Celebrating Local Theatre

by Tyler York

Immediately after we wrap up The Golden Age this Saturday night, Emerson’s Paramount Center will play host to Home Grown: The Boston Theatre Conference, the 4th annual conference convened by StageSource, The Greater Boston Theatre Alliance.

I and many other Emersonian’s are excited about this conference for several reasons, not the least of which is the fact that it’s taking place right here on our campus. We are also excited for the content and the opportunity to engage with our community of theatre artists, administrators, and audiences in focused environment. Home Grown was chosen as this year’s conference them to emphasize the importance of supporting local theatre and local theatre artists: home grown art. Over the course of the two days, parallels will be drawn between supporting the theatre community throughout New England in the same way the Slow Food Movement seeks to support locally grown and sustainable food.

I’m also excited because this is one of the few theatre conferences designed for everyone: actors, administrators, designers, technicians, managers, and even audiences. We all have a place at the table. In fact, we all have something to bring to the table – a theatre potluck.

Yet another reason I’m excited for this year’s conferences lies in the new Executive Director of StageSource, Julie Hennrikus, who is a Emerson faculty member and the former General Manager of Emerson Stage! Julie is fabulous in every way. I can’t wait to see her in action this upcoming weekend.

I hope you’ll be there. Home Grown starts this Sunday afternoon and ends Monday evening. It’s highly recommended you register in advance, but day of registrations will be taken. You can register for one or both days! So many options! REGISTER NOW

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Tyler York is the Assistant to the General Manager of Emerson Stage