Texas State hosts 12th Annual Black and Latino Playwrights Conference

By Kayla J. Kayden
University News Service
September 5, 2014

The Texas State Department of Theatre and Dance will host its 12th annual Black and Latino Playwrights Conference Sept. 8-14.

Theatre students will have the opportunity to work alongside guest directors and actors during the weeklong conference.  The conference will consist of play development workshop rehearsals, a panel presentation and showcase of the work of black and Latino playwrights from across the country.  At the end of the conference, two staged readings will be presented and are open to the public.

Eugene Lee, artistic director, said students benefit most from the exposure the conference has to offer. 

“I think students benefit most from being exposed to new cultural ideas and truths as well as from being involved in the rehearsal process of fine tuning a new play script,” Lee said. 

The highlights of this year’s conference will be the Friday night tribute to Texas playwright Ted Shine on Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m.  Q&A and scenes from his plays will be featured.  The tribute is free to attend.

Shine’s play, “Contributions,” will speak directly to this year’s Common Experience theme of "Exploring Democracy's Promise: From Segregation to Integration" and will be featured on Sept. 13 at 3 p.m., with discussion following.

This year’s plays, “Sweet” by Harrison David Rivers, a coming of age story about two sister’s relationship with the neighbor who returns home from college and “On the 5:31” by Mando Alvarado, an exploration of time and relationships, will be read on Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 14 at noon.  Attending membership to the conference is $25 and includes access to all events, including readings. Admission to individual reading is $5 and will be held at the theatre center.

For more information, please contact the Department of Theatre and Dance at (512) 245-2147, or visit www.theatreanddance.txstate.edu/Productions/blackandlatino.html.