Brooklyn Arts Exchange's 2014 Teen Arts Conference Set for 3/8

Engaging teen performers to network with peers and professionals and present their work in a caring performing arts environment. Saturday, March 8, 2014, 9am-6pm Performance Gala at 7:30pm For over 15 years, Brooklyn Arts Exchange's Teen Arts Conference (TAC) has provided teen performing artists (ages 13-18) across New York City and beyond an opportunity to come together as part of a wider cultural community of learners and practitioners. The free, day-long conference offers a range of theater, dance, and movement workshops; panel discussions with professional artists, companies, and leaders in the field; and culminates with a Performance Gala in the BAX Theater, where the teen groups perform their work for each other and a public audience. This year, BAX's Teen Arts Conference will include:

Morning Workshops: Led by expert performers and arts educators, the conference kicks off with nine 45-minute skill-building and performance workshops, ranging from Hip Hop and Latin Dance, to Clowning and Contact Improvisation.

Panel Show/Talks: The morning workshops are followed by three different moderated panel discussions during which professional artists, including BAX Artists In Residence, share original work and discuss their creative process. This year, BAX's pre-professional Dance Company, BAXco, will present work and discuss being in a repertory company.

Afternoon Workshops: Teens participate in one of three different Collaborative Workshops or a Performance Lab, all focused on devising original works and facilitated by members of professional NYC-based performing arts companies. Drawing inspiration from the companies' unique practices, these workshops will give participants a chance to create new material through improvisation. The Performance Lab work will be presented as part of the evening's Performance Gala.

Networking: Serving 100-125 students and performing arts teachers, participants will share a community meal together to network and exchange ideas and information with individuals from training schools, public and private high schools, and recreation and community groups.

Performance Gala: The conference will culminate with an evening Performance Gala showcasing the participating teen groups' original works. This year's teen groups include a range of talent, including Irondale Theater and 92Y Harkness Repertory Ensemble, among others.

Professional Development: TAC Group Representatives will be invited to participate in a Professional Development and networking opportunity during BAX's Artist Services Day, Sunday, February 9. Facilitated by BAX's Programs Consultant and Professional Development Specialist Donna Costello, the workshop (1:00-3:00pm) will explore best practices for professional artists and teaching artists working with teens to generate original work.

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