Professional Conferences
Ithaca College Department of Theatre Arts faculty and staff work hard to create opprtunities for student to attend professional conferences as they prepare for careers in the fields of performing arts and entertainment.
In January 2009, Professor Angela Branneman took seven Theatre Arts Management students to New York City to attend the Association of Performing Arts Presenters annual convention. The visit was funded by the IC School of Humanities & Sciences Educational Grant Initiative.
From participating in conference activities as volunteer hosts, to networking, job searching, and attending industry workshops and showcases, this year's attendance was a success. APAP staff remarked that Ithaca College was well represented by our confident, competent theatre arts management students who took initiative to learn, as well as coming prepared to use their theatre management skills. For the first time since theatre arts management majors started attending the APAP conference, three professionals- two talent agents and one performing arts presenter- personally mentored our students by attending showcases with them, dicussing/instructing the market viability of the showcased talent, and presenting a workshop specifically designed for them. Upon returning to Ithaca, the students had plenty to share about the unique experience.
What students had to say about it:
"The 2009 Association of Performing Arts Presenter's conference was a great experience
for me as a theatre arts management student to attend. It was beneficial to me in two
different ways as I volunteered and attended showcases. I also had the opportunity to
assist a friend's mother who is a booking agent.
While volunteering at the conference, I worked at the registration desk checking the
attendees in and giving them their material. Although seemingly banal, it was interesting
to see all the different kinds of arts organizations i.e. presenters, performers, agents. It
also was a valuable lesson in professionalism and problem-solving. Each attendee had
business at the conference and had to be treated in such a way. Also, if for some reason
the name was not listed or the material not provided, we had to find a solution to the
problem.
When not volunteering, I was able to attend showcases on and off the site of the
conference, the Hilton. It was amazing to see the widely diverse and innovative
performers that came to showcase at the conference. As a future arts administrator, it is
invaluable for me to see as many different types of art as possible. I saw a great group of
Mexican puppeteers that is touring kids shows and subsequently a contemporary A
capella group and finally a Celtic singer all in one day.
Being at the conference also provided me with the opportunity to simply wander the floor
of attendees and see what so many companies were doing. Because I am not entirely sure
of what I want to pursue upon graduation, it was great to talk to agents and presenters
about what they do to get more information about what I would like to do.
Finally, the conference really gave us as students the perfect chance to bond within our
major. I spent more time with other theatre arts management students who I had never
really gotten a chance to know outside of meetings because we had never gotten the
opportunity."
- Kelly Ballester '09
"APAP is a wonderful opportunity for IC theatre arts management students to learn about
presenters and presenting houses. The experience of volunteering at a conference with
industry insiders is a valuable lesson in professionalism. We are required to use our TAM
skills to maintain a professional attitude, and be responsible. Unfortunately this year I
was extremely sick all of winter break and was only able to fulfill a few hours of my
volunteering commitment. From the few hours I spent there, I was able to see exactly
what APAP was about, and how presenting houses choose their seasons. I was also able
to ask questions to the specific presenters and houses at their booths and everyone was
incredibly receptive. I would definitely recommend continuing the APAP trip for future
TAMS."
- Robyn Nagorsky '09
"As a student volunteer at the Association of Performing Arts Presenters, we had the
opportunity to access a number of artists and agents through showcases and various
networking opportunities. The volunteer process can be a bit daunting at times, but the
passes we receive are extremely beneficial. I got to see several fabulous showcases,
including the Kinsey Sicks, a self-proclaimed “Dragapella” group, and Blue Jupiter.
In addition to the volunteer process, I also got to assist Robin Klinger, one of the booking
agents that participates in the conference each year. I had the opportunity to help her run
her showcases, network with people in the industry, and promote her agency. Robin also
set up some talkbacks for us in the lounge, where she brought in professionals from the
industry to talk to us about their careers and experiences. We had the opportunity to
speak with several of her friends, including a manager, presenter, artist, and other
booking agents so that we could hear different perspectives. This was extremely helpful
in understanding the inner workings of the business and gave me a better understanding
of the purpose of the conference."
- Erik J. McIntyre '09
"The Arts Presenters Conference in New York City was the reason I became a Theatre
Arts Management major to begin with. It was the only side of the performing arts world
that I knew and it only made me want to learn more. The Arts Presenters Conference has
taught me what it’s like behind the scenes with presenters and booking agents. I’ve
learned about the importance of showcases for artists and the importance of having
quality promotional material to sell them. By volunteering at the conference I not only
got to have hands on experience within the entertainment business but I got to see what it
takes to run a networking conference with information, organization, and security.
During the conference I did everything from sitting at the info desk directing people, to
giving out badges as well as contact listings, and guarding entrance ways. I came to
understand that the key time and place to meet and greet is when the exhibit hall closes
and everyone heads to the hotel bar or lounge. Walking around the exhibit hall I realized
that the greatest draws into a booth were those that caught people’s eyes. Going to
catered showcases are definitely what makes or breaks a good time. Hearing stories
about how members got to where they are today in business also inspires those who have
interest.
The Arts Presenters Conference not only helped portray the business yet it helped portray
the city in a different light that totally captures the entertainment world. Being able to
stay in the city made it convenient to go to offsite shows and made it convenient to make
connections for possible opportunities. After all the conference is an opportunity in and
out of itself."
- Samantha Klinger '09
