AATE’S 28th National Conference will be held in history rich Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from August 5th to August 9th, 2015. Home to Harley-Davidson, Miller Brewery, the Calatrava Art Museum, and the new Global Water Research Center – together we will unite to tap the power of creative minds. We will share with one another our theatre expertise and engage with brain and mind scientists, as we explore how our work enhances the ability of young people to empathize, achieve and create in a rapidly accelerating and complex world. You betcha, we can’t wait to welcome you to the shores of Lake Michigan to experience our famous beers, brats and Cheeseheads, don’t cha know!

AATE members receive conference discounts, so be sure to sign in to the website before you register orjoin AATE today to receive copies of Youth Theatre Journal (AATE's peer-reviewed scholarly journal), networking opportunities, as well as discounts to the conference and other great learning programs.

Wednesday, August 5th, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Devising Civic Practice: Theatre, Community and Change

As many communities have discovered, the arts are a potent tool for impact. Artists and arts educators have long known that aligning with community needs has multiple benefits, both spiritual and practical.

Michael Rohd, founder of the Center for Performance and Civic Practice and artistic director of Sojourn Theater Company, will offer insights into developing collaborative projects with community and civic organizations and engaging in needs-focused practice that reveals new ways of using the assets and experiences of artists to build healthier communities, increase impact, expand local civic capacity, meet community needs, build support for and participation in the arts, and engage with diverse constituents in important new ways.