrelated to this topic.
The Intersection of AI and Arts Education
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
In this session, we will explore the intersection of arts education and artificial intelligence, addressing how AI can enhance creative practices while examining the ethical and practical challenges it presents.
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.
Small at George Street Playhouse
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 | 5 PM
*In-person event*
This session includes dinner at 5 pm at Tavern on George. Attendees will experience a mix & mingle with dessert and coffee around 6:30 pm and then see Small at 7:30 pm at George Street Playhouse. The show is written and performed by Robert Montano, and directed by Jessi D. Hill. 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 limited spots are available and the due date to register is Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
The Price at Two River Theater
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 | 5:30 PM
*In-person event*
This session includes a mixer with dinner/beverages at 5:30 pm at Two River Theater. Attendees will then see The Price at 7:00 pm at Two River Theater. The show is written by Arthur Miller and directed by Brandon J. Dirden. 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 limited spots are available and the due date to register is Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
General Management Staff Roundtables
Top of Mind
Friday, October 11, 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.
Season Selection
Friday, January 10, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Attendees will discuss the challenges and victories they experience when bridging the artistic vision with practical operational considerations at their theatre. This includes but is not limited to strategizing the production schedule, managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and ensuring the financial viability of the entire theatre season.
Top of Mind
Friday, April 11, 2025 | 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 lean on each other for resources and general support.
Marketing Staff Roundtables
Top of Mind
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 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.
Harnessing Our Power on Social Media
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
News of the recent TikTok ban emphasizes how vulnerable we can be on social media platforms. Your organization’s profile can slip away at any time because of policy changes. Moreover, your app of choice can eventually become irrelevant due to a newer trendier one taking its place (who remembers MySpace?) What agency do we have in these scenarios? How can we protect our contact lists and ensure our audience does not disappear if an app does? What creative content ideas can be used to make this happen? Additional new policies loom overhead, such as removing fact-checkers on social media. How does this affect our field and our online strategy?
The Fans First Act | Q&A
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
We will be joined by guest speaker, Matthew Halpin, Public Strategies Impact partner. This session will be a Q&A to discuss all things The Fans First Act, which aims to address flaws in the current live event ticketing system by increasing transparency in ticket sales, protecting consumers from fake or dramatically overpriced tickets, and holding those who engage in illegal ticket sale practices accountable. Attendees are strongly encouraged to come with questions.
