Black Theatre Network 29th Annual Conference
Staged Presence:
The Evolution of Black Theatre as the Voice for Protest, Social, and Creative Change
July 31 – August 3, 2015
Winston Salem, NC

Black Theatre Network (BTN) is seeking panel/roundtable proposals, papers, workshops and presentations from scholars and professionals based on the theme, “Staged Presence: The Evolution of Black Theatre as the Voice for Protest, Social, and Creative Change.” Presentations should highlight (but are not limited to) the most current concepts, practices, challenges and works in the following areas:


Black Theatre and Social Justice
Missions and curations of black theatre companies (Selections and special events for current seasons).
Past to Present: The history of protest in black theatre
Empowering the community through theatre
Challenges and new practices in design and staging
Pedagogy and curricula
Contemporary approaches as a playwright, director, actor, etc.
Educational Theatre
Hip-Hop Theatre
Black Theatre and social media
New forms of performance
New Works (Page-to-stage, development, presentations, readings, etc.)

Submission info:

Applicants should submit abstracts and panel proposals (250 words or less) no later than Tuesday, March 31st.

Presentation and performance applications must include the applicant’s name, professional affiliation, contact information (including email), presentation format (lecture, demonstration, performance, etc.), a preferred title of the session, and description of the presentation/performance.

Paper proposals should include a 200-250 word abstract with paper title, author’s name, institutional affiliation, status, postal address, email address and phone number on the upper left corner of the page.

Panel proposals should include (1) a copy of each panelist’s 200-250 word abstract with paper title, author’s name, institutional affiliation, status, postal address, email address and phone number on the upper left corner of the page, and (2) a succinct, 50-word rationale for the grouping of the papers. The BTN member proposing the panel should also include their contact information (including email), presentation format (paper readings, round-table discussion, etc.), and a preferred title for the session.

Also include specific technology needs for your presentation.

Proposals and questions should be should be submitted to Dr. John Foster, BTN Vice President and Conference Coordinator at drjfoster@gmail.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .


Black Theatre Network (BTN) is the nation’s preeminent organization of scholars, artists, students, and educators dedicated to the study and promulgation of African, Caribbean and African American drama. KB Saine serves as the national organization’s President.

Black Theatre Network (BTN) publishes Continuum: The Journal of African Diaspora Drama, Theatre and Performance.


Visit www.blacktheatrenetwork.org