March 2, 2016

Hello Everyone,

Firstly, many of you have probably heard the news by now that Scot Copeland, a long time TYA/USA member and our 8th President (2000-2004), passed away on February 24. On behalf of the entire TYA/USA Board, I'd like to extend our condolences to his family, Nashville Children's Theatre where he was Artistic Director, and the entire ASSITEJ community. Several write-ups have appeared this week. Here are a few: Broadway World; Broadway World II; Nashville Scene; Nashville Public Radio; The Tennessean; NCT/Nashville Rep Press Release.

This week, we've launched the brand new TYAUSA.ORG! We've updated information on our programs, publications, events, and member benefits. Plus, we've added new features such as our Hall of Presidents and the TYA/USA Bookstore. We'll still be tweaking and adding things here and there in the weeks ahead, but we're confident that the site's new look, feel, and message will make for an enjoyable experience. Pass the link on to all your friends and colleagues.

I'll be heading down to Greensboro, NC this week for the Southeastern Theatre Conference. If you're there, find me and say Hello.

OTW: Sessions 2016 is happening Friday morning May 6 at the Kennedy Center preceding the New Visions/New Voices kick-off events! Sessions will feature a conversation with Rob Weinert-Kendt, Editor-in-Chief of American Theatre Magazine, a reading from our Year 3 Young Playwrights for Change winner, and more. Go HERE for more information and to register. New Visions/New Voices registration is also open: go HERE.

With that, we are also taking nominations for this year's Harold Oaks Awards. Learn more and nominate HERE.

March 20th is World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People. We want to hear from our members about how you’re celebrating! Send messages via Facebook or @TYA_USA using #WorldDayofTheatre or EMAIL us.

The deadline for the Tony Awards Excellence in Teaching Award has been extended to March 7. Lean more HERE.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS: Are you able to make a living through your artistic practice? Do you have health insurance? Have you enrolled in Obamacare? How’s it going? What keeps you up at night? The Mellon Foundation wants to know! Take the Mellon survey on artist career, health, and well-being.

Finally, to join or to renew your membership, sign on at the membership page. If you have any questions or have trouble logging into your account, please contact us.

The Magik Theatre Seeks Artistic Director. The position is open until filled. (Read More).

Metro Theater Company seeks Teaching Artist Fellow for the 2016-2017 season. Application Deadline is March 28, 2016. (Read More).

Adventure Stage Chicago Seeks submissions for SCRATCH. Deadline is March 13, 2016. (Read More).

First Stage in Milwaukee is seeking candidates for their Teaching Artist Fellowships for the 2016-2017 season. Application Deadline is March 11, 2016. (Read More).

How Does a Nerd Feel About the Spotlight? Go Ask ‘Alice Chan’ (American Theatre): B.D. Wong and co-writer Robert Lee bring an awkward youngster to life for La Jolla Playhouse’s POP Tour. (Read More.)

Arts on the Horizon named as finalist for the John Aniello Award for Outstanding Emerging Theatre Company (Theatre Washington): When the Helen Hayes Award nominations were announced on February 1, three theatre companies were named as finalists for the John Aniello Award for Outstanding Emerging Theatre Company: Arts on the Horizon, Pallas Theatre Collective, and The Welders. (Read More.)

The Coterie Theatre to Present TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY (Broadway World): The Coterie Theatre presents its first-ever bi-lingual production in the company's 37 year history with the stage adaptation of the award-winning book Tomás and the Library Lady. Based on the true life story of acclaimed Mexican-American author and education advocate, Dr. Tomás Rivera, Tomás and the Library Lady is adapted by José Cruz González from the book by Pat Mora. (Read More.)

TADA! Youth Theatre Teaches Invaluable Lessons to Future Generations (Playbill):The story of how a little white lie turned into New York City's award-winning youth theatre company. In celebration of its 30th anniversary, we take a look at its mission, its accomplishments and plans for the future. (Read More.)

Bay Area Children's Theatre and Children's Fairyland Develops BLOOM KABLOOM! for Babies and Toddlers (Broadway World): A make-believe garden where giant flowers unfurl and it's OK to hop around in puddles! That's what babies and toddlers can explore at Bloom Kaboom!, the Bay Area's first-ever interactive show for children aged six months to four years. (Read More.)

First Stage’s Wisconsin Cycle plays highlight Milwaukee’s cultural history (Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service): Bree Kazinski, a 16-year-old actress, had a very personal connection to her role in First Stage’s production of “Luchadora.” The play tells the story of a young Latina girl who discovers that her grandmother was once a masked wrestler in Texas before she moved to Milwaukee. Kazinski felt the connection because her own grandmother migrated from Texas to Wisconsin at a young age. (Read More.)

Diversity in theatre: why is disability being left out? (The Guardian): Gender and racial diversity is growing in UK theatres – but disabled creatives are being left behind. We have to shift away from patronizing box-ticking. (Read More.)